Baking with Basil

Happy December and let the holiday baking begin!!  If you have been reading the blog for a while you know that I absolutely LOVE the holidays!!  I love all the gatherings and get togethers, the music, the lights, and especially the baking.  I found these cookies at Trader Joe’s and knew they would make a wonderful addition to something sugary and delicious.  These cookies have just enough mint flavor and the tiny red speckles are so fun!

This brownie recipe is definitely a keeper!  They turned out fudgey and dense.  The peppermint chunks added a mint kick but not in an overwhelming way.  Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed.

(Printable Recipe)

Peppermint Cookies n’ Cream Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 6 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 3 cups sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups roughly chopped peppermint oreo-type cookies

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and grease lightly.

2.  In a medium-large saucepan over low heat, melt together butter and chocolate, stirring occasionally.  Whisk in sugar, salt and vanilla, then turn off heat.  Whisk in eggs, one at a time, waiting until each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

3.  Stir in flour and cocoa powder until mixture is uniform and well combined.  Stir in peppermint oreo cookies and pour batter into prepared pan.  Crush 3-4 additional cookies and sprinkle on top of batter, if desired.

4.  Bake for about 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs, but not coated with batter.

4.  Cool brownies in pan for about 20 minutes, then lift brownies in the foil out of the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Recipe from Baking Bites