Baking with Baileys: Mint Irish Cream Brownie Bites w/ Baileys Frosting

When I came across the Baileys Irish Cream Brownie Buttons recipe from Sugar Plum, I really didn't think brownies could get any better. But then I realized that I didn't have any chocolate chips on the cupboard and I needed to get creative (a wonderful way to discover new recipes, by the way). OK, well, not too creative because as it turns out the cupboard was home to a half a bag of mint chocolate chips - woot!

Using Sugar Plum's recipe with a few modifications - including homemade Irish cream liqueur - be sure to make these Mint Irish Cream Brownie Bites for your St. Patrick's Day festivities! The original recipe states that it makes 34 minis, but since I didn't need quite that much I halved the recipe without any trouble. This is for the whole shebang:

You'll Need:

6 tbsp butter
3/4 c mint chocolate chips
1/2 tsp instant coffee granules
4 oz cream cheese, VERY soft

2 tbsp + 1 tsp Irish Cream liqueur (homemade or otherwise!)
3/4 c flour
1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

I made Sugar Plum's frosting without any changes (except halving since I only made half of the brownies) - divine!

Frosting:

10 tbsp VERY soft butter

1 c powdered sugar
2 tsp Irish Cream liqueur
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat to 350 degrees and either grease a mini muffin pan or line with mini cupcake papers. Either one will work, but if you've got a good nonstick go ahead and put the batter directly in the pan - you'll get that yummy brownie edge that way!

Using a small saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the mint chocolate chips and instant coffee. Stir until melted and set aside.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla and sugar and then slowly add the chocolate mix. Stir in the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. 

Spoon the batter into your mini muffin pan - 3/4 of the way full is perfect as they will rise a little during baking. Bake for 15-17 minutes - let them cool in the pan to ensure a tasty brownie edge. 

While you really don't NEED the frosting on these minty chocolate wonders, it certainly doesn't hurt if you're going to go the distance. Whip all the ingredients together (make sure your butter is soft enough that it will blend well) and spread or otherwise frost the brownies. Maybe you have a little stash of green sprinkles on hand? Get those on there, too. Why not? You've already frosted brownies, for crying out loud!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from our little log cabin 

in this little mountain town - home of the Baking Irish!