Name: Peppermint Bark Cookies
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Dark Chocolate (Can substitute semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter taste.); 1 cup Flour (Use all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free.); 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder (Ensure it is unsweetened.); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Use room temperature for easier mixing.); 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (Dark brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor.); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Almond extract can be used for variation.); 1 large Egg (Flax egg can be used for vegan option.); 1 cup White Chocolate (Yogurt-covered wafers can be used for a lighter option.); 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil; 1/2 cup Candy Cane (Crushed peppermint or other flavored hard candies can be used.)

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As I lingered in my kitchen, the holiday spirit wafted through the air like an enchanting melody. That’s when I knew it was time to whip up a batch of my beloved Peppermint Bark Cookies. These festive treats combine the richness of dark chocolate with a creamy white chocolate coating, while crispy crushed candy canes add that perfect holiday crunch. Not only are they a delightful addition to your Christmas cookie platter, but they also come together in just 12 minutes—ideal for those busy days when you crave something sweet without the fuss. So, are you ready to indulge your senses and bring a touch of cheer to your festivities?

Why are Peppermint Bark Cookies a Must-Try?

Festive Flavors: These Peppermint Bark Cookies deliver a delightful combination of rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate layered with crunchy candy canes, encapsulating the essence of holiday spirit.

Quick to Make: Whip up a batch in just 12 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat or a fun activity for the whole family during the holiday rush.

Crowd-Pleaser: Their vibrant presentation and unique flavor profile make these cookies a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party.

Versatile Treat: You can customize them by using different types of chocolate or adding extra flavors, enhancing their appeal even further. Try mixing in milk chocolate for a sweeter treat or adding chopped nuts for a delightful crunch!

Perfect Gift: Pack them in decorative tins to share with friends and loved ones; they make thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone appreciates. These cookies are an excellent addition to any holiday dessert platter, complementing other favorites like Lemon Raspberry Cookies or Blueberry Cookies Soft.

Peppermint Bark Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
Dark Chocolate – Provides a rich cocoa flavor and moist texture; you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter taste.
Flour – Acts as the structure for the cookie; for gluten-free options, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
Cocoa Powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor; ensure it is unsweetened for the best results.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; remember to use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
Light Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a caramel-like sweetness; consider dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and aids in browning.
Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
Baking Powder – Provides additional leavening for a lighter texture.
Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic sweetness; almond extract can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together while providing moisture; use a flax egg for a vegan option.
For the Coating and Topping
White Chocolate – Drizzled on top to add sweetness and creamy texture; consider yogurt-covered wafers for a lighter option.
Coconut Oil – Mixed with white chocolate to achieve a smooth dipping consistency.
Candy Cane – Adds decoration and a delightful crunch; feel free to use crushed peppermint or any flavored hard candy for variety.

These Peppermint Bark Cookies are not just a holiday treat but a wonderful creation that everyone will adore!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Bark Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will ensure that your Peppermint Bark Cookies come out perfectly baked and ready for easy removal once cooled.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder until well combined. Then, stir in most of the chopped dark chocolate, leaving a small portion aside for topping later. This dry mixture forms the delicious base for your cookies, so ensure there are no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, baking soda, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients on medium speed for about five minutes, until the mixture looks light and fluffy—a sure sign of perfect cookie texture!

Step 4: Incorporate the Egg
Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and smooth. This crucial step helps bind the ingredients together, creating a rich dough for your Peppermint Bark Cookies that will hold its shape during baking, ensuring that soft and tender centers.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in the stand mixer on low speed until everything is fully combined. This is when the rich chocolate aroma will start filling your kitchen, hinting at the delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies to come!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out about two tablespoons of dough, rolling each into a ball. Slightly flatten each ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Don’t forget to press the reserved dark chocolate pieces into the top of each cookie for an extra burst of flavor!

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should look set while the centers remain soft. This is the perfect baking time to achieve that delightful chewy texture your Peppermint Bark Cookies are known for!

Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. This cooling step is vital as it helps the cookies firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they’re perfectly soft and chewy.

Step 9: Melt the White Chocolate
While the cookies cool, prepare the white chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate and coconut oil. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. This melted mixture will create a creamy and sweet topping for your Peppermint Bark Cookies.

Step 10: Dip and Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the top of each cookie into the melted white chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off, then immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. This final touch not only adds a festive crunch but also enhances the holiday spirit of your delightful Peppermint Bark Cookies!

