Triple-Layer Chocolate-Peppermint Bars

CRUST

1/2 cup chocolate mint chips

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut up

1 1/4 cups chocolate cookie crumbs*

FILLING

3/4 cup chocolate mint chips, divided

1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided

2 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or half-and-half

1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups powdered sugar

TOPPING

4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies**

  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 8-inch square baking pan with foil; spray foil with cooking spray. Heat 1/2 cup chocolate mint chips and 1/4 cup butter in medium saucepan over medium-low heat until melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in cookie crumbs. Press into bottom of pan.
  2. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until fragrant. Cool completely on wire rack.
  3. Heat 1/2 cup of the chocolate mint chips and 1 tablespoon of the butter in small saucepan over medium-low heat until melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature.
  4. Beat remaining 1/4 cup butter and cream cheese in large bowl at medium speed until smooth. Beat in 2 tablespoons cream and peppermint and vanilla extracts. Reduce speed to low; beat in cooled chocolate mixture. Slowly beat in powdered sugar. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup chocolate mint chips. Spread over crust; smooth top. Refrigerate 15 minutes or until set.
  5. Meanwhile, place chopped chocolate in medium bowl. Bring 1/3 cup cream to a boil in small saucepan over medium heat; pour over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute; stir until smooth. Cool at room temperature 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly thickened but still pourable. Spread over filling; sprinkle with peppermint candies. Refrigerate 1 hour or until set. Store in refrigerator.

36 bars

PER BAR: 145 calories, 8 g total fat (5 g saturated fat), .5 g protein, 19.5 g carbohydrate, 15 mg cholesterol, 15 mg sodium, .5 g fiber

tips *Pulse 24 chocolate wafer cookies in food processor or place in plastic bag and crush with rolling pin.
**Crush peppermint candies with flat side of meat mallet; shake crushed candy in fine stainer to remove fine candy powder.