Santa Hat Brownies

Usually I'm the one asking for recipes and baking ideas. But I have to share this one I came across.

I discovered this adorable dessert on the Pinterest.com site. (a new love of mine) A festive dessert to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays. I can not wait to try it. (And, of course I'll post my attempt!)

Santa Hat Brownies

Adapted from this recipe found on Erica’s Sweet Tooth

Yields 12-16 brownies

Ingredients:

1 pan of your favorite brownies, cooled and cut into desired size and shape (I used a round cutter)

12-16 small strawberries, cleaned and hulled

vanilla-mascarpone buttercream (recipe below)

Mascarpone Buttercream

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature

2-1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Method:

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat butter and mascarpone cheese until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and salt. Add 2-1/2 cups of sugar, half a cup at a time and continue beating until smooth. Add more sugar, if needed to reach desired consistency and sweetness.

To assemble, pipe a ring of vanilla buttercream on top of each brownie. Cut off the base of a strawberry so it is flat and place it upside down on each brownie, pushing slightly to secure in place. Top the tip of the strawberry with a dot of buttercream to finish the santa hat.