When it comes to holiday baking, there’s something magical about the flavors of peppermint and chocolate. These peppermint bark cookies are the perfect mashup of two holiday favorites: the chewy goodness of a cookie and the crisp, minty crunch of peppermint bark. Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap, gifting them to your neighbors, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring all the festive vibes. They’re easy to make and taste like a little slice of winter magic in every bite.
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Why Peppermint Bark Cookies Are So Popular
Peppermint bark is already a superstar treat during the holidays. You’ve got the creamy chocolate layers and the refreshing peppermint crunch—what’s not to love? Now, picture that in cookie form. The soft, buttery texture of the cookie pairs perfectly with chunks of peppermint bark and crushed candy canes, making it a must-have dessert for this time of year. Plus, they look so pretty on a holiday dessert table, with those red and white candy cane bits sparkling like little edible ornaments. These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re show-stoppers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make these cookies. Most of what you’ll use is probably already hanging out in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is important:
- Butter: It’s the base of your dough and makes the cookies rich and flavorful. Make sure it’s softened so it creams smoothly with the sugar.
- Sugar: You’ll need both granulated sugar for sweetness and brown sugar for that chewy texture. The brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor, which complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together and give the cookies structure. Room temperature eggs work best for an even mix.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash, but it adds a cozy, warm undertone that brings all the flavors together.
- Flour: The main ingredient for structure—without it, you’d have a chocolatey puddle instead of a cookie.
- Baking Soda: This helps the cookies puff up and get a nice texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
- Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich, balanced flavor.
- Peppermint Bark: The star of the show! Chop it into small pieces so you get a little bit in every bite.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle these on top for extra crunch and a festive look.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies
This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, but each step adds a little magic to the cookies. Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly. Don’t skip lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. It keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup way easier.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars. This step is important because it creates the base for your cookies. Creaming them until light and fluffy helps give your cookies a soft, tender texture. Once that’s done, add your eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Make sure everything is well-mixed so your cookies bake evenly.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step might seem skippable, but it’s key for an even dough. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, a little at a time, so you don’t overwork the dough. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and nobody wants that!
Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Peppermint
Here’s where things get exciting. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peppermint bark. The peppermint bark gives the cookies their signature festive flavor, while the chocolate chips add extra richness. For even more holiday flair, toss in a handful of crushed candy canes.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop (or a spoon), drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about two inches between each cookie so they have room to spread. Bake for 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye on them. They’re done when the edges are golden, but the centers might still look a little soft—that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool.
Tips for the Best Peppermint Bark Cookies
These cookies are pretty foolproof, but a few tricks can take them to the next level:
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. It helps the cookies hold their shape and makes the flavors more pronounced.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Go for high-quality chocolate and peppermint bark—it makes a noticeable difference. Cheap chocolate can taste waxy, and no one wants that.
- Dress Them Up: For a bakery-style finish, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top. They’ll look fancy and taste amazing!
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
These cookies aren’t just about taste—they’re about the whole holiday experience. From the moment you start mixing the dough, your kitchen will smell like the holidays. They’re festive, fun, and just the right balance of sweet and minty. Plus, they’re versatile! Whether you’re making them for a casual family night or a fancy holiday party, they always fit the occasion.
Perfect Pairings
Pair these cookies with a cozy drink for the ultimate holiday treat. A mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream is a classic choice. Feeling fancy? Try them with a peppermint mocha for double the minty goodness. Or, keep it simple with a glass of cold milk—it’s a timeless combo for a reason.
How Do You Get Peppermint Bark to Stick Together?
The key to getting peppermint bark to stick together is making sure the layers bond properly during the melting and cooling process. Here’s how it works:
- Use Melted Chocolate as Glue
When making peppermint bark, the base layer of melted chocolate acts as the “glue” that holds everything together. For peppermint bark cookies, you can replicate this idea by using chunks of bark where the chocolate and peppermint are already fused. When baked into the cookie dough, the heat softens the bark, making it stick seamlessly to the cookie base. - Layer While Warm
If you’re making your own peppermint bark (instead of store-bought), it’s important to add the crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces while the chocolate is still melted and slightly warm. This ensures the peppermint embeds itself into the chocolate as it hardens, creating a strong bond. - Cool Properly
Allow the peppermint bark to cool completely on a flat surface. If you rush the process or skip the cooling step, the layers might separate or crumble. For cookies, letting the bark cool into firm chunks before folding it into the dough ensures the bark holds up during baking.
