Mint Brownies

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...mint brownies!

The university my husband and I graduated from makes phenomenal mint brownies sold in the bakery and creamery.  The brownie is nice and chocolatey, complimented by a layer of mint frosting and a hard chocolate layer on top.  Mint is a perfect holiday flavor so I decided to recreate these tasty college staples.

I used my basic brownie recipe and doubled it to make a 9"x13" pan.  There is some versatility in these brownies, too - some like walnuts, some do not.  Completely up to you!

Brownies:
2 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 C butter
4 TBSP cocoa powder
2 C sugar
3 tsp vanilla
6 eggs
2 C flour
1 tsp salt
1 C walnuts, chopped (optional)

Frosting:
2 1/2 C powdered sugar
1/2 C butter (softened, but not melted)
1/2 tsp  mint extract (can adjust according to taste)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
2 TBSP milk (you may need more or less to get the right consistency)

Chocolate Topping:
6 TBSP butter
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350.
Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking dish with cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and butter over medium heat.
In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and cocoa.
When the chocolate and butter is melted, add it to the sugar and stir until combined.
Stir in the vanilla and eggs.
Add the flour and salt and mix until just combined.
Fold in the walnuts.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes (depending on your oven) until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Let the brownies cool before frosting.

For the frosting, put the powdered sugar and salt in a large bowl.
Add the butter, mint, and vanilla.
Using a hand mixer, blend together gradually adding the milk until you get the right consistency (you do not want the frosting to be runny, but it needs to spreadable and able to hold its shape).

Frost the brownies.
Place the pan in the fridge for about 1/2-1 hour to let the frosting set.

Melt the butter and chocolate chips for the topping together in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add the vanilla.
Pour evenly over the frosted brownies.
Put the brownies in the fridge or freezer until the topping is set.
Cut the brownies into squares to serve.