Name: Peppermint Bark Cookies that Melt in Your Mouth This Christmas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 164 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Room temperature); 1 cup Confectioners' Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/4 teaspoon Table Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Oil (Or peppermint extract); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed); 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (Sifted); 1 cup Bittersweet Chocolate Wafers (Chopped bar chocolate can be used); 1 cup White Chocolate (Can be swapped with more bittersweet chocolate); 1/2 cup Crushed Hard Peppermint Candies (Use all-natural peppermint)

The air is filled with a delightful, familiar scent as I pull a tray of Peppermint Bark Cookies from the oven, instantly transporting me to those joyous holiday gatherings. These cookies are not just any treat; they’re a cozy reminder of the festive season. The combination of rich chocolate and crisp peppermint provides a refreshing twist, and what’s even better? They’re a simple slice-and-bake creation that doesn’t require elaborate preparation. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your holiday celebrations or whenever you crave something special. Curious about how to whip up this deliciousness and perhaps explore some fun variations? Let’s dive into this merry recipe together!

Why Are Peppermint Bark Cookies a Must?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor burst that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Simple Preparation: The slice-and-bake method makes this recipe perfect for busy holiday bakers. Just shape, chill, and bake—it’s that easy!

Festive Appeal: These delightful cookies not only taste great but also make for stunning holiday treats, perfect for gifting or sharing at parties.

Versatile Options: Want to mix things up? Try variations like swapping out peppermint for orange zest for a fresh twist.

Crowd Favorite: Whether you serve them at festive gatherings or enjoy them with a warm cup of hot chocolate, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.

You might also love these Bakery Style Cookies or our delectable Peppermint Cookies for more seasonal delights!

Peppermint Bark Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use room temperature butter for easy mixing.
Confectioners’ Sugar – Adds sweetness and lightness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth.
Table Salt – Balances sweetness and highlights the chocolate flavors.
Peppermint Oil – Infuses the cookies with a strong, refreshing mint flavor; substitute with peppermint extract if needed.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; substitute with gluten-free measure-for-measure flour for a gluten-free version.
Cocoa Powder – Adds deep chocolate flavor and color; ensure it’s sifted for smooth incorporation.

For the Chocolate Coating

Bittersweet Chocolate Wafers – Contributes texture and chocolate flavor; chopped bar chocolate can be used for neater cookies.
White Chocolate – Provides creaminess and visual appeal; can be swapped with more bittersweet chocolate if preferred.

For the Topping

Crushed Hard Peppermint Candies – Adds crunchy bits of festive flavor; for best results, use all-natural peppermint.

Embrace the joy of baking with these Peppermint Bark Cookies and experience a delightful treat that will warm your heart this Christmas!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Bark Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter, 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of table salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint oil. Mix until combined, which should take about 30 seconds. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, inviting the rich flavors of the peppermint bark to come alive in the dough.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, ensuring there are no lumps. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a homogenous dough forms—this should take about 30 seconds. The texture will be soft and slightly sticky, ready to embrace the delightful additions to come.

Step 3: Mix in Chocolate and Peppermint
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped bittersweet chocolate wafers and 1/2 cup of crushed hard peppermint candies using a spatula. Mix for about 10 seconds until the chocolate and peppermint are evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating that signature Peppermint Bark Cookies look that will make your holiday gatherings sparkle with flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Shape it into a log approximately 1.5 inches wide and 11 inches long, using the parchment to help you create a tight roll. Wrap the log securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 4 days. Chilling the dough will enhance the flavors and make cutting easier when you’re ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place these slices on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between each cookie. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the cookies are puffed and set. You’ll know they’re ready when they spring back slightly when touched.

Step 6: Cool Completely
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as freshly baked Peppermint Bark Cookies can be fragile. Once they are slightly firm, transfer the cookies to an airtight container to cool completely. This will preserve their delightful texture until they’re ready for sharing or enjoying on those cozy holiday evenings.

