There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house during the holidays, isn’t there? For me, it’s one of the best parts of this season! One of my absolute favorites to whip up are Peppermint Bark Cookies. They’re the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, and they always bring a smile to everyone’s face. I can still remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. My cousin, who’s usually a tough critic, took one bite and exclaimed, “These are incredible!” That moment was a sweet victory for me. I love how easy they are to make, and how they add a festive touch to any holiday spread. Whether you’re sharing them with family or giving them as gifts, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, let’s get baking and create some delicious memories together!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward cookie magic! Here’s what you’ll need to create those mouthwatering Peppermint Bark Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peppermint candies (crushed)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. It helps create that perfect creamy texture we’re after! Don’t worry if you can’t find peppermint candies; you can use starlight mints or whatever you have on hand! Just remember, the more festive, the better!
How to Prepare Peppermint Bark Cookies
Making Peppermint Bark Cookies is a delightful experience, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive cookies that everyone will adore.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheating is super important because it helps your cookies bake evenly. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the dough. This way, when your cookies hit the oven, they’ll start baking right away, giving you that lovely, chewy texture!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or an electric mixer, and mix until the mixture is smooth and fluffy – it should look light in color and have a lovely creamy texture. This step is crucial because it adds air into the mixture, which helps the cookies rise beautifully!
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Next, it’s time to add in the vanilla extract. Pour it into the creamed mixture and stir well. This little addition brings a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the peppermint and chocolate perfectly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well combined. This step helps prevent lumps in your dough, ensuring that every bite of cookie is just as delicious as the last!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in parts – a little dry, then mix, then more dry, and mix again. Be gentle here; overmixing can make your cookies tough. You want a tender, soft dough that still holds together nicely.
Step 6: Fold in Peppermint and Chocolate
With your dough ready, it’s time for the magic ingredients! Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips. Use a spatula to carefully mix them in without breaking the chocolate chips. You want those delightful bursts of flavor in every cookie!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Now, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. About 2 inches apart is perfect!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Pop those cookies in the oven and let them bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden brown but the centers still look a bit soft. Don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Step 9: Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and makes it easier to move them without breaking. Plus, the smell wafting through your kitchen is absolutely heavenly!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into baking those delicious Peppermint Bark Cookies, here are some handy tips to ensure success and avoid common pitfalls:
- Check Your Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. It should be cool to the touch and easily dented with a finger. If it’s too warm, your cookies may spread too much!
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be tender and delightful!
- Crush Candies Effectively: To crush peppermint candies with less mess, place them in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them into pieces. It’s a fun way to release some energy while keeping your workspace clean!
- Space Cookies Properly: Don’t skip the spacing on your baking sheet! Giving each cookie enough room allows them to spread without merging into one giant cookie.
These simple tips will help you create the perfect batch of festive cookies that’ll impress everyone!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to the nutritional information for these delightful Peppermint Bark Cookies, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, I can share some estimates to give you a general idea. Each cookie has around 150 calories, with approximately 10 grams of sugar and 8 grams of fat. Remember, these numbers can change depending on your choices, like using different types of chocolate or butter. It’s always a good idea to check labels for the most accurate information if you’re keeping an eye on nutrition!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making those scrumptious Peppermint Bark Cookies? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that pop up:
How should I store my cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
The easiest method is to place the candies in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. It’s a fun way to relieve stress and keeps the mess contained! Alternatively, you can use a food processor if you prefer, but be careful not to turn them into powder.
Can I make substitutions for dietary needs?
Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also reduce the sugar if you’re watching your intake, but keep in mind this may affect the texture a bit. Feel free to get creative!
These tips should help you adapt the recipe to fit your needs while still keeping it delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners. You’ll be whipping up these cookies in no time!
- Festive Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint brings a delightful holiday spirit to your cookie tray.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re sharing with family or bringing them to a party, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, switch up the chocolate, or even use different peppermint treats for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive boxes or tins for a heartfelt homemade gift that everyone will appreciate!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to presenting your delightful Peppermint Bark Cookies, the possibilities are endless! I love to arrange them on a festive platter, garnished with some extra crushed peppermint for that holiday flair. They pair beautifully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a rich cup of coffee, making for a cozy treat during chilly evenings. For gatherings, consider placing them in clear cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also stack them in a decorative tin and share with friends and family as thoughtful holiday treats. Enjoy the smiles they bring!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Peppermint Bark Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their delightful texture and flavor for about a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them! Just pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you’d like to warm them up, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave will bring back that fresh-baked goodness. Enjoy!
Peppermint Bark Cookies: 7 Steps to Sweet Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for making delicious peppermint bark cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peppermint candies, crushed
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Crush the peppermint candies in a plastic bag for less mess.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Peppermint Bark Cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe
