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Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 122 reviews

Delight in these festive Peppermint Bark Cookies that combine rich cocoa, chunks of semi-sweet chocolate, and a creamy white chocolate peppermint topping sprinkled with crushed candy canes. Perfectly tender yet slightly chewy, these cookies offer a delicious blend of chocolate and refreshing peppermint, ideal for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, minty treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, gluten-free if needed
  • 2/3 cup (55g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick; 120g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk

Chocolate and Toppings

  • 1 (3.5 ounce) semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped plus more for topping, optional
  • 9–11 ounces premium white chocolate baking bar, chopped (chips work too)
  • 2 teaspoons (9g) refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening
  • 6–8 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

  1. Chill the Dough: This cookie dough requires at least 2 hours of chilling, but ideally overnight. Chilling for longer (up to 3 days) makes the cookies thicker and prevents spreading.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until fully combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and milk to the butter mixture and beat until smooth and combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Incorporate Chocolate Chunks and Chill: Fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate chunks using a rubber spatula. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours or up to 3 days to prevent spreading and enhance texture.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Scoop the Dough: If chilled over 24 hours, let dough soften at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Using a large cookie scoop (3-4 tablespoons), drop dough balls 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and tops appear slightly soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Melt White Chocolate and Coat Cookies: Ensure cookies are fully cooled. In a tall, microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped white chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until melted and smooth.
  11. Dip and Decorate: Dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate, place on parchment paper, and immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Let set completely until white chocolate hardens.
  12. Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) is crucial to prevent cookie spreading and achieve the best texture.
  • Allow dough softened for easier scooping if chilled longer than 24 hours.
  • Make sure cookies are fully cooled before dipping in white chocolate to avoid melting the toppings inside the cookie.
  • Use high-quality chocolate bars for best flavor and texture, but chocolate chips can be substituted if preferred.
  • Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch and peppermint punch, but adjust quantity based on preference.

Keywords: peppermint bark cookies, chocolate peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, peppermint chocolate treats

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/peppermint-bark-cookies-recipe/