Nothing says the holidays like the sweet combination of chocolate and peppermint.
Peppermint bark cookies bring that classic seasonal flavor into a soft, chewy, and crunchy cookie that’s perfect for gifting, baking with kids, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
If you’ve been looking for a recipe that’s festive, flavorful, and fun, this peppermint bark cookies recipe is exactly what you need.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These peppermint bark cookies combine the best of two holiday favorites—cookies and peppermint bark—into a single, irresistible treat.
The chewy texture paired with the crunch of peppermint makes them perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy night in.
They’re festive, flavorful, and customizable, making them a must-bake this season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the baking, gather these simple ingredients:
For the cookies:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
For the peppermint bark topping (optional but highly recommended):
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4 oz white chocolate, melted
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4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
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Additional crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Add Chocolate and Peppermint
Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
The peppermint gives the cookies a festive crunch and that iconic minty flavor.
5. Shape and Bake
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
6. Prepare the Peppermint Bark (Optional)
While the cookies are cooling, melt the white and semi-sweet chocolate in separate bowls using a microwave or double boiler.
Drizzle both chocolates over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies for a professional, bakery-style look.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack so the chocolate sets. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
These cookies also freeze well, making them perfect for making ahead for holiday gatherings.
Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Bark Cookies
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Use fresh peppermint candies: Old candy canes can be hard and difficult to crush.
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Don’t overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, remove them when the edges are lightly golden.
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Experiment with chocolate: Mix in white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for variety.
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Add a drizzle: Swirling the melted chocolates together creates a beautiful marbled effect that looks impressive.
Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Optional: Drizzle melted white and semi-sweet chocolate over cooled cookies. Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies.
- Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Pro Tip: Serve these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa or peppermint-flavored coffee for a double dose of holiday cheer.
This peppermint bark cookies recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to wow guests.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies will become a holiday favorite you return to year after year.
