If you’re dreaming of a holiday cookie that perfectly balances festive flavors with a touch of elegance, this Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture soft, buttery sugar cookies infused with refreshing peppermint, crowned with rich dark chocolate ganache, and finished with a crisp peppermint bark square that adds a delightful crunch. These cookies bring together the best of winter treats into one irresistible bite that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to success with this recipe. Each plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, from the tender crumb of the cookies to the luscious ganache glaze and crunchy peppermint topping.
- All-purpose flour (5½ cups + 2 tbsp): Provides the structure essential for soft, yet sturdy cookies.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender crumb.
- Cream of tartar (½ tsp): Adds a slight tang and helps maintain the chewy texture.
- Butter (1 cup, room temperature): Creates a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (1¼ cups): Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Adds extra tenderness to each bite.
- Canola oil (¾ cup): Keeps cookies moist and soft longer.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Peppermint extract (½ tsp): The star ingredient for that refreshing holiday kick.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Dark chocolate (1 cup, for ganache): Provides a luxurious coating for the cookies.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Combined with chocolate to make the silky ganache.
- Red jimmies sprinkles (¼ cup): Adds festive color and a bit of crunch on top.
- Mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares (36): The perfect peppermint-chocolate topper that seals the deal.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a bowl. This dry mix ensures your cookies have the right texture and rise evenly during baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate, large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture becomes fluffy. This aeration step is critical as it makes your cookies light and tender, setting the foundation for a delightful chew.
Step 3: Add Oils and Extracts
Into the fluffy butter and sugar blend, stir in the canola oil for moisture, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts. These extracts are what give the cookies their signature holiday aroma and flavor, making every bite exciting.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Eggs
Gradually mix the dry flour blend into your wet mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is smoothly combined. These eggs offer richness and the right structure to hold all the flavors together.
Step 5: Scoop and Sprinkle
Drop tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for spreading. Generously sprinkle the red jimmies atop each mound of dough, which will create a cheerful pop of color and a little extra texture as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 10 minutes or until the edges turn a light, golden hue. Removing the cookies when slightly under-baked helps maintain their soft, chewy center, making them absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan just until it starts to simmer—be careful not to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the dark chocolate until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This luscious ganache will make your cookies decadent and festive.
Step 8: Decorate with Ganache and Peppermint Bark
Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle each with the silky ganache, then gently press a mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Square on top. This final touch provides a satisfying crunch and gorgeous presentation, truly bringing this Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe to life.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To give these cookies an extra festive flair, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or adding crushed candy canes around the edges after the ganache sets. These little details make your cookies even more gift-worthy and perfect for holiday parties.
Side Dishes
Pair these peppermint cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or peppermint tea to highlight their flavors. For a truly indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and peppermint notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with sprigs of evergreen or candy canes for a stunning centerpiece. You can also stack them in clear jars tied with holiday ribbons as charming edible gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The peppermint bark topping and ganache remain best when cool but not refrigerated, as extreme cold can dull the chocolate’s texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies well in advance, freeze the baked and cooled cookies without ganache. Once ready to serve, thaw completely and then add the ganache and peppermint bark toppings. This method preserves freshness while keeping preparation stress-free.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm the cookies briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes before adding the ganache. This will revive their softness and enhance the melty chocolate experience without compromising the peppermint crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peppermint extract with another flavor?
Absolutely! While peppermint is key to this recipe’s festive charm, you can experiment with almond or vanilla extracts for a different twist. Just keep in mind the peppermint is what pairs perfectly with the chocolate and peppermint bark for that classic holiday taste.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookies’ texture intact. The flavor and overall magic of the recipe should remain just as delightful.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?
Milk chocolate will create a sweeter ganache, which may complement the peppermint even more if you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor. Just note that dark chocolate offers a richer, more sophisticated balance with the mint.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, and chill the dough briefly before scooping. These steps help the cookies keep their shape and the perfect chewy texture without becoming overly flat.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate for the ganache?
Using a gentle heat method is essential; heating the heavy cream until just simmering and then stirring in the chocolate avoids burning or seizing. You can also use a double boiler to melt the chocolate more carefully if preferred.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about biting into a Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe cookie that combines buttery softness, refreshing mint, and decadent chocolate all at once. Whether you’re sharing them at holiday gatherings or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies deliver a joyful experience in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make these charming treats a new tradition in your home!
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies combine a tender, buttery sugar cookie base with festive peppermint and rich chocolate ganache, topped with colorful red sprinkles and a mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Square. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies offer a delightful balance of minty sweetness and smooth chocolate decadence in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 5½ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup canola oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
Ganache and Toppings
- 1 cup dark chocolate (for ganache)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup red jimmies sprinkles
- 36 mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light.
- Add Wet Flavors and Eggs: Mix in canola oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the butter mixture. Then, add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Shape and Sprinkle: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Sprinkle each cookie dough mound evenly with red jimmies sprinkles.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare Ganache: While the cookies bake, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the dark chocolate until the mixture is smooth and glossy, forming the ganache.
- Decorate Cookies: Once cookies have cooled, drizzle the prepared ganache over each cookie, then place a mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Square on top of the ganache for a festive finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- The ganache can be gently reheated if it becomes too thick before drizzling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh up to one week.
- For stronger peppermint flavor, add an additional ¼ tsp peppermint extract if desired.
