Peppermint Bars

From MCCORMICK

Makes 36 servings

An extravagant dessert of a fudgy brownie, layered with peppermint filling, and a rich chocolate glaze. You’ll want to include this in a holiday dessert tray or package for a cookie exchange or gift basket.

INGREDIENTS

BROWNIE

1 package (family-size) fudge brownie mix

PEPPERMINT FILLING

5 cups confectioners’ sugar

14 tablespoons butter, melted

4 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon MCCORMICK Pure Peppermint Extract

1/8 teaspoon MCCORMICK Red Food Color or Berry Food Color from MCCORMICK Nature’s Inspiration Food Colors

CHOCOLATE GLAZE

12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

Crushed peppermint candies, optional

DIRECTIONS

1.FOR THE BROWNIE, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownie mix as directed on package. Spread in greased, foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

2.Bake 15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out almost clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.

3.FOR THE FILLING, in large bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, cream, peppermint extract, and Berry Color with electric mixer on medium speed, until well blended and smooth. Spread evenly over cooled brownie. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

4.FOR THE GLAZE, in large microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate and remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter on HIGH 2 minutes, or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Spread over top of chilled brownie. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies, if desired. Cut into bars.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at mccormick.com