GIFT-WRAPPED BROWNIES

Gift-Wrapped Brownies image

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup shortening
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup chopped nuts
ICING:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and green food coloring

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9-in. square baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides., Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder. In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave shortening and chocolate on high until shortening is melted; stir until smooth. Whisk in sugar until blended. Whisk in vanilla and eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour mixture and nuts., Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Lifting with parchment, remove brownies; cut into 30 rectangles. , For frosting, mix confectioners' sugar, cream and vanilla until smooth. Spread half of the frosting over brownies. Tint half of the remaining frosting red; tint remaining half green. Pipe onto brownies to resemble presents.

Nutrition Facts :