Peppermint Brownies

My love affair with peppermint is no secret.  It's a new-found love, manifesting itself only within the last year or so.  It started at an Army Christmas party in 2010.  The food, the party, and the company all left much to be desired.  As a last ditch effort to make it a worthwhile evening, I ate a peppermint brownie.

Since then, I've been putting peppermint extract in my brownie mix and topping my brownies with peppermint-flavored frosting and crushed candy canes. 

This version has some Candy Cane Hershey's Kisses in it also.  Oh perfection:  Your name is peppermint brownie.


(I know.  Christmas has been over for awhile now, but I've been wanting to re-do this one, so you're getting it in March.  Happy St. Patrick's Day.)


Peppermint Brownies
makes an 8x8 pan

1 8.5 oz package brownie mix
1/3 cup oil or applesauce
1/2 t. peppermint extract
1 egg
2 T. water

10-15 Hershey's Kisses (I used the candy cane variety.  Regular will do the trick.  You can even use chocolate chips.)
3-5 crushed up candy canes (or you can use regular peppermint candies)

1 container of vanilla or cream cheese frosting (heck, you can even use chocolate)
1/2 t. peppermint extract

Pre-heat the oven according to your brownie mix directions.

In a bowl, combine the brownie mix, oil/applesauce, water, 1/2 t. extract, and egg.  Mix well with a wooden spoon.  Pour into a greased 8x8 pan.

Bake for half the time that is recommended on the package directions.   Take the pan out and press the (unwrapped) Kisses, or chocolate chips, into the batter.  Put it back in the oven until a toothpick comes out clean.

Meanwhile, soften up the frosting in the microwave (30 seconds on high) and stir the 1/2 t. of extract into the frosting.  Pour it over the brownies once they are done baking but are still warm.  Sprinkle the crushed candy canes or peppermints over the top.  Allow to cool a bit before cutting.
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Want more peppermint??? Sure you do.
Peppermint Patties
Peppermint Fudge (my personal favorite)
Chocolate Peppermint Cake Balls
Oreo Peppermint Creams
Thin Mint Oreo Ice Cream Cake

Being shared at:
Sweet Treats Thursday
Friday Food