Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat that combines the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist. Topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes, these bars are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easier than rolling and cutting traditional sugar cookies.
• Perfectly festive with a pop of peppermint flavor.
• A great make-ahead dessert for the holidays.
• Customizable with your favorite toppings or frosting colors.
• A crowd-pleaser that’s great for sharing!

Ingredients

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

For the Cookie Bars:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract

For the Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream or milk
• Peppermint extract
• Food coloring (optional, red or green for a festive touch)
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

For the Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Press Dough into Pan:
   Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

For the Frosting

1. Prepare the Frosting:
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, and peppermint extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
2. Frost the Bars:
   Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
3. Garnish:
   Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies on top for a festive finish.
4. Cut and Serve:
   Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Festive: Use red and green sprinkles along with crushed candy canes for decoration.
• Lemon Twist: Add a touch of lemon extract to the frosting for a tangy contrast.
• Thin Mint-Inspired: Add cocoa powder to the dough and use a mint-flavored frosting.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw, frost, and garnish before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or in two separate pans.

2. How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

Avoid overbaking and keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.

3. Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting works as a quick alternative, but homemade frosting adds a special touch.

4. What type of peppermint candies work best?

Crushed candy canes or peppermint discs are ideal for garnish.

5. Can I make these bars without peppermint?

Absolutely! Skip the peppermint extract and use just vanilla for classic sugar cookie bars.

6. How do I evenly frost the bars?

Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the frosting smoothly.

7. Can I add sprinkles to the dough?

Yes, mix festive sprinkles into the dough for an extra pop of color.

8. What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them into small pieces.

9. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, omit the added salt in the recipe if using salted butter.

10. How do I cut the bars neatly?

Chill the bars for 10-15 minutes after frosting to firm them up, then use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Conclusion

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their buttery base, creamy frosting, and crunchy candy cane topping, these bars are a hit with kids and adults alike. Customize them to your liking and enjoy a delicious treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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