Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. With their rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint essence, these cookies bring a festive touch to any gathering. I remember the first time I made these; the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of baking cookies combined with hints of peppermint. As the cookies baked, I could hardly wait to taste them. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy evening at home, these treats never fail to impress friends and family.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Delightful cookies combining rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint essence, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 14

Total Time 45

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 36 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients

5.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup butter, at room temperature (or 2 sticks)
1.25 cups granulated sugar (+ 1/4 cup for rolling)
0.75 cups powdered sugar
0.75 cups canola oil (or vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
0.25 cups red jimmies sprinkles
1 cup dark chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
36 pieces mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Whisk together.
In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar and canola oil until smooth.
Whisk in eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture until just combined.
Roll dough into one-inch balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet.
Press a mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Square into the center of each cookie.

Baking

Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Ganache Topping

For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering.
Pour over chopped dark chocolate, stir until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with red jimmies.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months.

Keyword Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, sugar cookies

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are not just visually appealing; they are a true delight for your taste buds. The blend of buttery sugar cookie, creamy ganache, and festive peppermint creates a perfect flavor combination. Here are a few reasons to try them:

Festive Vibes: The rich chocolate and bright peppermint flavors make them an instant holiday favorite.
Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these cookies require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
Kid-Approved: The fun of pressing a mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Square into each cookie is a hit with kids, encouraging little hands to help in the kitchen.

“The cookies are beyond delicious! A perfect mix of sweetness and mint—absolutely the highlight of our holiday cookie exchange!” – Satisfied Baker

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. You’ll be creating a dough, baking it, and adding a delightful chocolate ganache. The steps are as follows:

Prep your ingredients and tools, including measuring cups and an electric mixer.
Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately.
Combine everything to form a dough, rolling it into balls, coating them in sugar, and placing them on a baking sheet.
Bake until golden and then top with a mini peppermint bark square before drizzling the ganache.

What You’ll Need

To make these delicious cookies, gather the following ingredients:

5½ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup (or 2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1¼ cups granulated sugar (+ ¼ cup for rolling)
¾ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
2 eggs, at room temperature
¼ cup red jimmies sprinkles
1 cup dark chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
36 mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares

Preparing Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Whisk together.
In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar and canola oil until smooth.
Whisk in eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture until just combined.
Roll dough into one-inch balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet.
Press a mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Square into the center of each cookie.
Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chopped dark chocolate, stir until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with red jimmies.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These cookies can stand alone as a delicious treat, but they also pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Serve them alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or a creamy peppermint latte. For a festive touch, arrange them on a decorative platter sprinkled with additional red jimmies or serve them as part of a holiday cookie box for gifting.

Storage Tips to Keep Cookies Fresh

To ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies stay fresh and tasty, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, these cookies can be refrigerated. Ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent them from taking on other odors. They will last up to two weeks this way.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Helpful Cooking Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs contributes to a fluffier cookie.
Measuring Flour: For best results, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down.
Chill the Dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavor and texture.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with your Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies! Here are some ideas:

Dairy-Free Chocolate: Swap out dark chocolate for dairy-free chocolate chips to make the cookies suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Mint Chocolate Variations: Use mint chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate to amplify the mint flavor.
Add Crunch: Incorporate crushed candy canes into the dough for added texture and festive flair.

FAQs About This Recipe

How long do the cookies take to prepare?
The total time for making and baking these cookies is about 30-45 minutes, depending on your experience level.
Can I replace the peppermint extract with another flavor?
Yes, feel free to experiment with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Follow Me for More Recipes

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies as much as I do! For more festive recipes and cooking inspiration, please follow my journey on Facebook and Pinterest.