When the holidays roll around, you may find yourself yearning for something that not only tastes incredible but also captures the spirit of the season. One such treat to bring joy and cheer is the delightful Peppermint Bark Cookies. This recipe merges the warmth of freshly-baked cookies with the refreshing, cool flavor of peppermint, resulting in a delightful dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying yourself as you cozy up by the fireplace. The soothing aromas of these cookies filling your kitchen will evoke feelings of nostalgia and goodwill, making it a cherished addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Why We Love This Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and peppermint that makes these cookies a holiday staple. Not only do Peppermint Bark Cookies taste incredible, but their festive presentation also adds a splash of cheer to any gathering. The rich chocolate layer offers a perfect contrast to the sugary crunch of the candy canes, making every bite a delightful fresh experience. Moreover, this recipe allows you the opportunity to engage in a fun baking activity with family or friends, creating sweet memories in the kitchen that will last a lifetime. Baking these cookies can become a cherished tradition, bringing everyone together in a shared spirit of joy and celebration.
Ingredients about Peppermint Bark Cookies
Here’s what you need to prepare your very own batch of Peppermint Bark Cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the soft, chewy texture of the cookies while ensuring that minty, chocolaty taste shines through.
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (Crisco)
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies Directions
Creating Peppermint Bark Cookies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Begin by preparing your workspace and ensuring you have all your ingredients at hand.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and move the oven rack to the middle position. Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent your cookies from sticking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is essential as it helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- In a mixing bowl, combine your softened salted butter and granulated sugar. Use a stand mixer to blend these together at medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 minutes.
- Next, add in the large egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until everything is just combined. Keep in mind that it’s important not to overmix at this stage.
- Gradually add in your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Continue mixing until you achieve a crumbly dough. It might look a bit dry, but this is normal!
- Pat the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the base completely.
- Bake the cookie crust in your preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
- Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for about 1 hour. This cooling stage is crucial as it allows the cookie base to firm up.
- For the chocolate layer, place the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and return to the microwave in 30-second increments, repeating until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Now, it’s time for the fun part! Spread the melted chocolate evenly over your cooled cookie crust.
- To give it that festive touch, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Finally, chill your peppermint bark cookies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate has fully hardened.
- Once set, carefully cut the cookies into triangles or any desired shape and serve. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that will surely be a hit with everyone!
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Cookies
Serving your Peppermint Bark Cookies can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the baking experience. You can present them in several delightful ways:
- On a Festive Plate: Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday plate. Add festive napkins or sprigs of holly to enhance the holiday vibe.
- As Part of a Gift Basket: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts! Package them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon or in a decorative tin.
- At Holiday Parties: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint-infused drinks at your next holiday gathering. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
- With Ice Cream: For a delightful dessert twist, crumble the Peppermint Bark Cookies over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination will elevate your dessert experience.
Sharing these uniquely festive cookies can spread joy and bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.
Expert Tips: Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your egg and butter to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smoother batter and more evenly baked cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dough, ensure you mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Fine Candy Cane Crumbles: For the best texture, consider placing your candy canes in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. This gives you control over the size of the pieces and avoids large chunks.
- Adjust Chocolate Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, opt for dark chocolate instead of semisweet. This can balance out the sugary candy cane topping.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to introduce your favorite chocolate morsels or nut varieties into the dough for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Peppermint Bark Cookies
To preserve the freshness and flavor of your Peppermint Bark Cookies, follow these storage tips. First, make sure the cookies have cooled completely before storing them.
- Room Temperature Storage: If consuming within a few days, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If kept covered, they can stay fresh for 3-5 days.
- Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, consider placing the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerating them. They can last for about a week in the fridge.
- Freezer Option: If you want to enjoy cookies later, freeze them! Lay the cookies flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then pack them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Variation of Peppermint Bark Cookies
While this recipe for Peppermint Bark Cookies is a standout, there are numerous ways to mix things up and make it your own.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Variation: Incorporate mint chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a double dose of minty flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Introduce chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough to add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie base.
- Different Chocolate Layers: Swap out semisweet chocolate for white chocolate or milk chocolate, creating a different flavor profile while maintaining the festive appearance.
- Peppermint Cream Filling: Add a layer of peppermint cream or frosting on top of the baked cookie before spreading the chocolate for an extra creamy treat.
These variations allow you to craft your delightful holiday cookies while keeping the essence of peppermint and chocolate that everyone loves.
FAQ: Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Can I use other types of chocolate in this recipe? Yes, you can definitely use different types of chocolate! Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate based on your taste preferences.
- What can I do if my dough is too crumbly? If your cookie dough seems too crumbly, you may want to add a teaspoon of milk or a little more melted butter to help hold it together.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free? To make gluten-free Peppermint Bark Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used as a 1:1 replacement.
- Is it possible to omit the shortening? Yes, you can choose to omit the shortening, though it does help with giving a smoother chocolate layer. You could use all chocolate chips or a pure chocolate bar instead.
- What’s the best way to crush candy canes? To crush candy canes effectively, place them in a zip-top bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. This method prevents pieces from flying everywhere and gives you more control over the size.