Imagine biting into a cookie that’s like a festive hug for your taste buds. Peppermint Bark Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, crunchy peppermint, and a hint of nostalgia. festive cranberry cheesecake fluff They capture the essence of holiday cheer, making you feel like a kid again, eagerly waiting for Santa while inhaling the sweet aroma wafting from the kitchen.
These delightful treats are not just for Christmas parties; they’re perfect year-round when you need a little pick-me-up or want to impress friends. Picture sharing these cookies at gatherings, and everyone’s eyes light up with joy as they savor each delicious bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Peppermint Bark Cookies are super easy to whip up, even for baking novices
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of chocolate and mint that will have everyone coming back for more
- Visually stunning with their festive colors, they are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Great for any occasion, these cookies make wonderful gifts or party favors
I remember baking these Peppermint Bark Cookies one Christmas Eve, and my family couldn’t get enough of them. The laughter and smiles made it unforgettable!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple in baking, choose unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to balance sweetness with rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder: This ensures your cookies rise beautifully and have that soft center.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for more control over the saltiness in your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that chewy texture we all love.
- Brown Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for moisture and depth of flavor in your cookies.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best to bind everything together perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile wonderfully.
- Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way; it brings that refreshing minty kick!
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips complement the mint perfectly; choose based on your preference.
- Candy Canes: Crush them to sprinkle on top; their crunch adds texture and festive flair!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. pumpkin dinner rolls recipe. quick and easy cinnamon rolls.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather all your ingredients. This sets the stage for baking success!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined—about 30 seconds should do it.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—you’re looking for light and fluffy!
Add Eggs and Extracts: Mix in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla and peppermint extracts. Beat until combined; it should smell heavenly by now.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
Add Chocolate Chips & Candy Canes: Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop & Bake Cookies : Drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft—trust me; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Now you have an incredible batch of Peppermint Bark Cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself)! Enjoy each bite filled with laughter and holiday spirit! holiday ham glaze.
You Must Know
- Peppermint Bark Cookies are a festive treat that blends rich chocolate and cool peppermint
- They make perfect holiday gifts or dessert table additions, with their delightful crunch and refreshing flavor
- Remember, the smell of baking cookies is half the fun!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, melt your chocolate carefully, allowing it to cool slightly before mixing in crushed peppermint. This ensures a smooth texture and prevents burning.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate layers. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your peppermint bark cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For best freshness, consume them within one week.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure top-notch peppermint bark cookies, always use high-quality chocolate for better melting and taste
- Avoid overheating the chocolate; it should be just glossy and smooth
- Lastly, chop your peppermint candies finely for an even distribution without overwhelming crunchiness
Creating these cookies reminds me of joyous holiday baking sessions with my grandmother, who always insisted on sneaking extra peppermint pieces into our dough. For more inspiration, check out this banana bread cookies recipe.
FAQ
What kind of chocolate is best for Peppermint Bark Cookies?
For more inspiration, check out this peanut butter brownies recipe.
Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for rich flavor in your cookies.
Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Try orange zest or almond extract for different festive flavors.
How do I prevent my cookies from being too soft?
Ensure your cookie dough is chilled before baking to maintain shape and texture.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive joy of Peppermint Bark Cookies, where rich chocolate meets refreshing peppermint for a nostalgic treat. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family. With their vibrant colors and delightful flavor, they embody the spirit of celebration while adding a touch of sweetness to your gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes gently.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set; cool on the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Experiment with dark or white chocolate for different flavors. For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or additional crushed candy canes on top before baking.