If you are looking to add a festive and irresistible treat to your cookie collection, this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe is a must-try delight that will enchant your taste buds and those of everyone around you. These cookies combine the rich, deep flavor of cocoa with the bright and refreshing crunch of peppermint, wrapped in layers of luscious chocolate chips and creamy white chocolate. They are deceptively easy to make, yet look and taste like something straight from a bakery display, perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe comes alive through its simple but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating the tender, chocolatey cookie base to adding the cooling peppermint flavor and creamy fixings that make these cookies unforgettable.
- Butter (1/2 cup): Provides richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a slight caramel depth of flavor.
- White sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances moisture and contributes to a subtle crisp edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and gives structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall sweetness and depth.
- Flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation that thickens the dough to hold everything together.
- Cocoa powder (1/2 cup unsweetened): Adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and create a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Semisweet chips (1/2 cup): Adds melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- White chocolate chips or almond bark (1/2 cup): Brings creamy sweetness and the signature bark look.
- Crushed peppermint (1 tablespoon): Delivers that iconic cool peppermint crunch that defines the recipe.
- Additional butter (1/2 cup softened): For the frosting, creating a smooth and creamy base.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting layer perfectly.
- Milk (3-4 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting to the ideal consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Complements the frosting with subtle flavor nuances.
- Peppermint extract (3/4 teaspoon): Intensifies the minty flavor for frosting that pops.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. This simple step lays the foundation for perfectly baked cookies with minimal mess.
Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This aeration means your cookies will be delightfully tender. Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything combines smoothly. Now it’s time to add the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir just until the dough forms – be careful not to overmix, so your cookies stay soft and tender. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes, which makes it easier to handle later and helps prevent spreading in the oven.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Divide your chilled dough into six balls and place them generously spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Once baked, let your cookies sit on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is important to set the texture before the next, delicious step.
Step 4: Prepare the Peppermint Bark Frosting
While the cookies cool, whisk together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the frosting is creamy and smooth. This icing will coat your cookies with heavenly creaminess and that unmistakable peppermint kick, making them truly festive and indulgent.
Step 5: Assemble Your Peppermint Bark Cookies
Once cooled, generously spread the peppermint frosting over each cookie. Then, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies and a combination of semisweet and white chocolate chips or small chunks of almond bark on top. This final touch gives you the iconic peppermint bark texture and look, along with a satisfying crunch and extra bursts of chocolate. Let the frosting set for a bit before serving, and your Peppermint Bark Cookies are ready to amaze!
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special holiday presentation, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the finished cookies for a snowy effect. You can also sprinkle additional crushed candy canes just before serving to keep that fresh peppermint crunch vibrant in every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a peppermint-spiked latte to amplify their festive flavors. If you want something savory to balance out the sweet, consider serving with a mild cheddar cheese platter or salty nuts—this contrast makes each bite even more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of pine or holly for a festive centerpiece. Wrap bundles of cookies in clear treat bags tied with red and white twine for thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also stack them with parchment paper in between layers inside a decorative tin to keep them fresh and pretty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have cookies left after the party, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping them sealed helps retain their softness and peppermint crunch.
Freezing
Peppermint Bark Cookies freeze wonderfully! Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then stack them with parchment paper in between in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect cookie texture.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the warmth and softness of your cookies, pop them in a 300 degree oven for a few minutes or microwave them individually for about 10 seconds. This gentle reheating brings back the freshly baked magic without melting the frosting or peppermint too much.
FAQs
Can I use crushed candy canes instead of peppermint extract?
Absolutely! Crushed candy canes add a lovely crunchy peppermint flavor, but using peppermint extract in the frosting intensifies that taste in a way candy pieces alone can’t. Combining both gives the best flavor experience.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder—can I use melted chocolate instead?
Cocoa powder is important to keep the dough the right consistency and give that rich chocolatey base. Using melted chocolate may change the texture and baking time, so sticking to cocoa powder is recommended for this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe.
Is there a way to make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. For the frosting, use a dairy-free margarine and plant milk options. The peppermint flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Can I double this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake the cookies in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets to ensure even baking and perfect texture each time.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough before baking is crucial as it solidifies the fat and prevents excess spreading. Also, avoid greasing the baking sheet because parchment paper or silicone mats give better results for controlled spreading.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about making and sharing this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special and festive, perfect for any season but especially wonderful when you want a sweet tradition or a thoughtful gift. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch how these cookies become your new favorite holiday treat to make, share, and savor again and again.
Print
Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Peppermint Bark Cookies featuring a rich, chocolaty base with a generous topping of creamy peppermint bark. Perfectly soft yet slightly crisp cookies with a refreshing burst of peppermint make these treats ideal for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, minty indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Peppermint Bark Topping
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or almond bark
- 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candy
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined. Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until a cohesive dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake the Cookies: Divide the dough into six equal balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Peppermint Bark: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips or almond bark along with the softened butter, stirring continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with milk until you reach a thick but spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse the peppermint flavor.
- Assemble the Cookies: Spread an even layer of the peppermint bark mixture onto the cooled cookies. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy evenly over the top. Allow the topping to set and firm up before serving, about 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature. Enjoy your festive peppermint bark cookies!
Notes
- Ensure the cookies are completely cool before adding the peppermint bark topping to avoid melting.
- You can substitute crushed candy canes for the peppermint candy for extra crunch.
- For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free butter and white chocolate alternatives.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Adjust the peppermint extract to balance the mint flavor to your preference.
