Peppermint Bark Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, Chewy Texture: The cookies are soft and chewy with pops of dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint.

• Quick and Easy: No mixer or chilling required—these cookies are ready in just ~30 minutes.

• Simple Ingredients: Easy to prepare using basic pantry ingredients.

• Gorgeous and Delicious: These cookies look beautiful and taste even better, perfect for cookie trays or holiday gifts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp peppermint extract

• 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp natural cocoa powder

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• ½ tsp baking powder

• White chocolate and crushed candy canes for dipping

Directions

1. Melt the Butter & Chocolate: In the microwave, melt the butter and chocolate chips together. Let the mixture cool completely.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined once the chocolate mixture is cool.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, cocoa, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

4. Shape the Dough: Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, flatten the cookies slightly, and bake at 350°F for about 9 minutes. Allow them to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Prepare the Topping: Melt the white chocolate, thinning it with a bit of vegetable shortening or coconut oil. Dip the cookies halfway in the melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let them set on wax paper.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: About 30 cookies.

• Prep time: ~20 minutes

• Bake time: ~10 minutes

• Total time: ~30 minutes (no chilling needed)

Variations

• Stronger Mint Flavor: Double the peppermint extract for a more intense mint flavor.

• Different Chocolate: Substitute dark or milk chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips.

• Mint Extract: Swap peppermint extract for mint extract, though it may have a slightly different taste, more like toothpaste.

• Subtle Peppermint: Omit the chocolate chips or reduce the candy canes for those who prefer a more subtle mint presence.

Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze fully baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh the melted chocolate.

FAQs

What if I don’t have a mixer—is that okay?

Yes! This recipe is designed to be mixed entirely by hand, with no mixer needed.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Though chilling is unnecessary, chilling for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I make them gluten-free?

You can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

Can I skip the dip in white chocolate?

Yes—just bake the dough with crushed peppermint stirred in and top the cookies with crushed candy canes afterward.

What cocoa powder should I use?

Natural cocoa powder is ideal for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using Dutch-process cocoa for this recipe.

How do I crush candy canes easily?

Place the candy canes in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you achieve fine to medium pieces.

My white chocolate seized—what went wrong?

If your white chocolate seized, try adding a bit of shortening or coconut oil to thin and smooth it out.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Portion the dough into balls and freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.

Why cornstarch in the cookies?

Cornstarch helps create a softer, chewier texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Can I use mint extract?

You can, but peppermint extract offers a cleaner, more appropriate flavor for these cookies.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Bark Cookies strike the perfect balance of chocolate and mint, with an irresistible texture and festive flair—all ready in just half an hour with minimal effort. They’re sure to become a holiday favorite—enjoy every bite!