Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownies

0 Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
1 In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 20-30 second increments until it's completely melted. 
2 In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well incorporated.
3 Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4 In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5 Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies to the batter.
6 Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly
7 Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan.
Chocolate Ganache
9 In a small saucepan, **heat** the heavy cream over low heat until it begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
10 Remove from heat, and stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and peppermint extract. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.
Assembly
12 Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
13 While the ganache is still soft, **sprinkle** crushed peppermint candies over the top.
14 Allow the ganache to set before cutting the brownies into squares.
15 Serve and enjoy these irresistible Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache!