Preheat oven to 350F and prepare an 8x8 metal pan with parchment paper leaving the sides high for easy removal. In a large bowl, add chopped chocolate and cocoa powder followed by hot water and whisk to melt. Add in granulated sugar, oil, eggs and pure vanilla extract until smooth. Whisk in flour and salt until combined.

Pour into prepared baking pan and bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out from the center with moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan. To make frosting, add icing sugar, butter, milk and peppermint extract in the bowl of a stand mixer and run on medium speed until smooth. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula a few times as you go. Smooth over cooled brownies, in the pan. If desired add any sprinkles to your finished brownies.