The holiday season is the perfect time to bake something that feels both cozy and festive, and these peppermint bark cookies fit the bill perfectly. With their rich chocolate base, crisp peppermint crunch, and buttery cookie texture, this treat is sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking lineup. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how wonderfully they fill your kitchen with seasonal scents.
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that combines classic peppermint bark flavors into a cookie, you’ll find that these peppermint bark cookies deliver on taste and texture. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday party, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep coming back to year after year.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously combines chocolate and peppermint for a classic holiday flavor.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft inside for a delightful bite.
- Great for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
- Customizable with extra chocolate chips or peppermint pieces for added texture.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your festive peppermint bark cookies. The combination of chocolate, peppermint, and buttery dough creates a perfect holiday treat.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy (about 8-10 candy canes)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, for extra flavor)
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie
How to Make Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies: A Holiday Treat to Savor!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined; set aside.
- Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract (if using) to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips along with half of the crushed peppermint candy, saving the rest for topping.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candy over each cookie and gently press it into the warm tops.
- Allow the cookies to 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 easier creaming and better texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker, chewier cookies.
- Crush peppermint candy finely for a better distribution and less large chunks.
- Don’t overbake; the cookies should stay soft in the center for the best mouthfeel.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and peppermint crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Store your peppermint bark cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the freezer in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. To refresh their softness, warm them in a microwave for 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt the peppermint candy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crushed candy canes instead of peppermint candy?
Yes, crushed candy canes work perfectly and provide that classic peppermint crunch. Just make sure they’re finely crushed so they adhere well to the cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check for any other gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make the cookies dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How should I package these cookies for gifting?
Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or festive tin. You can also wrap small stacks with ribbon for a charming presentation.