Peppermint Gooey Bars

Peppermint Gooey Bars are a festive and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season. These soft, chewy bars combine a buttery base with sweet white chocolate, crushed candy canes, and a gooey, peppermint-infused center. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dessert that’s sure to be a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive & Fun: Perfect for Christmas parties and cookie exchanges.
• Soft & Gooey: Every bite is chewy, rich, and full of peppermint flavor.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or extra peppermint for variety.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well for holiday gifting or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Butter (melted)
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• White chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir in eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
4. Fold in Mix-Ins: Stir in white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly gooey.
6. Cool & Serve: Let the bars cool before slicing into squares. Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top for decoration.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Swap white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate.
• Extra Gooey: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars after baking.
• Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.
• Mint Chocolate: Use chocolate chips and a touch of cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
• Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Microwave for a few seconds to restore the gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes! Milk or dark chocolate chips work just as well.

How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

Avoid overbaking—take them out when the center is slightly soft.

Can I use peppermint bark instead of candy canes?

Absolutely! Peppermint bark adds extra chocolatey goodness.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is necessary—these bars bake up perfectly as is.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Will the candy canes melt into the batter?

Some will dissolve, adding peppermint flavor, while others stay crunchy for texture.

Can I make these without peppermint extract?

Yes, but the peppermint flavor will be milder—add extra crushed candy canes instead.

How do I get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely before cutting with a sharp knife.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They store well, making them perfect for holiday prep.

Are these bars overly sweet?

They are rich and sweet, but you can balance them by reducing the sugar slightly or using dark chocolate.

Conclusion

Peppermint Gooey Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert—soft, chewy, and bursting with festive peppermint flavor. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party, a homemade gift, or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these bars are sure to impress. Try them warm for an extra gooey treat!

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