Mint-Chocolate Brownies {7th 12 Days Recipe}

Chocolate and mint ~ what a great winter flavor combo!  Impress your friends with these from scratch Martha Stewart brownies, complete with a cool and refreshing mint center!

Mint-Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
• 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 25 small (1 1/2 inch) peppermint patties

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides; butter foil. Set aside.
2. Place chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of gently simmering water. Stir occasionally just until melted, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat. Whisk in sugar and salt until smooth; whisk in eggs. Gently whisk in flour and cocoa powder just until smooth (do not overmix).
4. Spread 1/3 of batter in prepared pan. Arrange peppermint patties on batter in a single layer, leaving a narrow border on all sides. Top with remaining batter, and smooth surface. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 45 to 55 minutes.
5. Cool completely in pan. Use foil to lift from pan; peel off foil and discard. Cut into 16 squares (4 rows by 4 rows).

xoxo
Bean

{photo credit:  marthastewart.com}