Peppermint Bark Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that will make your taste buds sing, you’ve come to the right place! These Peppermint Bark Cookies are a perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and refreshing mint flavor. They combine the rich, gooey texture of double chocolate cookies with the festive flair of peppermint bark. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them at family gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time. Plus, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or festive celebrations alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Decadent: Enjoy the rich flavor of double chocolate combined with refreshing peppermint that makes every bite irresistible.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies can be a great way to get everyone involved—let the kids help crush candy canes!
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can chill the dough for up to three days, making it easy to prepare ahead of time for any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: Dipping in white chocolate and sprinkling with crushed candy canes gives these cookies a stunning finish.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them up nicely and share with friends and family—they’ll love you for it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Peppermint Bark Cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Cookie Base

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, gluten-free if needed
• 2/3 cup (55g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick; 120g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
• 1 (3.5 ounce) semi-sweet chocolate bar (chopped plus more for topping, optional)

For the Topping

• 9-11 ounces premium white chocolate baking bar (chopped; chips work too)
• 2 teaspoons (9g) refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening
• 6-8 Candy canes (crushed)

Variations

One of the best things about baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to get creative with these Peppermint Bark Cookies.

• Swap the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
• Add Some Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds can add a lovely crunch and depth to your cookies.
• Try Different Extracts: Experiment with almond extract instead of peppermint for a unique twist.
• Make Them Minty Green: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the white chocolate before dipping for a festive touch!

How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies

Step 1: Chill the Dough

Note: This cookie dough requires at least 2 hours of chilling, but ideally overnight. The longer you chill it, the thicker your cookies will be when baked!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This creaming process adds air into the mixture, which helps create that lovely cookie texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in your egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and milk. Beat until everything is nicely combined while scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. This ensures an even batter without pockets of dry ingredients!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Turn your mixer down to low speed and slowly add in those dry ingredients until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix here; we want tender cookies!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chunks

Add in those delicious chocolate chunks using a rubber spatula. This gentle folding helps keep some air in your dough while ensuring those yummy chunks are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Chill Again

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to 3 days. Don’t skip this step! Chilling prevents your cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper so that your cookies don’t stick during baking.

Step 9: Scoop Dough onto Sheets

If your dough has been chilling for longer than 24 hours, let it sit out at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before scooping. Using a large cookie scoop (about 3-4 tablespoons), drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes until edges are set but tops still look soft. Allow them to cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 11: Dip in White Chocolate

Once cooled completely, prepare your white chocolate dipping mixture by melting white chocolate with coconut oil in short increments in the microwave until smooth. Dip half of each cookie into this melted goodness then sprinkle with crushed candy canes while still warm!

And there you have it—your very own batch of delightful Peppermint Bark Cookies! Enjoy them fresh or share them as gifts; they’re bound to warm hearts this season!

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Bark Cookies

Making these peppermint bark cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few insider tips, you can make them even better!

• Chill for Success: Letting the cookie dough chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) helps develop flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This step ensures your cookies are thick and chewy.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Opting for a premium semi-sweet chocolate bar and white chocolate baking bar makes a noticeable difference in flavor. High-quality chocolate enhances the overall taste of your cookies, making them extra special.
• Crush Candy Canes with Care: When crushing candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin. This method minimizes mess and allows you to control the size of the pieces, ensuring they add just the right amount of crunch.
• Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so remove them from the oven when they’re slightly underbaked. This keeps them soft and chewy – just how we love our cookies!
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute mint extracts or add other flavorings like almond extract for a unique twist. A little experimentation can lead to new favorite variations!

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Cookies

These peppermint bark cookies are not just delicious; they also make for a lovely presentation! Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of Cocoa Powder: A light dusting of cocoa powder on top adds an elegant touch without overwhelming the flavors.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate over the cookies gives them a fancy look that’s sure to impress.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding a sprig of fresh mint next to your cookies on a serving plate introduces a vibrant color and hints at the minty flavor inside.

Side Dishes

• Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with rich hot chocolate for an extra cozy treat on chilly days. The smoothness of the drink complements the chewy texture of the cookies perfectly.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm and cold, plus it adds creaminess to your dessert experience.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing side that cleanses the palate.
• Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced tea can enhance your cookie experience with its warming spices, perfectly complementing the peppermint flavor.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to bake up some holiday magic with your peppermint bark cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peppermint Bark Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, and they store beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a festive treat whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before enjoying.
• If desired, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Bark Cookies!

Can I use gluten-free flour for Peppermint Bark Cookies?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

How do I store Peppermint Bark Cookies?

Store your Peppermint Bark Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay delicious and fresh!

Can I make Peppermint Bark Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) as a binding agent.

What type of chocolate is best for dipping Peppermint Bark Cookies?

It’s best to use premium white chocolate baking bars, as they melt smoothly and coat the cookies beautifully. Chocolate chips work too but may not melt as evenly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Peppermint Bark Cookies as much as I do! They are not only a festive treat but also a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering. Remember, baking should be fun and full of joy—so don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings! Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and sweetness during this season!