Peppermint Bark Cookies

why make this recipe

Peppermint Bark Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home. Their festive colors and flavors make them a fun addition to any dessert table.

how to make Peppermint Bark Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened at room temperature for easy mixing.)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (Adds sweetness and helps create a nice texture.)
• 1 cup brown sugar (Packed for a rich, molasses flavor.)
• 2 large eggs (Essential for binding the ingredients together.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances flavor and aroma.)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (Forms the bulk of our cookie dough.)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (Acts as a leavening agent for a soft cookie.)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (Can be semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate based on preference.)
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (Adds a festive crunch and refreshing flavor.)

Directions:

1. Preparation:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mixing:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.

3. Baking:
   Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

how to serve Peppermint Bark Cookies

Serve Peppermint Bark Cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or add them to a cookie box for gifting. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or hot cocoa, making them a perfect treat during the chilly season.

how to store Peppermint Bark Cookies

Store your Peppermint Bark Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

tips to make Peppermint Bark Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened properly for easy mixing.
• Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies soft.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for a unique flavor.
• If you love peppermint, feel free to add more crushed candies!

variation

For a twist on this recipe, try adding a layer of melted white chocolate on top of the cookies after they have cooled. This adds even more richness and sweetness, making the peppermint flavor pop.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use all granulated sugar or all brown sugar, but this might change the texture and flavor slightly.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

3. How can I make these cookies more minty?
You can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra minty flavor. Just be careful not to add too much as it can become overpowering.

Peppermint Bark Cookies

Peppermint Bark Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with refreshing peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter Softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps create a nice texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar Packed for a rich, molasses flavor.
• 2 large eggs Essential for binding the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor and aroma.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour Forms the bulk of our cookie dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Acts as a leavening agent for a soft cookie.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup chocolate chips Can be semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate based on preference.
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies Adds a festive crunch and refreshing flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mixing

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.

Baking

1. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
3. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Store your Peppermint Bark Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For a richer flavor, add a layer of melted white chocolate on top after cooling.