Description
Sweet holiday magic unfolds with these peppermint sugar cookie bars, blending classic comfort and festive cheer. Candy cane crumbles and creamy frosting create irresistible seasonal delight you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups (350 g / 12.35 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225 g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g / 7.05 ounces) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Frosting and Garnish:
- ½ cup (115 g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (375 g / 13.23 ounces) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 12 drops red food coloring (optional, for a festive pink hue)
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
- Create the cookie foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform dry mixture.
- Cream butter with granulated and powdered sugars until achieving a velvety, pale texture, incorporating eggs and extracts methodically to develop a smooth batter.
- Transfer the cookie dough into a prepared rectangular baking vessel, gently pressing to create an even, uniform layer that reaches all corners and edges.
- Roast the cookie base in a preheated oven until the perimeter transforms to a delicate golden hue and the center stabilizes, approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Allow the baked confection to cool completely within the pan, enabling it to set and firm up for optimal frosting application.
- Whip butter until achieving a silky, light consistency, gradually integrating powdered sugar and cream to construct a luscious, spreadable frosting.
- Enhance the frosting with peppermint extract and optional crimson food coloring, blending until the mixture presents a uniform, vibrant appearance.
- Generously distribute the peppermint frosting across the cooled cookie base, creating a smooth, even layer that covers the entire surface.
- Embellish the frosted creation by scattering crushed candy canes, adding a festive crunch and visual appeal.
- Slice the decorated confection into precise squares or rectangles, presenting a delightful holiday-inspired treat ready for enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the texture remains soft and chewy.
- Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes to create a vegan-friendly version of these delightful peppermint bars.
- Reduce peppermint extract slightly if you prefer a milder mint flavor, allowing the sweet cookie base to shine through.
- Chill the frosted bars for 15-20 minutes before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg