If you are craving a festive treat that combines the rich flavors of buttery cookie dough, melted chocolate, and refreshing specks of peppermint, you are going to love this Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s the perfect holiday dessert that’s simple to whip up yet delivers that magical blend of sweetness and crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a lively gathering, these cookie bars are guaranteed to brighten any occasion with their delightful taste and cheerful peppermint charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is your first step toward making these irresistible bars. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the tender, buttery base to adding bursts of chocolate and peppermint for that iconic holiday touch.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: The backbone that gives the bars their soft yet sturdy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the richness of butter and chocolate perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt: Enhances all the flavors by cutting through sweetness just right.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, key for that tender crumb.
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature: Binds the dough and lends a luscious texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, making every bite irresistible.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into a gooey layer that pairs wonderfully with the mint.
- Handful of crushed peppermint candies/holiday M&Ms and candy canes: Sprinkles of festive crunch and minty zing to finish it off.
How to Make Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 13 by 9-inch metal pan, then line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookie bars stay intact and are easy to lift out once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to combine and set aside. In another larger mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy — this creates a tender texture in your final bars. Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the flour mixture in batches, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. It should look crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Step 3: Form the Cookie Crust
Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Press it evenly into the pan using your hands or the back of a spatula, creating an even layer. Use a fork to poke holes across the surface. These help the heat circulate and prevent bubbling, giving you a perfect crust every time.
Step 4: Bake and Add Toppings
Bake for 25 to 26 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the warm crust. Pop the pan back into the oven for about a minute to let the chocolate melt. Then, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly. Finally, sprinkle with the crushed peppermint candies and holiday M&Ms to give it that festive flair and delightful crunch.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the cookie bars to cool fully so the chocolate topping can set perfectly. Once cooled, lift the entire block out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and slice into bars of your preferred size. These bars hold together beautifully, making them easy to share or package as gifts.
How to Serve Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate on top to contrast the dark chocolate layer. You can also add a small mint leaf on each bar for a pop of color and fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair your peppermint cookie bars with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa. The creamy drinks balance out the sweet and minty notes, creating an indulgent treat that feels cozy and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make all the difference when sharing your creation. Serve these bars on a festive platter lined with holly or evergreen sprigs. Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon for gift-giving or party favors — they are sure to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to receive one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover peppermint cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains the perfect texture — soft but with that satisfying bite.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap the entire block tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and slice the next day.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, gently warm a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the chocolate topping and brings out the buttery richness of the cookie base, making every bite taste like it just came from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a more intense cocoa flavor and balances nicely with the peppermint candies. Just keep in mind it’s less sweet, so your bars might have a slightly less sweet profile.
What is the best way to crush the peppermint candies?
Place the candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or heavy pan until they break into small pieces. Avoid crushing into powder to retain that satisfying crunch in the bars.
Are these bars suitable for a holiday party?
Definitely! Their festive look and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a star at holiday parties. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and transport, perfect for potlucks or gift exchanges.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookie bars. Salted butter can add a nice depth of flavor if balanced well.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe is a true holiday treasure that brings joy with every bite. It’s easy enough for home bakers of all levels and elegant enough to wow your guests. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful blend of chocolate and mint as much as I do. Once you do, these bars might just become your new go-to treat for every festive season!
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Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Peppermint Cookie Bars, combining a buttery, crumbly cookie base with melted semi-sweet chocolate and crushed peppermint candies for a perfect holiday treat. These bars are easy to make, with a simple dough baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious chocolate layer and refreshing peppermint crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Handful of crushed peppermint candies, holiday M&Ms, and a couple of crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the parchment hangs over the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until evenly combined, then set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just starts to come together but remains crumbly.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the crumbly dough into the prepared pan. Using your hands or a spatula, spread it evenly and pat it down firmly. Use a fork to poke holes all over the surface to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Bake the Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-26 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the surface looks set.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust.
- Melt Chocolate: Return the pan to the oven for 1 minute, just enough to soften and melt the chocolate chips. Remove and use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cookie base.
- Sprinkle Peppermint: While the chocolate is still warm and spreadable, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies, holiday M&Ms, and candy canes evenly on top.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate topping has set firmly. Use the parchment to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 equal squares before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- You can customize toppings with your favorite holiday candies or nuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Bring bars to room temperature after refrigeration before serving to enjoy a softer texture.
