Easy Peppermint Bark Cookies Everyone Will Love
Ever bite into something so festive it feels like Christmas just exploded in your mouth? Yeah, that’s exactly what happens when you try Peppermint Bark Cookies. These beauties combine the crunch of peppermint bark with the chewy, buttery perfection of a cookie. They’re part holiday treat, part comfort food, and 100% the reason your kitchen smells like a candy cane factory.
I’ve been making these cookies for a few years now (read: every December since I discovered peppermint bark is basically crack in dessert form). And every time, people lose their minds over them. So, if you’re ready to become the most popular person at the cookie exchange, grab your mixer — because this recipe is about to change your Christmas game.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Bark Cookies
Let’s be real — not all holiday cookies are created equal. Some are pretty to look at but taste like sadness and flour. These? They deliver.
Here’s why everyone (including me) can’t stop baking them:
- The flavor combo is elite. Chocolate + peppermint = the most iconic winter duo ever.
- They’re foolproof. You don’t need pastry chef skills — just basic baking gear and a good holiday playlist.
- They look fancy. Even if you accidentally burn one (it happens), the melted chocolate drizzle makes it look intentional. 😉
- They freeze beautifully. Meaning you can bake ahead and still impress everyone at the office cookie party.
Ever wondered what would happen if a brownie, a sugar cookie, and a peppermint bark bar had a baby? Yeah — these cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Okay, let’s get down to the good stuff. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly. You probably have most of these already hanging out in your kitchen.
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Peppermint Bark Topping:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chips)
- 4 ounces white chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Pro tip: Crush those candy canes inside a ziplock bag with a rolling pin — it’s oddly therapeutic.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Magic
Cream the butter and sugars together in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy — think soft serve ice cream vibes. Add in the eggs and vanilla and keep mixing until it’s smooth.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to your butter mixture. It’s going to look thick and fudgy (resist the urge to eat the dough — or don’t, I’m not your mom).
Step 3: Chill Out
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge. This helps the cookies keep their shape and intensifies that rich chocolate flavor.
Step 4: Bake ‘Em
Scoop dough balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set. The centers should look slightly underbaked — trust me, that’s how you get chewy perfection.
Step 5: Chocolate Time
Once the cookies cool a bit, melt your semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave (30-second bursts work best). Spread or drizzle it on top of each cookie.
Step 6: Add the Peppermint Bark Twist
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let them set for about 30 minutes — or throw them in the fridge if you’re impatient (like me).
And there you have it — Peppermint Bark Cookies that look bakery-level fancy but are secretly super easy.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Bark Cookies
Even the simplest recipes have their secrets. Here’s how to nail it every single time:
- Don’t overbake. The difference between chewy and dry is literally 90 seconds.
- Quality chocolate matters. Use the good stuff — this isn’t the time for off-brand chips.
- Go wild with the toppings. Crushed pretzels? Mini marshmallows? You do you.
- Make them ahead. These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container or up to 2 months frozen.
Ever make something that makes your whole house smell like a candy shop? These cookies do that. Instant holiday spirit.
Variations & Fun Twists
Because let’s face it — we all like to tweak recipes and pretend we invented something new. 😏
White Chocolate Lovers Unite
Swap the cocoa powder for extra flour and use only white chocolate + peppermint topping. Boom. Snowy Peppermint Dream Cookies.
Mint Chocolate Chip Remix
Throw in mini chocolate chips and a drop of peppermint extract into the dough for extra minty kick.
Vegan-Friendly Swap
Use vegan butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free chocolate. Still amazing, still festive, zero compromise.
The Lazy Holiday Hack
Press store-bought cookie dough into rounds, bake, and decorate as usual. No shame. Holiday shortcuts exist for a reason.
How to Store & Serve
You can store these bad boys in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them (uncooked dough or baked cookies) for up to 2 months.
When serving, pair them with:
- Hot cocoa (obviously)
- Eggnog if you’re fancy
- Or a cold glass of milk for that classic Christmas movie moment
Want to take it up a notch? Stack three cookies, tie with red ribbon, and gift them. You’ll look like Martha Stewart without even trying.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
(You’re welcome — now you can totally justify having three because “you’re tracking macros.” 😉)
Final Thoughts
If Christmas had a flavor, it would be these cookies. The mix of rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and festive crunch makes them the ultimate holiday bake. They’re crowd-pleasers, gift-worthy, and honestly? Kinda addictive.
So this year, skip the basic sugar cookies and bake something that tastes like joy itself. Just don’t blame me when your friends start asking for a “cookie subscription.” 😅
| Cookie Type | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Peppermint Bark Cookies | Chocolatey, minty, festive crunch |
| Classic Sugar Cookies | Buttery, sweet, soft |
Easy Peppermint Bark Cookies Everyone Will Love
Description
Chewy chocolate cookies topped with melted peppermint bark and candy canes — the ultimate holiday treat.
Ingredients
1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate
4 oz white chocolate
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
1. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
2. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture.
4. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
5. Scoop onto baking sheet and bake 9–11 minutes.
6. Cool and top with melted chocolates and crushed candy canes.
Notes
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold shape.
Don’t overbake — centers should stay soft.
Store up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
