Peppermint sugar cookie bars are a festive, easy-to-make treat that perfectly combines the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with the refreshing flavor of peppermint. With a soft cookie base and creamy peppermint frosting, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet winter indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for beginners.
- Festive Flavor: Peppermint adds a holiday twist to classic sugar cookies.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to slice and serve at parties or gift as a homemade treat.
- Customizable: You can adjust the peppermint flavor or add festive sprinkles for extra cheer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
- Food coloring (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Directions
- Prepare the Cookie Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Bake the Base: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until creamy. Add a few drops of peppermint extract and food coloring if desired.
- Assemble: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting for a peppermint-chocolate combo.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour.
- Extra Peppermint: Add peppermint bits to the cookie dough for extra crunch.
- Holiday Decor: Use festive sprinkles instead of crushed peppermint candies.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars (without the frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best served at room temperature; no reheating is needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars and store them (unfrosted) for up to 2 days, then frost before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely! Store-bought frosting can save time, but homemade peppermint frosting is highly recommended for the best flavor.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan. Adjust baking time as needed.
4. What can I use instead of crushed peppermint candies?
You can substitute white chocolate chips or festive sprinkles.
5. How do I know when the cookie base is done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should set but still soft.
6. Can I skip the peppermint extract?
Yes, but the bars won’t have the signature peppermint flavor. Vanilla extract can be used instead.
7. Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, the cookie base freezes well. Avoid freezing with frosting for best results.
8. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, red or green food coloring can be added to the dough for a more festive look.
9. Are these bars nut-free?
Yes, as written, the recipe is nut-free. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.
10. What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or a heavy object.
Conclusion
Peppermint sugar cookie bars are a delightful holiday treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or indulging yourself, these bars bring a burst of festive flavor and sweetness to the season. Try them today and enjoy the magic of peppermint!
PrintPeppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season! With a soft sugar cookie base, a creamy peppermint frosting, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, they’re easy to make and full of holiday cheer. Perfect for parties, gifting, or a cozy evening at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Peppermint Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
Topping:
- ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable. Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the frosting.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.