This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of McCormick. All opinions expressed are 100% my own!

There is just something about the holidays that gets me in the baking mood! I try so hard to attempt new baking recipes and make fun and creative treats with my kids. But the truth is… I am a horrible baker! Baking is all abut precision and accurate measurements and I am a “cook from scratch” kind of lady, taking a taste of my soup and knowing the dash of spice it needs to make it perfection. So I mostly stick to the simple box of brownies and frosting cupcakes in attempt to not massacre another great baking recipe. I recently came across, what seemed to be, a simple recipe for McCormich Peppermint Bars that I thought would be great to make with the kids. The first thing about this recipe that really intrigued me was that it only consisted of 7 ingredients, one of which was optional.  How hard could that be, right? Well I am so glad I trusted my instisncts on this one because not only were they easy to make, but that were delicious!

So here is everything you need to know to make these delicious and simple Peppermint Bars!:

Overview

An extravagant dessert of a fudgy brownie layered with peppermint frosting and a rich chocolate glaze. You’ll want to include this in a holiday dessert tray or package for a cookie exchange or gift basket. Makes 36 servings.

Ingredients

1 package (family-size) fudge brownie mix

2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 7 tablespoons butter, divided

1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Peppermint Extract

12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

Crushed peppermint candies , (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare brownie mix as directed on package. Spread in greased foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

Bake 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out almost clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Meanwhile, beat confectioners’ sugar, 7 tablespoons of the butter, melted, cream and peppermint extract in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Spread evenly over cooled brownie. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Microwave chocolate and remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter in large microwave bowl on HIGH 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Spread over top of chilled brownie. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies, if desired. Cut into bars.

 Overall we were so impressed with this recipe and delighted by how delicious it was! This was such a simple treat to make and once they are finished, it’s very easy to cut up into bars. They provide such a wonderful peppermint taste that isn’t too overwhelming and the texture reminds me of fudge. These will most definitely be a holiday tradition and something we will make every single year during the holidays!