Name: Delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies for the Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional); 1 cup melted chocolate (for dipping or drizzling); 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Peppermint Bark Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that brings the joy of the holiday season into a delicious, chewy cookie form. These cookies are packed with rich chocolate and topped with a vibrant layer of melted chocolate and crushed candy canes, offering a perfect blend of flavors that remind us of the classic peppermint bark. Ideal for sharing with friends and family, they also make for wonderful gifts during the holidays. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Bark Cookies

These Peppermint Bark Cookies are not only delicious but have a variety of qualities that make them a must-try:

They are soft and chewy, giving that perfect cookie texture.
Simple to make, they require basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
They offer a festive appearance, perfect for holiday presentations.
These cookies are versatile and can be part of various holiday peppermint cookie recipes.
They can be made ahead of time and stored for gatherings.
Great for gifting, they are sure to impress anyone who receives them!

Additionally, these cookies fit within the Vegetarian diet and are a classic American dessert, making them a delightful addition to any holiday table.

Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Cookies

Gather these items:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
1 cup melted chocolate (for dipping or drizzling)
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Step 2: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.
Step 3: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Step 5: Stir in chocolate chips and peppermint extract if using.
Step 6: Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Step 7: Let cookies cool fully before decorating.
Step 8: Melt chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Step 9: Dip or drizzle cookies with melted chocolate.
Step 10: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over chocolate before it sets.

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Bark Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste for a more intense flavor.
These cookies are excellent for gifting during the holiday season, so consider making extra!
Ensure the cookies are completely cool before decorating to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Bark Cookies

These cookies shine when served alongside:

Hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat.
As part of a holiday cookie platter featuring other festive peppermint cookie recipes.
With ice cream for a delightful dessert pairing.

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Bark Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Bark Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Bark Cookies?

The secret lies in not overmixing the dough. Combine just until the ingredients are incorporated for a soft and chewy texture. Using high-quality chocolate also enhances the flavor significantly.

Can I make Peppermint Bark Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve, or bake them and store in an airtight container.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Bark Cookies?

Common mistakes include overbaking and not letting the cookies cool before decorating. Ensure you monitor the baking time closely and allow them to cool to maintain their soft texture.

Variations of Peppermint Bark Cookies You Can Try

There are many fun variations you can try:

For a twist, make Peppermint Bark Biscotti by baking longer and slicing the cookies.
Try adding white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
Create no-bake peppermint bark cookies using crushed cookies and chocolate.
Incorporate other mint-flavored candies for a minty chocolate cookie experience.

With these variations, you can personalize your cookie experience while retaining that classic holiday flavor!

Delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies for the Holidays - Peppermint Bark Cookies - main visual representation

For more festive recipes, check out our holiday cookie platter ideas!

Delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies for the Holidays - Peppermint Bark Cookies - additional detail

These cookies are perfect for gifting during the holiday season!

For more tips on storing cookies, visit our guide!