Peppermint Bark Cookies: Creative Twists

Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful variations to personalize your Peppermint Bark Cookies!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free measure-for-measure flour to enjoy a delicious treat without the gluten.
Orange Zest: Replace peppermint oil with fresh orange zest for a refreshing chocolate-orange twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of bittersweet for a richer, more decadent flavor profile—ideal for true chocolate lovers!
Toffee Crunch: Substitute crushed peppermint candies with toffee bits for a sweet, crunchy surprise that adds a delightful depth of flavor.
Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy element that perfectly contrasts the cold peppermint.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips alongside the crushed peppermint for a delightful texture and extra bursts of chocolate.
Holiday Sprinkles: Top the cookies with festive holiday sprinkles before baking for a fun, vibrant presentation that captures the essence of the season.

Looking for more cookie inspiration? You might want to check out these delightful Bakery Style Cookies or our delightful Chocolate Chip Cookies for more ways to spread joy this holiday season!

Expert Tips for Peppermint Bark Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that your unsalted butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing; cold butter will lead to a crumbly dough.
Use a Serrated Knife: When slicing the chilled dough, opt for a serrated knife. This prevents crumbling and allows you to achieve perfect, even cookies.
Bake in Batches: If you’ve made a large batch, bake in smaller batches for even cooking. This helps maintain the cozy texture of your Peppermint Bark Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: After folding in the chocolate and peppermint, gently mix to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Cool on Sheets: Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheets before transferring them to an airtight container. This step is crucial to maintain their delicate structure.

Storage Tips for Peppermint Bark Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, place the cookies in the fridge; they can stay fresh for up to 10 days. Make sure they are sealed well to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cookie log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.
Reheating: If you want warm cookies, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Enjoy your delightful Peppermint Bark Cookies fresh from the oven!

Make Ahead Options

Peppermint Bark Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 4 days to enhance the flavors while making slicing easier. Simply follow the first three steps of the recipe, shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped dough for up to one month; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies, slice, bake, and cool completely for treats just as delightful as fresh!

What to Serve with Peppermint Bark Cookies

As the holiday spirit fills your home, pairing these festive cookies with delightful accompaniments will create a memorable experience for everyone.

Hot Chocolate: The ultimate winter beverage that warms the soul, its rich creaminess perfectly enhances the minty freshness of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla is the ideal companion, offering a contrasting temperature and smoothness to the cookie’s crunchy texture.
Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic blend of spices complements the minty notes beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor profile for your cozy gatherings.
Peppermint Mocha: For coffee lovers, this drink brings together peppermint and chocolate, mirroring the flavors in the cookies while giving you a festive caffeine boost!
Christmas Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate and oranges balances the sweetness, adding a fresh crunch to your dessert spread.
Cranberry Sauce: This tangy accompaniment is a surprising yet delightful pairing, cutting through the richness of the cookies and enhancing their festive flair.

For the perfect holiday spread, enjoy your Peppermint Bark Cookies with these delightful options!

Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right peppermint oil?
Absolutely! When selecting peppermint oil, look for food-grade, pure peppermint oil without additives. The quality can greatly impact the flavor of your cookies. If you’re sensitive to the intensity, peppermint extract is a fantastic alternative, offering a milder taste.

How should I store leftover Peppermint Bark Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresh, be sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking. For even longer storage, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container, where they’ll last up to 10 days.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze your Peppermint Bark cookie dough! Wrap the shaped log tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can stay fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking as directed.

What if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If your dough seems crumbly, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix! You can add a tablespoon of milk or water and knead the dough gently until it comes together. Be sure to handle it minimally to maintain the cookie’s lovely texture. Additionally, ensure your butter was at room temperature for easier mixing.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Of course! To make these Peppermint Bark Cookies gluten-free, swap regular all-purpose flour with a measure-for-measure gluten-free blend. Always check labels on any candies used to ensure they meet dietary needs. Plus, keep in mind that peppermint can be a strong allergen for some pets, so it’s best to keep these cookies out of their reach.

Can I modify the sweetness of the cookies?
Very! If you prefer a less sweet cookie, feel free to reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar by 1/4 cup. The combination of dark and white chocolate already adds a wonderful flavor, so dialing back the sugar will still yield delicious results!