Mint Cookies 'n Cream Brownies

Chocolate and mint are a classic combination this time of year, and fortunately these brownies couldn't be any easier to make.  Besides how could you not love chunks of cookies in a brownie!  The cookies I used for these brownies were Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe Joe's (which are amazing, by the way).   I assume mint Oreo's, or whatever your favorite brand, would work just great.   The cookies make these brownies so dangerously delicious, they will be a welcome addition to any holiday treat plate!


Mint Cookies 'n Cream Brownies
Yields 36 brownies

BROWNIE:

1/2 cup light butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups chocolate syrup

1 cup all-purpose flour

12 mint cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, quartered

Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.  Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in chocolate syrup until well blended. 
3. Fold in flour, mixing just until blended.  Fold in chopped cookies.
4. Pour mixture into prepared baking pan.  Bake 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.
5. Once cooled, frost with Mint Cream (recipe below) and cut into squares.

MINT CREAM:

1/2 cup light butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons skim milk

1/2 teaspoon mint extract

3 mint cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, well-crushed

additional chopped cookies for topping, as desired

1. In a medium bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.  Add mint extract and then gradually add milk, beating until desired consistency is achieved.  Mix in crushed cookies. 
2. Spread over cooled brownies and top with additional chopped cookies, as desired.

Adapted from Taste of Home