Oven-Baked Chocolate Candy Cane Brownie Bites with Peppermint Icing

1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until well blended.

3.Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.

5.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined and smooth.

6.Fold in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7.Grease a mini muffin pan or line it with mini cupcake liners.

8.Spoon the brownie batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full.

9.Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

10.Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

11.For the optional peppermint icing, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.

12.Once the brownie bites are cool, drizzle or spread the peppermint icing on top and sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes if desired.