The holiday season is the perfect excuse to bake something that delights the senses and brings a festive spirit to your kitchen. These peppermint bark cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat: rich, chocolatey, and infused with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or just because, peppermint bark cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
You’ll find these cookies easy to make and perfect for sharing. The combination of creamy white and dark chocolate with crushed candy canes creates a beautiful, festive look that tastes just as good as it looks. Dive into this recipe and discover why peppermint bark cookies are the holiday treat to savor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully festive with peppermint and chocolate flavors combined.
- Simple baking process with easy-to-find ingredients.
- A perfect balance of crunchy candy cane and soft cookie texture.
- Great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights in.
- Can be customized with additional chocolate chips or nuts.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your peppermint bark cookies. Everything is straightforward and accessible for a smooth baking experience.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie
How to Make Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies: A Holiday Treat to Savor!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes gently but thoroughly.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and sprinkle a few extra crushed candy cane pieces on top for garnish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep your cookies tender and soft.
- Crush candy canes finely to prevent large chunks from overpowering the cookie bite.
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract along with vanilla.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Keep peppermint bark cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
To enjoy thawed cookies, let them come to room temperature or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their soft texture and melty chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
Yes, crushed peppermint candies work well if you don’t have candy canes. Just be sure they’re finely crushed so they blend nicely into the cookie dough and don’t create large hard pieces.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. You can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld and can improve the cookie texture.
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting too much?
Baking at the recommended temperature and time helps the chocolate chips soften without melting completely. Using good quality chips also helps maintain their shape during baking.
