If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that perfectly blends rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint crunch, this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies capture the holiday spirit in every bite—the deep cocoa flavor meets the crisp coolness of peppermint candies, making them a showstopper for gatherings or a sweet way to brighten your winter evenings. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is as joyful and inviting as a warm holiday hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the creamy butter that creates a tender crumb, to the cocoa powder that imbues chocolaty richness, and the crushed peppermint candies that bring that signature festive pop. Gathering them is quick, but their combined magic is what fills your kitchen with that irresistible holiday scent.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Ensures your cookies are moist and buttery without adding extra saltiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp edge on the cookies.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Brings a hint of molasses and chewiness to balance the cookie texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together while adding richness and moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the cookie’s structure; measure carefully for perfect consistency.
- Cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Provides a rich chocolate base that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the cookies making them light and tender.
- Salt (a pinch): Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Add melty pockets of chocolate throughout every bite.
- Crushed peppermint candies (1/2 cup): Deliver a festive crunch and bright peppermint zing.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature for even baking. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this little prep step makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, so your cookies release perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, setting the stage for cookies with a tender yet slightly crisp texture that’s utterly delightful.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. These ingredients add richness and enhance the overall flavor, making each cookie taste irresistibly homemade and comforting.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps to distribute the leavening agent evenly, ensuring your cookies rise properly and have just the right structure.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients with Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Be gentle here—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and tender with a bit of chew.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. This step turns your cookie dough into a festive masterpiece, studded with melty chocolate and refreshing peppermint bits that will surprise your taste buds in the best way.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie so they can spread just right. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes—watch for edges that’re set but centers that remain wonderfully soft.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Finishing Touch
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For extra festive flair, consider melting some additional chocolate to drizzle over the cookies and sprinkle with a bit more crushed peppermint. It’s a touch that turns a lovely cookie into a true holiday showstopper.
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already dazzling, but adding a little extra garnish can elevate their holiday appeal. Think of a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or a few whole peppermint candies placed gently on top after baking for visual charm. The garnishes not only look beautiful but also add another layer of festive flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your peppermint bark cookies alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a creamy latte to enhance the cozy vibes. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert twist that balances warm spices and cool peppermint.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can be half the fun! Arrange your cookies on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holiday-themed napkins. Tie small stacks with red-and-white twine for gifting, or package individually in clear bags with a peppermint stick for an adorable, shareable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your leftover peppermint bark cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delightfully chewy for up to a week, so you can enjoy that holiday magic a little longer.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies well ahead of time, simply freeze the dough balls on a tray before baking or freeze fully baked cookies in layers separated by parchment paper. This way, you can pull out just what you need, no thawing hassle necessary, and have freshly baked cookies ready in minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your cookies in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave them briefly. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and revives the melty chocolate and peppermint aromas that make this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe so addicting.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peppermint candies with something else?
Absolutely! If you’re not a peppermint fan, you can swap crushed candy canes for toffee bits or chopped nuts to add a different crunch and flavor while still keeping the cookie festive.
How do I prevent the peppermint candies from melting too much?
Try folding the crushed peppermint candies in gently at the very end and avoid pressing them into the dough too much before baking. This helps them hold their shape and provides that lovely crunch in the finished cookie.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips will give your cookies a richer, slightly less sweet taste that pairs beautifully with peppermint. Feel free to adjust based on your preference for sweetness and intensity.
What’s the best way to crush the peppermint candies?
Place them inside a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy pan. This gives you control over the size, whether you want small shards or slightly bigger pieces for texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookies’ texture just right.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing the brightness of peppermint and the richness of chocolate together in one cozy, addictive cookie. This Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe is a fantastic way to celebrate the season, impress your loved ones, and fill your kitchen with warmth and joy. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved holiday tradition!
Print
Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies combine rich cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a festive hint of crushed peppermint candies, perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and chewy with a delightful peppermint crunch, they bring a refreshing twist to classic chocolate cookies.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- a pinch of salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, spreading them evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Optional Decoration: For an extra festive touch, melt additional chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with more crushed peppermint candies if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender texture.
- Crushing peppermint candies finely will help distribute the peppermint flavor evenly and prevent large candy pieces from breaking teeth.
- You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze the baked cookies or dough balls for later baking.
