Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and minty flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With a delightful chocolate ganache layer atop a soft peppermint sugar cookie, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. They are great for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to indulge in during the festive season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly, making them ideal even for last-minute baking.
- Festive Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a deliciously festive taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday parties, gift giving, or simply enjoying at home with family.
- Great for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will love the fun flavors and textures of these cookies.
- Beautiful Presentation: Topped with colorful sprinkles and chocolate, they make a stunning addition to any dessert table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything on hand will help you create these delightful cookies with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and effort by mixing ingredients evenly and thoroughly.
- Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake in batches.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, ensuring your cookies come off the sheet perfectly.
Ingredients
To create your Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough
- 5½ c. + 2 tbsp. flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. cream of tartar
- 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
- 1¼ c. sugar (+ ¼ c.)
- ¾ c. powdered sugar
- ¾ c. canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. peppermint extract
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
For Decoration
- ¼ c. red jimmies sprinkles
- 1 c. dark chocolate
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 36 mini Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark Squares
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for your cookies.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- In another bowl, beat together butter, sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add canola oil, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and eggs; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine dark chocolate and heavy cream.
- Stir until melted and smooth; remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cookies
- Once cookies have cooled completely, drizzle ganache over each cookie.
- Top with mini Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark Squares while ganache is still warm.
- Sprinkle with red jimmies sprinkles for extra color.
Now you have delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies ready to impress friends and family! Enjoy this delightful treat during your holiday festivities!
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether at a holiday gathering or as a sweet treat at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Hot Chocolate
- Serve your cookies alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly for a cozy treat.
On a Festive Platter
- Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter with festive garnishes like mint leaves or candy canes. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon. These make lovely gifts for guests to take home after a holiday party.
With Ice Cream
- Pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert that balances the cookie’s sweetness.
During Movie Night
- Enjoy these cookies during family movie nights. They add a special touch to your snack table and create a fun atmosphere.
As Part of Cookie Exchange
- Bring these cookies to a cookie exchange event. Their unique flavor will surely impress fellow bakers and make them the star of the show.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies
To ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies turn out just right, follow these helpful tips.
Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down to avoid dense cookies.
Chill the dough: Letting the dough chill for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
Don’t overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up on the baking sheet.
Add toppings creatively: Experiment with different types of sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies for added flair and flavor.
Store properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies
Pairing these delicious cookies with complementary side dishes can enhance their flavor even more. Here are some great options:
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
A rich and creamy drink that pairs beautifully with the minty flavor of the cookies.Vanilla Ice Cream
The smoothness of vanilla ice cream makes it a classic pairing that balances sweetness.Chocolate Fondue
Melted chocolate served with fruits and pretzels can create a fun dipping experience alongside your cookies.Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad offers a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making for a light side option.Cheese Platter
A mix of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet flavors of the cookies.Gingerbread Men
Another holiday favorite, gingerbread men bring warmth and spice that complements the peppermint sugar cookie nicely.Coffee or Tea
A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can round out your dessert experience while enhancing the chocolate flavors.Mini Cheesecakes
Bite-sized cheesecakes can add variety to your dessert table and pair well with peppermint flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth dough.
- Ignoring Measurement Accuracy: Baking is a science. Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the right consistency in your cookies.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Blend until just combined for a tender texture.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step can result in overly spread cookies. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.
- Using Unsuitable Chocolate: Not all chocolates melt the same. Choose high-quality dark chocolate for a rich flavor that complements the peppermint.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them.
What type of chocolate works best?
High-quality dark chocolate is recommended as it melts well and provides rich flavor that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
Can I substitute other extracts?
Absolutely! You can experiment with vanilla or almond extract if you want different flavor profiles alongside peppermint.
How do I customize my cookies?
Feel free to add nuts, different sprinkles, or even use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for variety!
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are not just festive but also versatile. Their delightful combination of flavors makes them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or trying different types of chocolate. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet holiday spirit!
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are a festive delight that combines soft sugar cookies with a rich chocolate ganache and refreshing peppermint flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging at home, these treats are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. The vibrant presentation, topped with colorful sprinkles and chocolate, makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. With easy preparation and a delightful taste, these cookies embody the spirit of the season.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 5½ c. + 2 tbsp. flour
- 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
- 1¼ c. sugar (+ ¼ c.)
- ¾ c. powdered sugar
- ¾ c. canola oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. peppermint extract
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 c. dark chocolate
- 1 c. heavy cream
- Red jimmies sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- In another bowl, beat butter with sugars until fluffy; add oil, extracts, and eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until mixed.
- Drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets; bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- For the ganache, heat dark chocolate and heavy cream in a saucepan until melted; stir until smooth.
- Drizzle ganache over cooled cookies, top with peppermint bark squares and sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (35g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Experiment with different toppings like crushed peppermint candies for added flair.