What to Serve with Peppermint Bark Cookies

As the holiday warmth surrounds you, these delightful cookies become an inviting centerpiece in a heartwarming spread.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety cup enhances the chocolatey goodness, creating a cozy and indulgent pairing.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture complements the warm cookies, offering a delightful contrast that everyone will love. It’s a wonderful way to create a memorable dessert experience.
Peppermint Tea: This refreshing herbal option beautifully echoes the minty flavor of the cookies, adding a soothing element to your festive gathering.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warmth of spiced cider pairs perfectly with the cookies, inviting a festive aroma and a seasonal touch to your table.
Gingerbread Cookies: These spiced delights provide a flavorful contrast, balancing the sweet mintiness of the Peppermint Bark Cookies with their cozy spices.
Cheesecake Bites: Miniature cheesecakes add a luscious creaminess to your dessert platter, offering a delightful bite that contrasts beautifully with the crispy candy cane topping.
Festive Fruit Plate: Fresh fruits, like pomegranate seeds and oranges, lend vibrant flavors that lighten up the rich cookies, making your dessert spread visually appealing and refreshing.
Sparkling Water: A crisp, bubbly drink cleanses the palate and adds a festive flair to your gathering without overshadowing the cookies.
Buttery Shortbread: The rich, buttery flavor of shortbread enhances the cookie experience, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that’s simply irresistible.

Expert Tips for Peppermint Bark Cookies

Measure Accurately: Weighing ingredients ensures consistent results. A kitchen scale helps with the right cookie texture every time.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing; this helps create a light and fluffy batter for your Peppermint Bark Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, while gentle mixing maintains their tender texture.
Spacing Matters: When placing cookie dough on the baking sheet, keep two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking, ensuring even cookies without merging.
Cooling Time: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for at least 10 minutes. This allows them to set and develop a chewy center, making each bite delightful!
Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your Peppermint Bark Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days!

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Bark Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Additionally, the cookies can be baked and cooled, then stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you prefer to freeze them, place the baked cookies in a single layer and cover tightly for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, dip in melted white chocolate, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes right before serving. This way, your Peppermint Bark Cookies remain just as delicious and festive while saving you time during the busy holiday season!

Peppermint Bark Cookies: Creative Twists

Feel free to get playful with these Peppermint Bark Cookies, enhancing their deliciousness with these exciting variations!

Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of mint extract to the dough for an extra burst of mint flavor. The result will be a refreshing cookie that’s a holiday standout!
Milk Chocolate Dipping: Use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for dipping. This sweeter option creates a delightful contrast and caters to those with a sweet tooth.
Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. The toasted flavor of the nuts pairs beautifully with the chocolate and mint.
Fruit Twist: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity contrast. The tartness adds a lovely balance to the rich chocolate and mint flavors.
Dark & White Marble: Dip half of each cookie in dark chocolate and the other half in white. This marbled effect is not only visually appealing but also layers the flavors beautifully!
Spicy Kick: For those who like some heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough. It provides a unique spicy twist that complements the sweetness.
Fun Sprinkles: Instead of crushed candy canes, top with colorful festive sprinkles. This makes for a cheerful presentation, perfect for kids’ parties!
Cookie Sandwich: Make them into a cookie sandwich by adding a peppermint frosting layer between two cookies. It’s a delightful way to indulge your senses!

Feel enriched by the season’s cheer, and savor these customizations as a joyful expression of your holiday spirit. If you’re planning to whip up more festive treats, consider checking out Chocolate Chip Cookies or Orange Creamsicle Cookies.

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Bark Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.

Fridge: If you prefer a cooler treat, store in the fridge for up to a week, but do allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying to fully appreciate the flavors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.

Reheating: If you’ve frozen baked cookies, thaw them at room temperature. To warm them slightly, microwave for about 10-15 seconds; this will bring back that just-baked softness.

Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate is best for these cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using dark chocolate for its rich flavor and moist texture. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, semi-sweet chocolate is a great alternative. Just ensure you’re using the best quality you can find for the most delightful results!

How should I store Penppermint Bark Cookies for maximum freshness?
For maximum freshness, store your Peppermint Bark Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days. If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can refrigerate them for about a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying to truly appreciate their flavors.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
The more the merrier! Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Simply scoop the dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer the cookie balls to a zip-top bag. Your dough can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly from the freezer into the oven for fresh-baked cookies anytime!

What if my Peppermint Bark Cookies spread too much during baking?
Very! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm ingredients or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is at room temperature and not melted, and try chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape better.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version of these Peppermint Bark Cookies, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. They’ll still be just as delicious, and your gluten-sensitive friends can indulge too!

Are there any allergies I should consider when making these cookies?
Of course! Be cautious about potential allergies: ensure that your ingredients, especially chocolate and cookies, are free from nuts, dairy, or gluten if necessary. For vegan options, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Always check labels to accommodate your guests’ dietary needs!