When the holiday season rolls around, nothing warms the heart quite like the sweet, comforting scent of freshly baked cookies. Among the various treats that grace our tables, Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars stand out as a festive favorite. These delightful bars blend the classic, buttery goodness of sugar cookies with a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy get-togethers, or just a special indulgence for yourself.
Why We Love This Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a treat; they encapsulate the magic of the holiday season. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this delightful recipe:
- Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cookies that require you to shape and bake each one individually, these cookie bars can be mixed and spread into a pan for a streamlined baking experience. This not only saves time but also allows you to enjoy the process of baking without the hassle.
- Perfect for Sharing: With their square shape, these bars are effortlessly portioned, making them ideal for parties or holiday gatherings. You can easily cut them into bite-sized pieces or larger squares, depending on the occasion.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of sugar and peppermint is classic for a reason. It’s refreshing and evokes feelings of nostalgia that come with the winter holidays, making them a hit with friends and family of all ages.
- Versatile Toppings: While these bars are delicious on their own, you can easily customize the frosting and toppings to suit your taste. The addition of crushed peppermint candies not only adds a delightful crunch but also makes for an eye-catching presentation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake these bars in advance, making them an excellent choice for busy holiday schedules. Simply frost and serve when you’re ready, and they’ll be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards baking these delightful bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch
For the frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons milk of your choice or heavy cream
Additional: Crushed peppermint candy for topping
How to Make Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Making Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars is a straightforward process that doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures that your bars come out easily and retain their beautiful shape.
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy. This usually takes about a minute. The fluffiness indicates that air has been incorporated, which is crucial for a light texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. As you mix, watch for the dough to thicken; this usually happens when everything is combined but don’t overmix.
- Incorporate Peppermint: If you’re using crushed peppermint candy, gently fold it into the batter. Make sure not to overmix at this stage, as you want those delightful pieces to add crunch and flavor throughout the bars.
- Spread in Pan: Transfer the thick batter to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them towards the end. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is essential before frosting, as hot bars can cause the frosting to melt.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, salt, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you prefer a mintier flavor, feel free to substitute peppermint extract.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the bars are cooled, spread the frosting on top. For a festive finishing touch, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy over the frosting.
- Cut and Serve: Allow the frosting to set for a bit, then cut the bars into squares. They’re now ready to be served and enjoyed!
How to Serve Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
When it comes to serving Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, the possibilities are delightful. Here are some suggestions to elevate your serving experience:
- Presentation: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter or cake stand to create an inviting display. Dusting them lightly with powdered sugar can also add a festive touch.
- Pair with Beverages: These bars pair wonderfully with a range of beverages. Consider serving them alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or even tea to create a cozy ambiance.
- Gift Giving: Consider packaging these bars in festive boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbons. They make perfect homemade gifts for friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season.
- Holiday Potlucks: If you’re participating in a potluck or gathering, bring these bars along to share. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll receive compliments for your delicious contribution.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
To ensure your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create that fluffy texture and ensures even mixing.
- Do Not Overmix: When combining the flour and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary in temperature, start checking the bars a couple of minutes before the 20-minute mark. Look for a light golden brown color and a toothpick that comes out clean.
- Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft to spread, consider placing it in the fridge for a few minutes. A cooler frosting can be easier to work with.
- Storage for Freshness: If you’re not serving the bars immediately, store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft texture and flavor.
How to Store Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Keeping your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars fresh is simple. Here’s how to store them properly:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the bars within a few days, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Depending on the humidity in your area, they can last up to a week.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, consider placing them in the fridge. This can help extend their freshness, and the cool temperature can firm up the frosting.
- Freezing: If you want to keep your bars for even longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Variations of Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
While the classic recipe for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars is splendid on its own, consider these fun variations to tantalize your taste buds:
- Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor that complements the peppermint beautifully.
- Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. They add a delightful crunch and deepen the flavor profile.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist on the traditional peppermint flavor.
- Colorful Frosting: Instead of plain frosting, consider tinting it with food coloring for a vibrant presentation. You can create colorful swirls or a gradient effect.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Top your frosting with festive sprinkles to create a fun and festive look for holiday parties or gatherings.
FAQ About Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
What are Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy cookie bars that combine the flavors of sugar cookies and peppermint, usually topped with a creamy frosting and crushed peppermint candy.
How do you make Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?
To make these bars, you’ll mix butter, sugar, an egg, and dry ingredients, spread the mixture in a pan, bake, cool, and frost with a delicious buttercream that can feature either vanilla or peppermint extract.
Can I use other extracts in the recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for vanilla or peppermint extract, you can experiment with other flavorings such as almond or coconut for a taste variation.
How should I store my Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?
You can store them at room temperature for a few days in an airtight container or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Can these bars be made in advance?
Yes! You can bake the bars in advance and frost them when you’re ready to serve. They make for a perfect treat to prepare ahead of any holiday gathering.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter Softened to room temperature.
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ cup Crushed Peppermint Candy Optional for a festive touch.
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar For the frosting.
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter Softened to room temperature.
- ¼ tsp Salt For the frosting.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Or ½ tsp peppermint extract.
- 2 Tbsp Milk Of your choice or heavy cream.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy to taste For topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candy if using.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, salt, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Once the bars are cooled, frost them generously with the cream frosting and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy on top.
- Cut into squares and serve!
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