By using these techniques, you’ll get peppermint bark that not only sticks together beautifully but also integrates perfectly into your cookies. It’s all about the balance of timing and temperature—just like with baking those delicious peppermint bark cookies!
If you’re looking for an easy way to make homemade peppermint bark with just four ingredients, I’ve got you covered! This process ties in perfectly with our peppermint bark cookies recipe, especially if you prefer using freshly made bark instead of store-bought. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
Easy Homemade Peppermint Bark (Only 4 Ingredients!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): This forms the base layer and gives the bark its rich flavor.
- White Chocolate Chips (2 cups): The creamy top layer that contrasts beautifully with the dark chocolate.
- Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds that signature minty flavor.
- Crushed Candy Canes (1/2 cup): For crunch and decoration.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Dark Chocolate
Melt the dark or semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until melted.
Step 2: Spread and Cool the Base Layer
Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, about 1/4-inch thick. Let it cool slightly but not completely—it should be tacky to the touch before adding the next layer.
Step 3: Melt and Add the White Chocolate
Repeat the melting process with the white chocolate. Stir in the peppermint extract to give it that festive minty flavor. Pour the white chocolate over the slightly set dark chocolate layer, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle Crushed Candy Canes
Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate while it’s still soft. Press them gently to ensure they stick. This creates the classic peppermint bark look and adds a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Let It Cool Completely
Allow the bark to cool at room temperature until fully hardened. You can speed up the process by placing it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. Once it’s set, break it into pieces using your hands or a knife.
How It Ties into Peppermint Bark Cookies
Making your own peppermint bark gives you complete control over the flavors and textures in your cookies. Once the bark is set, chop it into small chunks and fold it into your cookie dough (as described in the original blog post). Homemade bark also ensures a fresher taste, which can really elevate your cookies!
Now you’ve got not only an easy recipe for peppermint bark but also a way to make your peppermint bark cookies even more special. Homemade always wins during the holidays!
Is peppermint bark an American thing?
Is peppermint bark an American thing?
Yes, peppermint bark is primarily an American thing! It’s a holiday treat that has become a staple in the U.S., especially around Christmas. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is hugely popular in American holiday desserts, and peppermint bark captures that flavor combo perfectly.
The treat became widely known thanks to companies like Williams-Sonoma, which made it a holiday classic in the late 1990s. While similar layered chocolate treats might exist in other cultures, the specific style of peppermint bark—with its dark or milk chocolate base, white chocolate top layer, and crushed candy cane garnish—is uniquely American.
It’s easy to see why it’s so beloved. Peppermint bark is simple to make, festive in appearance, and delicious to eat—everything you want in a holiday treat. Plus, it’s versatile! You can enjoy it on its own, mix it into desserts like peppermint bark cookies, or even give it as a gift. It’s become as much a part of the holidays in the U.S. as gingerbread and eggnog.
Peppermint Bark and Peppermint Bark Cookies FAQ
Q: What is peppermint bark?
A layered treat made with dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes.
Q: Is peppermint bark an American dessert?
Yes, it’s a holiday favorite in the U.S., popularized in the 1990s.
Q: How do you get peppermint bark to stick together?
Layer while warm, press candy canes into soft chocolate, and let cool completely.
Q: What ingredients do I need for homemade peppermint bark?
Dark chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes.
Q: Can I use store-bought peppermint bark for cookies?
Yes! Chop it into chunks before mixing into the dough.
Q: How do I make cookies extra festive?
Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle more candy canes on top.
Q: How do I store peppermint bark and cookies?
- Bark: Airtight container at room temp (2 weeks) or fridge (1 month).
- Cookies: Room temp (5 days) or freezer (3 months).
Q: What pairs well with peppermint bark cookies?
Hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or classic milk.
Short, sweet, and ready to bake? Let’s go! 🎄
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a holiday cookie recipe that’s easy to make, tastes incredible, and looks stunning, these peppermint bark cookies are it. They’re a surefire hit with kids, adults, and anyone who loves a good holiday treat. So, grab your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and get baking!
Peppermint bark cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday dessert lineup. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. For more holiday inspiration, dive into our collection of Quick and Easy Vegan Breakfast Ideas or whip up a Pumpkin Banana Loaf to complement your baking spree. Happy baking!
What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to swap ideas!