• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 20-30 second increments until it's completely melted.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well incorporated.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
• Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies to the batter.
• Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan.

Chocolate Ganache

• In a small saucepan, **heat** the heavy cream over low heat until it begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
• Remove from heat, and stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and peppermint extract. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.

Assembly

• Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• While the ganache is still soft, **sprinkle** crushed peppermint candies over the top.
• Allow the ganache to set before cutting the brownies into squares.
• Serve and enjoy these irresistible Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache!