Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peppermint with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies. Perfect for festive gatherings, gift-giving, or indulging in a little seasonal cheer, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peppermint for a holiday twist.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Gorgeous presentation with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint candy.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for cookie swaps or holiday parties.
- Can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Semi-sweet chocolate
- White chocolate
- Peppermint extract
- Crushed peppermint candies
Directions
- Preheat your oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden, then allow cookies to cool completely.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate separately. Stir peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate.
- Spread a layer of semi-sweet chocolate on each cookie, followed by a drizzle of white chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
- Allow the chocolate to set before serving or storing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate.
- Extra Peppermint Flavor: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the cookie dough.
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Replace semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts over the melted chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separated by layers of parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If desired, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough?
Yes, pre-made dough can be used for convenience. Simply bake as directed and proceed with the chocolate and peppermint topping.
2. What kind of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate pairs beautifully with peppermint, but you can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
3. Can I omit the peppermint candies?
Yes, the candies add a festive crunch, but you can skip them or replace them with sprinkles.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate from melting during storage?
Store the cookies in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to heat or direct sunlight.
5. Can I add food coloring to the white chocolate?
Yes, adding a drop of red or green food coloring to the white chocolate can enhance the holiday theme.
6. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Package them in decorative tins or bags for a festive presentation.
7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
8. How do I crush the peppermint candies?
Place candies in a resealable bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
9. Can I use candy canes instead of peppermint candies?
Yes, candy canes work perfectly and are often easier to find during the holidays.
10. How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
The chocolate typically sets within 30 minutes at room temperature or faster in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining festive flavors with an elegant presentation. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or enjoying them with a cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. Try them today and make your holiday season even sweeter!
PrintChocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies
These Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies combine the classic flavor of buttery sugar cookies with the festive crunch of peppermint bark. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat to gift loved ones, these cookies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- For the Topping:
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted
- 1 cup peppermint bark, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Chill and Roll:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape as desired.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with Chocolate and Peppermint Bark:
- Once cookies are cool, dip or spread the tops with melted chocolate.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint bark over the chocolate while it’s still wet. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to speed up the process.
Notes
- To make ahead, store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, then decorate before serving.
- Use a variety of cookie cutter shapes to make your cookies extra festive!