ANDES MINT CHRISTMAS COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Bake two 9" round layers of chocolate cake according to box instructions. Let cool completely.
• Make ganache: In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring heavy cream to a simmer until tiny bubbles form around the edges. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips, whisking until combined. Let mixture cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency, at least 30 minutes, before frosting cake.
• Meanwhile, make buttercream: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until light and fluffy. Add cream and green food coloring and stir until evenly combined.
• Top 1 cake layer with buttercream, then place the second cake layer on top of it. 
• Top with ganache. You can either leave the sides of the cake naked or frost all of the sides with ganache, as seen in the video.
• Decorate with Andes mints. 

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 8"-x-8” pan with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray. Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions and pour into prepared pan. Top brownie batter with an even layer of Andes candies. 
• Bake until a toothpick inserted into middle of a brownie comes out with only a few moist crumbs, about 40 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Meanwhile make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, mint extract, milk and a few drops of food coloring. Beat until smooth, then fold in mini chocolate chips.
• Spread frosting in an even, thick layer over cooled brownies. Slice into squares and top with chopped Andes candies.