Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! If you’re anything like me, the holiday season isn’t just about twinkling lights and cozy nights; it’s also about indulging in some scrumptious sweets that warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to share my Peppermint Bark Cookies recipe with you.
These cookies remind me of the magical holiday gatherings with family and friends, where the aroma of warm, baked goodies filled the air. Picture this: soft, chocolatey cookies studded with white chocolate chips and a delightful crunch from crushed candy canes, all drizzled with even more white chocolate. I swear, every bite pulls me right back into those cherished festive memories. So, let’s get to baking and spread some more of that joy!
What’s in Peppermint Bark Cookies?
– Unsalted Butter: The butter brings richness and moisture to the cookies. I always opt for unsalted to better control the overall saltiness.
– Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: This killer combo keeps the cookies sweet and adds a delightful chewiness. Light or dark brown sugar will work, depending on your preference!
– Large Eggs: These help bind everything together, ensuring that our cookies are nice and fluffy.
– Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients—a total must-have!
– All-purpose Flour: Forms the base of our cookie dough. It gives structure and softness to the cookies.
– Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that rich chocolate flavor, of course! It’s what makes these cookies feel indulgent.
– Baking Soda: A leavening agent that ensures our cookies rise perfectly while baking.
– Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making the cookies taste salty!
– White Chocolate Chips: These melt in your mouth and provide a lovely contrast to the cocoa. I use good quality chips for the best flavor.
– Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes: The star of the show! These give our cookies that signature holiday flavor and a delightful crunch.
– Additional Crushed Candy Canes: For that glamorous, candy-like finish that looks as festive as it tastes!
Is Peppermint Bark Cookies Good for You?
Alright, let’s have a little chat about health. Now, while Peppermint Bark Cookies aren’t exactly a health food—after all, it’s cookie time!—they do offer some fun perks.
Candy Canes: They do have some peppermint oil, which can be soothing for your stomach. Plus, the season is all about joy, and indulging a little here and there can certainly uplift your spirits, right?
Of course, if you’re counting calories or sugar, just keep in mind that these cookies are a treat to savor, not necessarily a daily snack. Balance is key!
Ingredients
This recipe yields about 24 cookies:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
– Additional crushed candy canes for garnish
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up—thank me later!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential for a nice texture!
3. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in that inviting vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. You want everything well combined here.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overdo it!
6. Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy canes. This is the fun part—getting that festive crunch in there!
7. Spread the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, smoothing it out into an even layer.
8. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes or until the edges are firm and the center is set. The chocolatey aroma will drive you wild!
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely in the pan (patience is a virtue!).
10. Melt some additional white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookie. Sprinkle on more crushed peppermint for that festive pop!
11. Let the chocolate harden before cutting the cookie into squares.
Festive Tips for Peppermint Bark Cookies
– These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!
– For a charming presentation, wrap them in holiday-themed packaging or place them in a decorative tin. Treat your friends and family to a lovely homemade gift!
– You can also experiment with different types of chips, like dark chocolate or even peanut butter chips, if you’re feeling adventurous.
I hope you give these Peppermint Bark Cookies a try this season! I can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed them, what additions you made, or any moment when they made someone’s day a little sweeter. Happy baking, my friend!
