There’s something truly magical about baking during the holiday season. The air fills with sweet aromas, and suddenly, everything feels warm and cozy. I remember the first time I made peppermint bark cookies with my grandmother. We’d gather in her kitchen, the soft glow of fairy lights twinkling as we mixed the ingredients together. I can still hear her laughter as we crushed the peppermint candies, the sound of joy that always accompanied our baking sessions. Those cookies weren’t just treats; they were little bites of happiness, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Peppermint bark cookies bring a delightful crunch and a burst of minty flavor, making them the perfect festive treat. They’re easy to whip up and always a hit at holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel that warmth and cheer fill your heart. Let’s dive into making these delicious cookies together!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful peppermint bark cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. I’ve laid them out clearly so you can gather everything before you start. It makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps give the cookies a nice texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a bit of depth to the flavor.
- 2 large eggs: These will help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that lovely, warm flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This gives the cookies their structure. Make sure to measure it accurately!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise for that perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies: You can crush them to your desired size – just be careful, they can be a bit sharp if you’re not cautious!
- 2 cups white chocolate chips: Feel free to use milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to baking some scrumptious cookies that will make your home smell wonderful! If you have any dietary restrictions, don’t worry; I’ll share some substitutions in the next section. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Peppermint Bark Cookies
Now that you have all your ingredients gathered, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon have a delightful batch of peppermint bark cookies ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for even baking!
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to look light and fluffy!
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Crack in the two large eggs and add the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure your cookies rise perfectly!
- Mix the dry into the wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – we want soft cookies!
- Fold in the goodies: Carefully fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips with a spatula. This is where the fun begins!
- Drop the dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers should still look a bit soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their shape!
Tips for Success
To get the best results, make sure your butter is truly softened. This means it should yield to a gentle touch but not be melted. When creaming the butter and sugars, take your time – this creates air pockets that help your cookies rise beautifully. Also, remember to let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a bit; this will help them firm up and make them easier to move without breaking. Enjoy the process, and don’t rush it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These peppermint bark cookies are not just delicious; they’re a festive delight that can brighten any holiday gathering. Here’s why you’ll love making them:
- Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and white chocolate creates a refreshing, seasonal taste that everyone adores.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them in a cute tin or box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
- Perfect for Sharing: They’re an instant hit at parties, bringing joy and cheer to everyone who takes a bite!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to making peppermint bark cookies, I love to offer options for everyone’s needs. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many of these blends work wonderfully in cookie recipes, so don’t hesitate to try it!
If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can easily use milk or dark chocolate chips instead. They’ll provide a different, but equally delicious flavor. For those who prefer a bit less sweetness, dark chocolate can be a great choice, adding a nice contrast to the minty freshness.
Also, feel free to adjust the amount of crushed peppermint candies based on your taste. If you’d like a milder mint flavor, just use less, or if you want to go all out, add more! Enjoy experimenting with these substitutions to make the recipe your own!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your peppermint bark cookies can help you enjoy them even more! Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, making them a sweet treat that’s indulgent yet manageable. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Sugar: 10g – Sweetness from both the sugars and crushed peppermint.
- Fat: 7g – Primarily from the butter, contributing to that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Saturated Fat: 4g – A typical amount for cookies, adding richness.
- Protein: 1g – A little boost thanks to the eggs.
- Carbohydrates: 20g – The bulk comes from the flour and sugars.
These cookies are a delightful indulgence during the holidays, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee!
FAQ Section
Q1. How should I store my peppermint bark cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing.
Q2. Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for white chocolate chips, feel free to substitute them with milk or dark chocolate chips. Each will give your cookies a unique twist!
Q3. What if I don’t have peppermint candies?
If you don’t have crushed peppermint candies, you can use peppermint extract instead. Just add about a teaspoon to the dough for that refreshing minty flavor without the crunch.
Q4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work beautifully in cookie recipes!
Q5. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a more balanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These peppermint bark cookies are not only delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and treats! Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience:
- Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats the classic combination of warm, rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or marshmallows alongside a couple of these cookies.
- Eggnog: For a festive touch, serve your cookies with a glass of traditional eggnog. The creamy flavors complement the minty crunch perfectly!
- Tea: A cozy cup of peppermint or chai tea can balance the sweetness of the cookies while enhancing their festive spirit.
- Holiday Platters: Add them to a cookie platter with other holiday favorites like gingerbread or sugar cookies for a delightful assortment.
Whichever way you choose to enjoy your peppermint bark cookies, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
For more information on the health benefits of peppermint, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Peppermint Bark Cookies: 7 Comforting Bites for the Holidays
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint bark cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dark chocolate chips can substitute for white chocolate.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint candies to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peppermint bark cookies, holiday cookies, dessert recipe
