Peppermint bark cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the cool flavor of peppermint with creamy white and dark chocolate for a delightfully festive experience. These cookies capture the magic of peppermint bark—one of the season’s most popular sweets—in a fun, portable cookie form. In this post, we’ll dive into the history of peppermint bark, a treat beloved by chocolate lovers everywhere, and share a recipe for making peppermint bark cookies that are perfect for Christmas gatherings and holiday gifts.
Typically, peppermint bark consists of a layer of dark or milk chocolate, a layer of white chocolate, and a sprinkling of crushed peppermint candies. The contrast of smooth chocolate and crunchy peppermint pieces creates a taste and texture that’s both nostalgic and festive. Today, peppermint bark has become synonymous with the holiday season, inspiring countless recipes, including the delicious peppermint bark cookies that combine all these flavors in a soft, chewy form.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 3/4 tsp pure mint extract
- 5 candy canes, crushed
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Use Peppermint Extract Sparingly – A little peppermint extract goes a long way! If you want a milder flavor, start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more as desired.
- Press in Peppermint Candies After Baking – For a prettier finish, sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top of each cookie just as they come out of the oven. This ensures a vibrant, festive look.
- Chill the Dough for Best Results – Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading, resulting in soft, chewy centers.
Recipe Instructions
- Place the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat at medium speed with a handheld mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until pale and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg and vanilla, reduce speed to low, and beat to incorporate.
- Place the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. With the handheld mixer running on low speed, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and beat until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough into two balls and dust a work surface with cocoa powder. Roll the pieces of dough out to ¼-inch thick, place them between pieces of parchment paper, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut the dough into circles and place them on the baking sheets.
- Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Place the white chocolate chips and oil in a microwave- safe bowl and microwave on medium until melted and smooth, removing to stir every 15 seconds. Remove and stir in the mint extract. Working with one cookie at a time, drop it into the white chocolate mixture and turn to coat it all over. Remove the coated cookies and place them on pieces of waxed paper. Sprinkle some of the crushed candy canes on top and let the chocolate set before serving.
Why We Love Peppermint Bark Cookies for the Holidays
Peppermint bark cookies are the perfect treat to embody the spirit of the holidays. The blend of rich chocolate and cool peppermint captures the magic of the season in each bite, and the crushed candy cane topping adds a festive crunch. These cookies look beautiful on a Christmas dessert table and make wonderful homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, and teachers. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and bring a delightful holiday touch to any occasion.
Peppermint bark cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the season, combining the flavors of a beloved holiday classic into a cookie form that’s as tasty as it is festive. Try this recipe to add a touch of Christmas cheer to your baking, and enjoy the sweet combination of chocolate and peppermint that makes these cookies a holiday must-have. Happy baking and happy holidays!
For more recipes like this, be sure to check out The Christmas Cookie Cookbook with over 100 recipes to celebrate the season. Whether you are creating memories while baking with your children or grandchildren or looking to bake the best cookies for the cookie swap, The Christmas Cookie Cookbook guide to all things Christmas cookies and is sure to bring a hint of sweetness to your holiday celebration.
