Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe: A Holiday Sweet Treat

Crafting delightful peppermint bark cookies becomes a festive adventure in sweet indulgence.

Crisp winter nights call for something magical from the kitchen.

Chocolate and peppermint dance together in a delectable symphony of flavors.

Simple ingredients transform into an irresistible treat that sparks joy.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of cool mint and rich chocolate.

Baking these cookies brings warmth and cheer to any gathering.

Why Peppermint Bark Cookies Make A Perfect Holiday Treat

• Festive Holiday Delight: Capture the magic of the season with these peppermint bark cookies that blend rich chocolate and crisp candy cane flavors.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these cookies in minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, cookie exchanges, or unexpected guests.
• Kid-Friendly Baking: Engage children in mixing crushed candy canes and chocolate chips, turning cookie-making into a fun family activity that creates sweet memories.
• Simple Ingredient Swap: Customize the recipe by using different types of chocolate chips or experimenting with mint variations to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients For Peppermint Bark Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives the cookies a rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Combine to create a creamy, sweet base for the cookies.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.

• Crushed Candy Canes, White Chocolate Chips: Add a peppermint crunch and sweet white chocolate flavor to the cookies.

How To Prepare Peppermint Bark Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend until everything looks evenly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks almost cloud-like. Add egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until a consistent cookie dough forms with no flour streaks visible.

Step 5: Fold in Festive Mix-Ins

• Crushed candy canes
• White chocolate chips

Make sure these yummy additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a spoon to drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Softly flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon to create a nice, even shape.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies look set but not overdone. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Enjoy your festive, minty treats!

Tips For Peppermint Bark Cookies

• Crush candy canes finely for even distribution and better texture throughout the cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Swap white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor profile.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
• Use gluten-free flour blend as a substitute to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Creative Variations For Peppermint Bark Cookies

• Chocolate Orange Bark Cookies: Replace candy canes with orange zest and dark chocolate chips for a citrusy chocolate version.
• Nutty Peppermint Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds alongside candy canes for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Mocha Peppermint Swirl: Mix instant espresso powder into the dough and top with dark chocolate drizzle for a coffee-infused cookie.
• White Chocolate Raspberry Bark: Swap white chocolate chips with raspberry chips and sprinkle freeze-dried raspberry pieces for a fruity spin.

Pairing Ideas For Peppermint Bark Cookies

• Pair Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Bark Cookies: Rich, creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows complements the chocolatey, minty cookie perfectly, creating a warm winter treat that melts in your mouth.
• Create a Festive Milk and Cookie Combo: Cold whole milk with a hint of vanilla balances the intense peppermint and chocolate flavors, making each bite more refreshing and enjoyable.
• Match with Peppermint Mocha: Espresso-based drink with peppermint syrup and whipped cream echoes the cookie's flavors, elevating the dessert experience with a sophisticated coffee twist.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the warm, spiced cookie, enhancing the peppermint and chocolate notes with its delicate sweetness.

Storage Guidance For Peppermint Bark Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, maintaining their crisp texture and preventing candy cane pieces from becoming sticky.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe ziplock bags. Cookies can remain frozen for 2-3 months without losing flavor or quality. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Place cookies in a sealed container with a tight lid, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring candy cane pieces stay crunchy.
• Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to help maintain moisture and prevent cookies from becoming too dry or hard.

FAQs About Peppermint Bark Cookies

• Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to suit your taste preference or use what you have on hand.

• How finely should I crush the candy canes?

Crush candy canes into small, uneven pieces using a rolling pin or food processor. Aim for a mix of fine and chunky pieces for better texture and flavor distribution.

• Is this recipe good for holiday baking?

Absolutely! These peppermint bark cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings, gift-giving, or holiday cookie exchanges with their festive candy cane and chocolate combination.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and ensure your butter is softened but not melted to help maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.

Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 23-25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic meets cookie perfection in these peppermint bark cookies, blending rich chocolate and cool mint into delightful seasonal treats. Festive crunch and creamy chocolate layers combine for a merry dessert that delights both young and old.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings and Decorations:

• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by heating oven to 350F and lining baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt) in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate potential lumps.
3. In a separate large bowl, blend butter and sugar using an electric mixer until achieving a creamy, aerated consistency.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until smooth and uniform.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Gently fold crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing evenly throughout.
7. Using a spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheet, lightly pressing each mound to create a slightly flattened shape.
8. Place in preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for set edges and slight firmness.
9. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to cool completely and develop a crisp texture.

Notes

• Enhance the festive flavor by toasting crushed candy canes briefly before adding to the dough for a more intense peppermint taste.
• Substitute dairy-free butter and vegan white chocolate chips to make these cookies suitable for plant-based diets.
• Control cookie spread by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, ensuring a more uniform and professional-looking result.
• For extra visual appeal, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top of the cookies immediately after baking while they’re still warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 111 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 79 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 14 mg