During the festive season, your culinary repertoire could certainly use a touch of magic. This year, why not add an extraordinary treat that combines the joyful flavors of peppermint and chocolate? Introducing Peppermint Bark Cookies! These delectable cookies have a rich, buttery base topped with a luscious layer of melted chocolate and a delightful crunch of crushed candy canes. They not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a festive spirit to your home. Let’s dive into the world of Peppermint Bark Cookies and learn why they’re a favorite during the holidays.
Why We Love This Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe
There’s something undeniably enchanting about Peppermint Bark Cookies. They’re a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an instant hit at any gathering. The combination of rich semisweet chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a unique taste that captivates the palate. Not only are these cookies delicious, but they’re also visually stunning, with vibrant red-and-white candy cane sprinkles atop a silky chocolate glaze.
These cookies evoke warm memories of holiday celebrations, cozy gatherings, and the spirit of giving. They are excellent for sharing with friends and family or for enjoying quietly with a warm cup of cocoa. Plus, their simple preparation makes it easy to whip up a generous batch, ensuring that everyone can have a taste of this festive treat.
Ingredients about Peppermint Bark Cookies
To embark on this delicious journey of making Peppermint Bark Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in building the flavors and textures that make this recipe shine:
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
These ingredients come together to create a delightful cookie that’s sure to brighten up your holiday celebrations. Each one contributes to the overall richness of the cookie, providing a lovely buttery flavor, the perfect sweetness, and a crunchy, festive finish.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies Directions
Creating your own Peppermint Bark Cookies is an enjoyable process and surprisingly straightforward!
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden-brown finish.
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. This will ensure easy removal of your cookies later on.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will combine the dry ingredients uniformly and eliminate any lumps.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, combine the softened salted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process takes about 2 minutes, and it’s key for creating a nice texture in your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: After achieving a fluffy consistency, add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture from your small bowl into the stand mixer. As you mix, keep an eye on the dough; it should start to become crumbly yet still cohesive.
- Press the Dough: Once mixed, press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. It helps to use your fingers or a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Bake the Crust: Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden brown, and a delightful aroma fills your kitchen.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie crust cool on a wire rack for about an hour. This cooling time is essential before adding the chocolate layer.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in short increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Add the Chocolate Layer: Spread the melted chocolate over the cooled cookie crust evenly. Take your time to cover every inch for maximum chocolatey goodness!
- Top with Candy Canes: Finally, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the melted chocolate. Gently press them down to ensure they stick well.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking pan in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the chocolate has fully set. This step will give you that perfect snap when you bite into a cookie.
- Cut and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the cookies into triangles or your desired shapes. Serve them up on a festive plate and enjoy the delight they bring to your holiday season!
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Cookies
Serving your Peppermint Bark Cookies can be as festive as the cookies themselves!
One delightful idea is to arrange them on a beautiful platter or in a decorative tin. You can add some festive touches like ribbons or holiday-themed decor to enhance the presentation. These cookies can be served as a sweet treat during your holiday parties, family gatherings, or even at cozy movie nights at home. You may also consider pairing them with a warm drink, such as hot chocolate, to complement the flavors beautifully.
If you want to get creative, you can crush extra candy canes to sprinkle on top of whipped cream for those hot beverages, offering your guests an easy way to indulge in the peppermint flavor even further. Wrapped in cellophane with a nice bow, these cookies also make lovely gifts for neighbors or friends, spreading holiday cheer along with delightful flavors.
Expert Tips: Peppermint Bark Cookies
While making Peppermint Bark Cookies is relatively simple, here are some expert tips to elevate your cookie game:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and pure vanilla extract. The richness of these ingredients significantly impacts the flavor of your cookies.
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This allows for better creaming with sugar, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Mixing Techniques: When mixing your dough, be careful not to overcombine once you add the dry ingredients. Stopping as soon as the mixture comes together will help keep your cookies tender.
- Crush Candy Canes with Care: Instead of using a food processor, place the candy canes in a zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This method gives you a more controlled crush without turning them into powder.
- Allow to Cool Completely: Make sure your cookie crust is entirely cool before adding the chocolate layer. It prevents the chocolate from melting into the crust and allows for a beautiful finish.
- Experiment with Drizzles: For an extra special touch, consider drizzling some melted white chocolate over the finished cookies after they’ve chilled. This not only adds aesthetic appeal but also a contrasting flavor.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll ensure that your Peppermint Bark Cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning.
How to Store Peppermint Bark Cookies
To keep your Peppermint Bark Cookies fresh and delightful, storing them properly is essential. Here’s how you can do that:
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies have cooled entirely before storing them to prevent moisture buildup.
- Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Layer them with parchment paper between the layers if you’re stacking them, preventing sticking.
- Refrigeration: If you plan to store the cookies for more than just a few days, consider refrigerating them, especially because of the chocolate layer. This will help in preserving their texture and flavor.
- Freezing Option: Peppermint Bark Cookies also freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your festive cookies well beyond the holiday season!
Variation of Peppermint Bark Cookies
While the classic Peppermint Bark Cookies are a crowd favorite, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Dark Chocolate Version: Swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to create a more sophisticated flavor. The richness of dark chocolate pairs nicely with the sweetness of the candy canes.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: For a beautiful contrast, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the chocolate layer before adding the crushed candy canes. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the dough for added crunch and flavor. This variation adds to the texture and complexity of the cookies.
- Mint Chocolate Scent: For an even stronger mint flavor, consider adding in a few drops of peppermint extract into the dough. Just be cautious, as peppermint extract can be potent — a little goes a long way!
- Cookie Sandwich: For a fun twist, make two smaller rounds of cookie dough and sandwich them together with a layer of chocolate in between. Then, use crushed candy canes to adorn the sides.
With these variations, you can customize your Peppermint Bark Cookies to suit different tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious treat during the holidays.
FAQ About Peppermint Bark Cookies
What are Peppermint Bark Cookies made of?
Peppermint Bark Cookies are made with a buttery cookie base topped with melted semisweet chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. The combination creates a delightful mix of flavors, perfect for the holidays.
How long do Peppermint Bark Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Peppermint Bark Cookies can last up to one week at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can maintain freshness for up to two weeks, and freezing can extend their life to about three months.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute semisweet chocolate with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will change the taste and the visual presentation of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! To make Peppermint Bark Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, including chocolate chips and candy canes, are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Why did my cookies break apart?
If your cookies are breaking apart, it could be due to overmixing the dough or not allowing them to cool sufficiently before adding the chocolate layer. Additionally, ensure that you allow them to set up completely before cutting into them.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Use high-quality vanilla for best flavor
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips Use high-quality chocolate
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening This helps to smooth the chocolate
- 1 cup crushed candy canes Crush using a rolling pin for larger pieces
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until crumbly yet cohesive.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Baking
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool the cookie crust on a wire rack for about an hour.
Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then continue microwaving in short increments until fully melted.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the cooled cookie crust evenly.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the melted chocolate and gently press down.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the chocolate is set.
- Cut into triangles or desired shapes and serve.
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