Looking for a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion? These Peppermint Bark Cookies are a sure crowd-pleaser! With a rich chocolate cookie base, a layer of peppermint bark, and a creamy buttercream frosting, these cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of chocolate and peppermint flavors creates a festive and indulgent treat.
- With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are quick to make, perfect for busy schedules.
- These cookies are great for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even just a cozy night in.
Ingredient Notes:
Cookies:
- Unsalted butter, room temperature
- Light brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Peppermint Bark: - Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips or baking bar
- Crushed peppermint candies
Buttercream Frosting: - Unsalted butter, softened
- Confectioners sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugars together.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Form dough into balls and flatten.
- Bake cookies and let cool.
- Melt chocolate chips for peppermint bark.
- Spread peppermint bark on cookies.
- Make buttercream frosting and decorate cookies.
Helpful Tips:
- Chill the dough for easier handling.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding frosting.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Peppermint Bark Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds to soften the buttercream frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. - Can I use peppermint extract in the cookie dough?
You can add a small amount of peppermint extract to the cookie dough for a hint of mint flavor. - Can I skip the buttercream frosting?
Feel free to enjoy the cookies with just the peppermint bark layer for a simpler treat. - Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the peppermint bark?
You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste in the peppermint bark.
Conclusion:
These Peppermint Bark Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate, peppermint, and buttercream flavors. Share your feedback and spread the holiday cheer with these festive cookies!
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Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These peppermint bark cookies are a delightful treat with a rich chocolate cookie base, topped with a layer of peppermint bark and finished with a creamy buttercream frosting. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a festive dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Peppermint Bark:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips or chopped baking bar
- 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies
Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough: Cream together butter and sugars, then add egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form dough.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the peppermint bark: Melt chocolates separately, spread on parchment, sprinkle with crushed peppermint, and chill to set.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add sugar, milk, vanilla, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread a layer of peppermint bark on each cookie, then pipe or spread frosting on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the cookie size by adjusting the dough scoops before baking.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the amount of peppermint extract in the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg