Peppermint Bars

For all peppermint lovers! Only the crust is baked for this recipe.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 20

Ingredients

• BASE

• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 2  eggs
• 1  cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  peppermint extract
• 2 (1 ounce)  unsweetened chocolate squares
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour

• MIDDLE LAYER

• 1  cup icing sugar
• 3  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1  tablespoon  whipping cream, unwhipped or 1  tablespoon half-and-half cream
• 1  tablespoon  peppermint extract
• 2 -3  drops  green food coloring (optional)

• TOPPING

• 4 (1 ounce)  semi-sweet chocolate baking squares (can use about 1/2 cup semi-sweet baking chips also)
• 3  tablespoons butter

Directions

1. For the base: set oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease one 9 x 9-inch or 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
3. Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave, stirring once or twice, (careful not to burn the mixture).
4. Place the chocolate mixture in a bowl, and cool slightly.
5. Add in the eggs; beat well to combine.
6. Add in sugar, peppermint extract, flour and salt; beat well.
7. Pour into prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 20 minutes.
9. For the middle layer: mix sugar and butter until smooth.
10. Add in the remaining ingredients; mix well until blended.
11. Spread over the warm baked base; cool until set.
12. For the topping: Melt together the chocolate and butter in the microwave; cool slightly.
13. Drizzle over second layer.