PEPPERMINT FROSTED BROWNIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°.
• Line a square 8x8 pan with parchment paper leaving a 2" overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
• Place butter into a large mixing bowl and microwave until melted. Whisk in sugar and oil and mix until well combined. Whisk in eggs slowly, one at a time, and vanilla stirring until combined.
• Slowly fold in the flour mixture with a spatula until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped peppermint crunch thins.
• Transfer batter to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until baked through. Remove and let cool completely, about an hour. Lift parchment and brownies out of pan and cut into squares to serve.
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Finely chop Peppermint Hershey's Kisses. Place in a heat safe bowl and microwave in 20 second increments until melted. Set aside and let cool slightly
• Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy.
• Gradually add sugar, beating at low speed until smooth.
• To make the frosting pink, add a drop or two of pink food gel coloring.
• Spread frosting over brownies evenly with an offset spatula.
• Sprinkle with chopped candy canes and festive sprinkles if desired.