Grease an 8 by 8 square pan with butter. Line all sides with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on at least two sides. Butter the parchment paper. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
Melt 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 15 seconds til melted. Set aside. Melt the butter in the microwave.
Whisk the hot melted butter and sugar together in a large bowl for about 1 minute til smooth. Add the eggs, peppermint extract and vanilla and whisk for 1 minute.
Whisk the condensed milk and melted chocolate into the mixture til just combined.
Use a spatula to stir in the cocoa powder, salt and flour. Avoid overmixing. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips til just combined.
Pour mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Bake 25- 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely in pan. Once cooled, slice and enjoy or top with peppermint Frosting.
Peppermint Frosting
Chop the white chocolate. Place in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring well in between, until just melted. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter on medium high speed til smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Turn mixer to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, vanilla and salt. Beat til combined. Add the melted white chocolate. Beat on medium high speed for 1 minute.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Top with crushed peppermint candies or crushed candy canes.
Notes
Peppermint flavor: Peppermint extract is very strong! 3/4 teaspoon adds a nice hint of peppermint without being overpowering. Add an additional 1/4 teaspoon to either the brownie batter or the frosting if you want a stronger peppermint flavor. You can usually find peppermint extract in the baking aisle at your grocery store or online.Avoid overmixing: Overmixing lets more air into the batter and gives you cakey brownies. Mix with a spatula until dry ingredients just disappear.Storage: Store leftover chocolate peppermint brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap unfrosted brownies in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw 1 hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.Nutritional Information: The nutrition information provided is an estimate. The calorie accuracy is not guaranteed.