Chocolate Mint Brownies

It's no secret that I love mint and chocolate. Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, Mint Chocolate Fudge, and Andes Mint Cookies are some of my favorite go-to treats. Brownies are always delicious, but add a bit of mint and top with even more chocolate - and you've got a hit on your hands. These brownies are fantastic and were gone fairly fast. They are the perfect mix of mint and chocolate. Just make sure to have a glass of milk nearby!!

For the brownie layer:
{You can use a boxed brownie mix, or use the recipe below}

Ingredients:
1 stick butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º
2. Grease bottom of an 8x8 inch pan with cooking spray. For easier removal, line pan with foil and lightly grease the bottom.
3. Combine the flour, cocoa and salt in a bowl and set aside.
4. Melt the butter and add the sugar, stirring well to combine. Whisk in the vanilla and eggs. Blend well.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.

For the filling layer:
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3 Tablespoons whipping cream
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1/8-1/4 teaspoon mint extract
2 drops green food coloring

Directions:

1. Mix all filling ingredients until smooth and green color is consistent.
2. Spread evenly over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour or until set.

For the chocolate ganache topping:
Ingredients:
1/3 cup whipping cream
1 1/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup butter {not margarine!}

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, heat ganache ingredients over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
2. Let cool for 10 minutes.
3. Pour topping evenly over filling layer and spread to cover. Refrigerate 1-2 hours or until set.
4. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes then cut into bars. Store covered in fridge.

Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker