Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe

Jolly Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful chocolate peppermint bark sugar cookies fills your kitchen with winter magic.

Sweet aromas drift through the house, promising delectable moments ahead.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these treats irresistible.

Peppermint’s cool whisper dances alongside rich chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each bite promises pure holiday happiness.

Sprinkled with crushed candy canes, these cookies sparkle like festive treasures.

Whip up a batch and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Why Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Are Fun

  • These delightful cookies come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy bakers wanting festive desserts without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these peppermint bark cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Kids can help roll dough balls, sprinkle chocolate, and enjoy decorating these cheerful cookies, creating fun memories during holiday preparation.
  • Combine classic sugar cookie comfort with peppermint bark's elegant twist, ensuring these treats will be a hit at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and family gatherings.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Ingredients List

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the soft cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich flavor and tender crumb for the cookies.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help cookies rise and spread with a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Moisture and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides classic sweet background flavor.
  • Peppermint Extract: Introduces refreshing mint taste and holiday spirit.

Let’s Make Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set the mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients

Beat in:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peppermint extract

Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into small balls, each about 1½ inches in diameter. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball using the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Bake and Cool Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookie edges are just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or decorating.

Helpful Hints for Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

  • Prevent Crumbly Cookies: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect texture and easy mixing.
  • Extract Enhancement: Use high-quality peppermint extract for a more intense and authentic flavor profile.
  • Consistent Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform cookie sizes for even baking and professional appearance.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Technique: Melt chocolate in short microwave intervals or using a double boiler to avoid burning and achieve smooth consistency.
  • Storage Savvy: Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain freshness and prevent sticking for up to 5 days.

Store Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Smartly

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Carefully stack cookies with wax paper separating them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Alternatively, place in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to refresh.
  • Always let cookies reach room temperature before serving to maximize flavor and maintain their delicate texture.

Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies with These

  • Pair Sweet Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies with Complementary Flavors
  • Warm, creamy hot chocolate with extra peppermint schnapps creates a delightful flavor echo that intensifies the cookie's minty notes.
  • Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, crisp cookie texture while enhancing the chocolate and peppermint elements.
  • A sophisticated cocktail with coffee liqueur and vodka offers a bold, grown-up companion that balances the cookie's sweetness with its robust coffee undertones.
  • A classic black tea with a splash of milk creates a comforting backdrop that softens the cookie's intense flavors and provides a gentle, warming experience.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Peppermint Bark Cookies: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate for the bark topping.
  • Low-Sugar Holiday Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Keto-Friendly Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips to create a low-carb version of the classic cookie.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies: Q&A Time

  • What gives these cookies their peppermint flavor?

The peppermint extract adds a cool, refreshing mint taste to the cookies, creating a delightful holiday-inspired flavor profile.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should still be soft when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

A hand or stand mixer is helpful for creaming butter and sugar, but you can also mix the dough by hand with a whisk and wooden spoon if needed.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive chocolate peppermint bark sugar cookies bring holiday cheer to winter dessert tables. Sweet chocolate chips and crushed candy canes create magical flavor combinations that delight winter cookie lovers who crave seasonal magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups (350 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sugar and Fat:

  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, melted
  • ½ cup (85 grams) white chocolate chips, melted
  • ½ cup (60 grams) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions

  1. Arrange the oven rack in the center position and heat to 350F (175C). Create a non-stick surface on baking sheets using parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing vessel. Gently whisk the dry ingredients until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Utilize an electric mixer to blend softened butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with visible volume increase.
  4. Introduce egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Blend thoroughly until the liquid ingredients are completely incorporated.
  5. Gradually fold the prepared dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing. Stir just until a cohesive dough forms.
  6. Craft uniform dough spheres approximately 1 12-inch in diameter. Position these cookie orbs across the prepared baking sheets, maintaining a two-inch separation. Delicately press each sphere using the back of a spoon to create a slight flattening.
  7. Position the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 810 minutes. Look for barely set edges as an indication of proper doneness. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
  • Use high-quality peppermint extract for a more intense, fresh flavor that doesn’t taste artificial.
  • Crush candy canes or peppermint candies finely for a decorative and crunchy topping that adds festive texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cookie structure and taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star