Chef Mitchell preparing Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered these Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies during a holiday baking session with my grandmother. The blend of chocolate and peppermint is a family favorite that brings back warm memories. Over the years, I've perfected the recipe to capture that nostalgic flavor while adding my own twist. Now, I love sharing these cookies with friends and family during the festive season."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in American cuisine, particularly in baking holiday treats. He enjoys experimenting with flavors to create memorable desserts. His passion is to inspire others to bake and create delicious meals.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A beautiful plate of Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies garnished with crushed candy canes.

Why This Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe Works

These Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies are special due to their unique combination of flavors and textures. The rich cocoa base complements the cool minty crunch, creating a delightful balance. By chilling the dough, we ensure a more uniform shape and texture when baking, resulting in perfectly chewy cookies. The addition of white chocolate drizzle makes them visually appealing and adds sweetness.

Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with a satisfying crunch from the peppermint. The cookies stay soft and chewy, while the chocolate adds richness. Baking at the right temperature and for the correct duration prevents overbaking, allowing the cookies to maintain their delightful texture.

💡 Professional Tip

For perfectly uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure out the dough. Additionally, ensure your baking sheets are properly lined to prevent sticking and to maintain shape while cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Alternatively, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. This makes it convenient for holiday baking.

You can substitute white chocolate chips with yogurt-covered raisins or omit them entirely for a richer chocolate flavor. For a healthier twist, consider using dark chocolate chips instead, which provide a different yet delicious taste.

Baking the cookies in a preheated oven is the best method. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture. Avoid overbaking by watching the edges closely; they should be set but still soft in the center.

To prevent excessive spreading, ensure your butter is not too warm when creaming with the sugars, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Using parchment paper on your baking sheets also helps maintain shape.

The cookies are done when the edges appear firm and set while the center remains slightly soft. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so don't be tempted to overbake them.

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. They also make a great addition to holiday dessert platters alongside other festive cookies and treats.

Yes! You can substitute half of the butter with applesauce to reduce fat, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber, and opt for dark chocolate chips to lower sugar content.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to freeze them, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Cookies Too Hard

Problem: If your cookies turn out hard, it may be due to overbaking.

Solution: Make sure to check the cookies a minute or two before the recommended bake time. Remove them from the oven when they are just set to ensure a chewy texture.

✅

Cookies Spread Too Much

Problem: Excessive spreading can lead to flat cookies.

Solution: Ensure your butter is at the right temperature (soft but not melted) and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

✅

Cookies Burned on the Bottom

Problem: Burning on the bottom can occur if the baking sheets are too dark.

Prevention: Use light-colored baking sheets to avoid burning, and keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent overcooking.

✅

Uneven Baking

Problem: Cookies may bake unevenly if the oven is not calibrated correctly.

Recovery: Regularly check your oven's temperature with an oven thermometer and rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking process for even cooking.

✅

Lack of Flavor

Problem: If the cookies lack flavor, the ingredients may not have been fresh.

Prevention: Always use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder and spices, to enhance flavor. Additionally, consider increasing the amount of peppermint extract for a more robust taste.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If cookies are too sweet, reduce the sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup next time or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Too Salty: If cookies taste too salty, ensure that you're properly measuring the salt and using unsalted butter.

Bland: Enhance bland cookies by mixing in additional chocolate chips or a touch more peppermint extract to boost flavor.

A display of ingredients for Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies including butter, sugars, chocolate, and candy canes.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies

Selecting high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor in these cookies. Choose unsalted butter for control over saltiness, and opt for real chocolate chips for richer taste. Fresh peppermint candy canes add the perfect crunch and festive touch. Avoid generic brands for better results.

Ensure your baking powder is fresh by checking the expiration date. Sifting the flour and cocoa powder together prevents clumping and ensures even distribution. Take care to measure all ingredients accurately for consistent results.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in your cookies. Make sure it's softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
  • Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes not only add flavor but also a delightful crunch. Choose fresh candy canes and crush them just before use for optimal freshness.
  • Cocoa Powder: Quality cocoa powder is essential for the rich chocolate flavor of these cookies. Look for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother and more intense flavor.
An image showcasing the process of baking Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies, highlighting the dough and chocolate chunks.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Baking these cookies requires attention to detail and the right technique. Start by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation. Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and preventing spreading.

Monitor the baking time closely, as every oven is different. A visual cue to look for is the edges of the cookies, which should be firm while the centers remain slightly soft. This ensures a delightful chewy cookie.

The Secret to Perfect Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies

The key to success in these cookies lies in properly chilling the dough. This step helps to maintain their shape and ensures a perfectly chewy texture. Paying attention to baking time will elevate the overall quality of your cookies.

Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies

Prep 30 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 24 cookies servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    The base for a rich cookie dough
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    Adds sweetness and moisture
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
    Enhances depth of flavor
  • 2 large eggs
    Provides structure and richness
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    For aromatic flavor

Main

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    The main structure of the cookies
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
    Adds rich chocolate flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    Helps cookies rise
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    Balances sweetness
  • 1 cup peppermint candy canes, crushed
    Gives a festive crunch
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    For delicious melty pockets
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
    For a sweet topping and decoration

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

  2. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

  4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint

    Gently fold in the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, along with the crushed peppermint candy canes.

  6. Chill the Dough

    Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  7. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  8. Scoop and Bake Cookies

    Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set.

  9. Cool the Cookies

    Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

  10. Drizzle with White Chocolate

    Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for added flair.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the cookie dough a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to three weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a delightful treat. They make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert tray.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunch or substitute chocolate chips with your favorite type of chocolate for a different flavor profile.