Hidden Pot of Gold Brownie Cups

Ingredients: 

For the brownie cups: 
Store bought brownie mix (plus ingredients on box), OR: 

1/2 c. butter 
1 c. white sugar 
2 eggs 
1 tsp. vanilla 
1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder 
1/2 c all-purpose flour 
1/4 tsp. salt 
1/4 tsp. baking powder  

For the frosting: 
Store bought frosting container, OR: 

1/2 c unsalted butter, softened 
3-4 c powdered sugar 
1 TBSP heavy cream of milk 
1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract 
green food coloring gel 
gold sprinkles, gold stars, or other edible gold decorations  

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 375°
2. Melt 1/2 c butter for brownie cups. Add to sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until combined. Stir into wet ingredients.
4. Scoop 2 tsp size amounts into a greased mini muffin pan - fill about half full.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
6. Let cool and use back of a wooden spoon to push down brownie center for gold. Pour in gold sprinkles.
7. Beat together butter and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Add additional sugar 1 cup at a time. Add cream (or milk) and food coloring. Beat for 2-3 minutes. If using store bought icing, just add green food.
8. Use a piping bag with a fluted tip and dollop frosting to each brownie to hide the gold surprise! 

Recipe adapted from www.pizzazzerie.com.