Get ready to make your holiday season extra special with Peppermint Bark Christmas Cookies! These festive treats are easy to whip up and combine sweet chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to create these delicious cookies, from ingredients to tips for perfect baking. Whether you’re hosting a party or gifting treats, these cookies are a fun way to spread holiday cheer. Let’s dive right in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: These cookies combine the rich taste of chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint, making them a perfect holiday treat.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Beautiful Presentation: The drizzled chocolate and crushed peppermint not only taste great but also look stunning on any holiday table.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in a single batch, they are ideal for gifting or sharing at festive gatherings.
Ingredients
To make Peppermint Bark Christmas Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
These ingredients create a rich and festive cookie. The butter gives it a nice, soft texture. The sugars add sweetness and depth. Eggs help bind everything together. Vanilla brings flavor, while the flour forms the base. Baking powder and baking soda help the cookies rise. The chocolate chips and crushed peppermint give each bite a burst of flavor.
Make sure your butter is soft. This helps it mix well with the sugars. The crushed peppermint candies add a fun crunch. They bring the holiday spirit right into your kitchen. Enjoy gathering these ingredients to create a festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.
Mixing Instructions
– Start by creaming the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. The mix should be light and fluffy.
– Next, add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Then, add the pure vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft.
Final Steps
– Now, fold in the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies. This adds flavor and fun.
– Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough on the prepared sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart.
– Place the sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers may look a bit underbaked. Don’t worry; they will firm up as they cool.
– Once baked, take the cookies out and let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
– While the cookies cool, melt more white and semi-sweet chocolate in separate bowls. You can use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Once smooth, drizzle the chocolate over the cookies. Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top for added festivity.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To make the perfect Peppermint Bark Christmas Cookies, I suggest using parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers may look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Decoration Tips
Drizzling chocolate on your cookies adds flair. Melt white and semi-sweet chocolate in separate bowls. Use a fork or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies. This creates a lovely pattern. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. This not only looks pretty but also adds extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Present your cookies on a festive platter. Arrange them neatly and scatter extra crushed peppermint around. This makes a beautiful display. You might also pair the cookies with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or as gifts to friends and family.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor that complements the peppermint perfectly.
- Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Perfect Peppermint Crunch: For a more intense peppermint flavor, use a mix of crushed candy canes and peppermint extract in the dough.
Variations
Flavor Adjustments
You can switch things up by using dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste, while milk chocolate gives a sweeter flavor. You can also add different candies like M&M’s or caramel bits for fun surprises in each bite. Just make sure to keep the peppermint to give it that classic holiday flavor.
Dietary Alternatives
If you need gluten-free cookies, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well, and they keep the cookies soft. For dairy-free options, use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips. These simple swaps let everyone enjoy the cookies without missing out.
Themed Variations
You can adapt these cookies for New Year’s by adding gold or silver sprinkles. This adds a festive touch perfect for the celebration. For gift packages, arrange the cookies in pretty boxes. Add ribbons and tags for a personal touch. These small changes make your treats shine during the holidays.
Storage Info
Storing Cookies
To keep your Peppermint Bark Christmas Cookies fresh, follow a few simple steps. First, let the cookies cool completely. This step is key to avoid sogginess. Next, use an airtight container for storage. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can also layer the cookies with parchment paper. This method prevents them from sticking together. Store the cookies at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze both unbaked and baked cookies. For unbaked cookies, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once the dough is firm, transfer the cookie balls into a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. For baked cookies, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container. Baked cookies can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight. For unbaked dough, bake straight from the freezer. Just add a minute or two to the baking time. Enjoy your festive flavors anytime!
FAQs
Common Questions
How long do Peppermint Bark Christmas Cookies last?
These cookies can last up to one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer freshness, you can freeze them.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead. Just chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
What can I substitute for peppermint candies?
You can use crushed candy canes or even chocolate mint candies. Both add a nice flavor.
Recipe Success Questions
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies often come from too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure carefully.
What to do if the dough is too sticky?
Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. This will help make it easier to handle.
Customization Questions
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans work great. Just mix them in when you add the chocolate chips.
How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar by a quarter cup. This will give you a less sweet cookie without losing flavor.
This blog post gives you all you need for making Peppermint Bark Christmas Cookies. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to improve your baking skills. You learned about fun variations, smart ways to store your cookies, and answers to common questions.
Baking is fun and creative. You can enjoy these cookies all season long. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors or themes. Happy bakin
