Starbucks {Knock off} Peppermint Brownies

Tis the season for peppermint brownies!  I love these little things.  Saturday was my free day from my 8 week healthy challenge.  I just had to make them. So I decided to share my recipe with all of you.  These are just like the Starbucks peppermint brownies. So yummy!  Warning you will need to find someone to share these with or you will eat them all.  Also I recommend a tall glass of milk!

Starbucks {Knock off} Peppermint Brownies

1 cup of Butter 

1/2 cup of Cocoa
2 cups of All Purpose Flour
2 cups of Sugar
4 Eggs

4 teaspoons of Vanilla

2 Teaspoons peppermint extract
Directions:

I melt the Butter in the microwave and put into my mixing bowl, then I add cocoa and mix together until smooth. Add flour, and sugar. Beat together and then add eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined. Do not over stir. Pour into greased, floured  9x13 baking pan*. 

* An additional part of this recipe said that if you want to double the recipe, use a large baking sheet.

Additional Note * This batter will not be runny like a cake mix. You might have to spread it out over your pan with a rubber spatula. Bake 20-25 minutes @350 F or until done. I would check at it at 20 minutes.

Pull Brownies out of oven and sprinkle 1/2 cup chocolate chips over the top of the brownies.  Let them sit for  2 minutes and spread chocolate around.

Cool your brownies.

Peppermint Cream cheese frosting:

8 oz softened cream cheese

2 teaspoon peppermint

2 tablespoons butter

3-4 cups powdered sugar (Start with 3 cups.  If a little runny add 1/4 cup at a time until desired consistency)

1 tbs milk

Add 5-10 drops of food coloring if you like

Spread frosting over top of brownies. Place in fridge or cool spot for 30 min. Then spread chocolate icing to the top.

The Chocolate Icing Recipe:

1/4 cup of softened Butter

1/4 cup Milk

1/4 cup of Cocoa

3 cups of Powdered Sugar

Dash of Salt

Mix all together and frost as desired.

The anatomy of a wonderful Peppermint brownie!

I link up Here