If you are craving a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cookie studded with the delightful crunch of peppermint candies and bursts of semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. Every element combines to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that are both nostalgic and exciting. These cookies not only taste incredible, but they also bring a beautiful splash of holiday cheer to any cookie tray or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe is a breeze, and each one contributes something special. From the richness of butter to the refreshing peppermint crunch, these components work in perfect harmony to deliver the best cookie experience.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, soft base and helps create tender cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and assists with browning for that perfect cookie color.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Introduces a deep, caramel-like flavor enhancing moistness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookie, providing a chewy center.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Infuses the dough with rich chocolate flavor and a hint of bitterness balance.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise slightly for an ideal texture.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Brings bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: Provides a festive crunch and refreshing peppermint taste.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking—this small prep step makes a big difference in stress-free baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step introduces air, giving your cookies a soft, tender crumb that’s impossible to resist.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The eggs help bind the dough and add moisture, while vanilla brings a captivating aroma that’s classic and comforting.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. This ensures even distribution so every bite is perfectly balanced between chocolatey and sweet with just the right lift.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps your cookies tender and chewy rather than tough.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint
Now for the magic! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. These create delightful pockets of chocolate and bursts of minty freshness that make every bite exciting and delicious.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread and bake evenly without sticking together.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This timing ensures a chewy, luscious texture that melts in your mouth, capturing the best of holiday indulgence.
Step 9: Cool Properly
Let the cookies cool for five minutes on the baking sheet to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and keeps the texture just right.
Step 10: Optional Chocolate Drizzle
For an extra festive flourish, melt some additional chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle a bit more crushed peppermint on top for that picture-perfect finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra crushed peppermint candies or a light dusting of powdered sugar can turn your cookies into holiday showstoppers. These little touches create a festive look while enhancing the peppermint’s crisp flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or even coffee. The richness of the cookie pairs beautifully with warm drinks, making any gathering feel indulgent and special during cold weather months.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these peppermint bark cookies on a holiday-themed platter or wrap them with festive ribbons for gift-giving. You can also layer them in a decorative tin with wax paper for a charming homemade holiday gift that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making them perfect for an extended holiday baking supply.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container once solid. This method preserves their texture and taste for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive a slightly firm cookie, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it briefly in the oven. This brings back that fresh-baked softness that makes these cookies so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute any ingredients in this Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference. For peppermint candies, crushed candy canes or peppermint baking chips work just as well.
How do I prevent the peppermint candies from melting too much?
Folding the crushed candies in gently at the end and baking at the right temperature keeps the peppermint from melting completely, so you retain that delightful crunch and festive color.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and be sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for safe substitution.
Is it better to use fresh peppermint candies or store-bought crushed ones?
Freshly crushed peppermint candies from candy canes often have a brighter flavor and crunch, but pre-crushed peppermint baking bits are a convenient, mess-free option that still taste great.
How should I adjust baking time if I make larger cookies?
If you make your cookies larger, increase the baking time by a few minutes, but watch closely to avoid overbaking. The centers should stay soft while the edges are set for that ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe is truly a must-try for anyone wanting to add a burst of festive flavor and fun to their holiday baking lineup. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends to spread holiday joy. So grab your ingredients, warm up your oven, and get ready to create cookies that will become an instant holiday classic!
Print
Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holidays. Rich with cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips, and enhanced by the refreshing crunch of crushed peppermint candies, these cookies offer a delightful blend of chocolatey sweetness and minty freshness. Easy to make, they bake to a perfect balance of soft centers and set edges, ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- a pinch of salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is well blended and smooth, ensuring the dough will be moist and flavorful.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa throughout the mixture.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint: Gently fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor.
- Portion Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, achieving a perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
- Optional Decoration: Melt additional chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle more crushed peppermint candies on top for an extra festive and flavorful touch.
Notes
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- To crush peppermint candies, place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin.
- For extra mint flavor, add a drop of peppermint extract to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies also freeze well; freeze the baked cookies or the dough for up to three months.
