{ real recipe - junior mint brownie bites }

I made these up on the fly a few years ago when I needed something yummy to take to a cookie exchange. They've become a delicious holiday tradition at our house. These little bites of heaven are easy peasy to make (thanks to Ghirardelli's boxed brownie mix) and so festive. You really should make these. You'll be glad you did!

You will need:

• 1 box Ghirardelli Ultimate Fudge brownie mix
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 jar Betty Crocker Whipped Vanilla OR Cream Cheese Frosting
• peppermint extract
• candy canes
• 1 box Junior Mints
  
  Preheat oven to 325°F. Follow the brownie mix directions for mixing the brownies. Spray a 24 count mini-muffin tin with cooking spray. Fill each cup just a little over half way. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Do not overbake. Nobody likes a rock-like brownie! ;) Let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove mini brownies from pan. Top with the Ghirardelli chocolate fudge ganache topping. In a bowl, mix together a couple drops of peppermint extract and the frosting. Keep adding more extract if you want yours "mintier". I think they taste best with just a subtle mint flavor. Put frosting into plastic bag, cut a little hole at one corner, and pipe onto mini brownies. Now comes the fun part: ask the closest, cutie-pie toddler to grab his/her toy hammer to help you crush the candy canes. Put the unwrapped canes into a zip lock back, and get to smashing and crushing! This is a favorite part at our house. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on brownies. Top each with a junior mint. Enjoy! (makes about three and a half dozen (42) mini brownies)

*via polkadotsandpuppies