Candy Cane Brownie Lollipops

I found this really fun and easy-looking recipe in the new holiday dessert cookbook from The Pampered Chef. I told my friend about them and she wants to make them for neighbor gifts! You should give them a try!

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (18-24 oz. or 450 g) fudge brownie mix, plus ingredients to make brownies
24 candy canes
10 oz. (300 g.) chocolate almond bark (or dipping chocolate)
additional decorations such as red jimmies

Prep Time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Directions:
1.Line a medium sheet pan with 13" piece of parchment paper. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions; pour batter into pan Bake 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven to cooling rack.

2. Meanwhile cut off straight ends of the candy canes to form 4&1/2" (11 cm) sticks. Place candy cane tops into a resealable plastic bag and crush using flat side of a meat tenderizer; set aside.

3 Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop brownie into 24 rounded scoops, packing brownie into scoop using hands (Entire Brownie will be used.) Roll brownie scoops into smooth balls. Insert candy cane sticks into centers of balls, mounding brownie around stick.

4. Place almond bark into small batter bowl. Microwave according to package directions until melted and smooth. Spoon almond bark evenly over each brownie ball, turning to coat completely. Allow excess bark to drip off. Dip into reserved, crushed candy canes or additional decorations and stand upright on a piece of parchment paper. Repeat with remaining almond bark, lollipops and crushed candy. Let stand until set. Place into miniature cupcake liners.

Yield: 24 servings.