Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

The moment I take a bite of a Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, I’m transported back to cozy winter evenings, when the scent of baking fills the air and warmth seeps into my bones. These cookies are my favorite holiday treat, combining the rich taste of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Each year, I look forward to experimenting with flavors, but nothing beats the classic combination in these delightful cookies. Whether it’s a snowy afternoon or a festive gathering, I can’t resist the temptation of indulging in this sweet creation.

Ingredients Overview for Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

When it comes to baking, choosing the right ingredients is essential, and for these Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect flavor and texture. The star players are the rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, complemented by the smoothness of butter and the sweetness of sugars. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

• Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (227 grams), softened: This adds richness and moisture, making the cookies tender.
• Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup (150 grams): It sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookies’ texture.
• Light Brown Sugar – ¾ cup (165 grams), firmly packed: This adds depth of flavor and moisture, creating a chewy texture.
• Large Eggs – 2 (100 grams), room temperature: Eggs bind the ingredients and help with leavening.
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 ¾ cups (344 grams): The backbone of the cookie, providing structure.
• Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon (5 grams): This helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Kosher Salt – 1 teaspoon (3 grams): A pinch enhances all the flavors in the cookies.
• Baking Soda – ¾ teaspoon (3.75 grams): It aids in leavening and contributes to texture.
• Finely Chopped Peppermint Bark – 1 cup (170 grams): The star ingredient, providing that signature minty flavor.
• Chopped Semisweet Chocolate – 1 cup (170 grams): This lends a rich chocolate flavor that balances the mint.
• Coarsely Chopped Peppermint Bark: For garnish, this adds an extra touch of minty goodness.
• Flaked Sea Salt: A sprinkle enhances the flavor and gives a beautiful finish.

Putting Together Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

Making these Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with the scent of happiness. Let’s walk through the steps together so you can create your very own batch!

1. Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and both types of sugar at medium speed. You want to mix until the mixture becomes fluffy, which should take about two to three minutes. Don’t forget to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
3. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla and mix until everything is well combined, creating a luscious, creamy texture.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. This mixture is essential for achieving the right consistency and flavor balance in your cookies.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough.
6. Now it’s time to fold in the star ingredients! Gently add the finely chopped peppermint bark and semisweet chocolate to the dough. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate them, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
7. Using a 3-tablespoon spring-loaded scoop, scoop the dough (about 60 grams each) and place them on the prepared pan. Make sure to leave enough space between each scoop, as they will spread while baking.
8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least two hours, or even overnight if you can wait. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and ensures a better texture.
9. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare additional baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Place the cold dough balls on the prepared pans, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will allow them to spread without touching.
11. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Rotate the pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
12. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and immediately garnish with coarsely chopped peppermint bark and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, if desired. Let the cookies cool on the pans for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
13. Finally, store your delicious creations in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to four days, although I doubt they’ll last that long!

Making Adjustments

Although these Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are perfect as is, there are always ways to adjust and make them your own. Here are some tips to consider:

• Storage: Ensure your cookies are stored in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Scoop the cookies onto the sheet as usual, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate, for a unique twist!
• Garnish: For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling crushed candy canes on top along with the flaked sea salt.
• Serving: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, making them an ideal treat for cozy evenings.

What Goes Well With This Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

Pairing your Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here’s how to enjoy them:

• Hot Cocoa: The rich and creamy nature of hot cocoa complements the cookies perfectly, creating a comforting winter treat.
• Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist.
• Coffee: A robust cup of coffee balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the cookies.
• Milk: For a classic pairing, enjoy your cookies with a glass of cold milk—simple, yet satisfying!
• Gift Baskets: Include these cookies in holiday gift baskets along with other treats; they’ll surely be a hit.
• Seasonal Events: Perfect for holiday parties, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are a true holiday delight, brimming with festive flavors that warm the heart and the home. Their perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes them the ideal treat for any gathering or cozy evening in. I encourage you to try baking these cookies and experience the joy they bring to your table. You won’t regret indulging in these sweet, minty morsels!

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate winter treat with these Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. With a refreshing peppermint twist, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Bake a batch today and share the joy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• ¾ cup Light Brown Sugar firmly packed
• 2 large Eggs room temperature
• 2 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ¾ teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 cup Finely Chopped Peppermint Bark
• 1 cup Chopped Semisweet Chocolate
• Coarsely Chopped Peppermint Bark for garnish
• Flaked Sea Salt

Equipment

• Frying pan
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugars at medium speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Fold in finely chopped bark and chocolate. Using a 3-tablespoon spring-loaded scoop, scoop dough (about 60 grams each), and place on prepared pan.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Place cold dough 2 inches apart on prepared pans.
9. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through baking.
10. Immediately garnish with coarsely chopped bark and sea salt, if desired. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks.
11. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Storage: Ensure your cookies are stored in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Scoop the cookies onto the sheet as usual, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate, for a unique twist!
• Garnish: For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling crushed candy canes on top along with the flaked sea salt.
• Serving: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, making them an ideal treat for cozy evenings.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.