There is something truly magical about the Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe that brings the festive spirit right into your kitchen any day of the year. These bars combine a buttery, golden cookie base with the rich melt of semi-sweet chocolate and the refreshing zing of crushed peppermint candies, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat with a cool twist, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your most cherished favorites. It’s simple to make, irresistibly festive, and wonderfully festive in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color. From the buttery richness of softened butter to the satisfying crunch of peppermint candy, these staples combine seamlessly into a show-stopping treat.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives these bars structure and a soft yet sturdy crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect golden crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter: Brings a rich, tender texture and moistness to the bars.
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature: Binds the dough and adds to the smooth richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a warm, aromatic depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide luscious melted pockets of chocolate that complement the peppermint.
- Handful of crushed peppermint candies, holiday M&Ms, and candy canes: Gives a festive pop of color and a cool, crunchy peppermint punch.
How to Make Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 by 9-inch metal pan and line it with parchment paper; this makes lifting out the bars easy once baked and cooled. Having your pan ready sets you up perfectly for the next steps in this delightful recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour mixture. In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—that’s the secret to a tender crumb. Next, beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, combining everything smoothly. Gradually add the dry flour mixture, mixing little by little until the dough just begins to come together. It will still be somewhat crumbly but cohesive.
Step 3: Shape the Dough in the Pan
Transfer your crumbly dough to the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to pat it down firmly until it forms a flat, uniform layer. Then, gently poke holes all over the surface with a fork. This step allows the heat to penetrate fully and helps the cookie layer bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake and Add Chocolate Topping
Bake the cookie base for 25 to 26 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crust looks set. When you remove the pan from the oven, immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly across the top. Return the pan to the oven for about one minute—just long enough to let the chocolate chips soften and start melting, but not completely lose their shape. Then away from the heat, spread the melted chocolate gently over the cookie base using a spatula for a smooth, glossy layer.
Step 5: Add Peppermint Crunch and Cool
Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies, holiday M&Ms, and broken candy canes over the melted chocolate layer while it is still warm. The contrast of colors and textures makes these bars irresistibly inviting. Allow the bars to cool completely, letting the chocolate set firmly before slicing into your desired-sized squares or rectangles.
How to Serve Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To up the presentation game, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate over the bars just before serving. A few small peppermint leaves or even a whole candy cane on the side give a charming holiday vibe perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Side Dishes
These peppermint cookie bars go beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa or peppermint-flavored coffee for a comforting holiday dessert combo that feels like a warm hug.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine needles for a rustic, stylish look. Alternatively, wrap individual bars in decorative cellophane and tie with a ribbon to make delightful homemade gifts everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover peppermint cookie bars will keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps preserve both the crispness of the cookie base and the chocolate topping, so every bite stays fresh and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To regain that freshly-baked aroma, warm your peppermint cookie bars gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This will soften the chocolate topping and revive the buttery cookie base without losing any of that bright peppermint crunch.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate provides a richer, slightly more intense flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peppermint. Feel free to swap it in for a deeper chocolate experience.
What can I substitute if I don’t have peppermint candies?
If peppermint candies are unavailable, crushed candy canes or even mint chocolate pieces work great. You can also use peppermint extract in the dough for a mintier kick if you prefer a softer crunch.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum to help maintain the texture that gluten normally provides.
How thick should I make the cookie base in the pan?
A thickness of about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch is ideal for these bars. This ensures they bake evenly and have a satisfying bite that holds up well under the chocolate and peppermint topping.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! You can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Just adjust the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on the golden crust to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that perfectly blends cozy, holiday flavors with simple ingredients, you’ve got to try the Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and trust me, baking these bars will quickly become one of your happiest kitchen memories. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every joyful bite of this lovely creation!
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Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 31 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peppermint Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a buttery, crumbly cookie base topped with melted semi-sweet chocolate and crushed peppermint candies, these bars combine rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a great dessert or snack to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Handful of crushed peppermint candies, holiday M&Ms, and a couple of crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 13×9 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper. Set it aside to get ready for the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of the salt in the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the base for a tender texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined, enriching the dough with flavor and binding it together.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the flour and salt mixture in small portions to the wet ingredients, mixing just until it starts coming together and forms a crumbly dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the crumbly dough into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and patting it down firmly with your hands or a spatula. Poke holes all over the surface using a fork to allow even baking.
- Bake Cookie Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-26 minutes or until the cookie base is golden brown around the edges.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Melt: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm cookie base. Return the pan to the oven for about 1 minute to soften the chocolate chips.
- Spread Melted Chocolate and Top: Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cookie layer. Then sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies, holiday M&Ms, and candy canes generously on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely until the chocolate topping sets firm. Once set, cut into desired shapes and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Poking holes in the dough before baking helps prevent bubbles and ensures even cooking.
- You can substitute crushed peppermint candies with any holiday-themed candy or nuts for variation.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough.
