Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies To Delight Your Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in festive treats that bring warmth and joy. These peppermint bark cookies blend the classic flavors of peppermint and chocolate, creating a delightful holiday treat with every bite. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or preparing gifts, peppermint bark cookies are sure to impress with their crisp texture and cool minty notes.

this Recipe

You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this batch of peppermint bark cookies that combine rich chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy candy cane pieces. Let me walk you through this recipe so you can savor a holiday favorite that’s both charming and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to bake with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Perfect balance of minty peppermint and rich chocolate flavors.
• Festive look with colorful crushed candy canes for holiday cheer.
• Great for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
• Crunchy edges with a slightly chewy center for a perfect cookie texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your peppermint bark cookies that are bursting with seasonal flavor.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: Approx. 160 per cookie

How to Make Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies: A Holiday Treat to Savor!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, and about half of the crushed candy canes, reserving the rest for garnish.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes gently on top of each cookie for a festive finish.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and smooth dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and chewy.
• Crush candy canes finely but not to powder for a satisfying crunch.
• Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies if you prefer.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.

Storage and Reheating

Store your peppermint bark cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

To enjoy the cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat briefly in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will bring out the melty white and dark chocolate flavor beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use candy cane pieces instead of crushed peppermint?

Yes! You can use chopped candy cane pieces, but crushing them finely helps distribute the peppermint flavor more evenly throughout the cookies, giving every bite a nice crunch and minty taste.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free peppermint bark cookies, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make the cookies dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free chocolates. Check that your peppermint candies are also dairy-free to keep the whole recipe suitable.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Leftover peppermint bark cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option, and you can thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.