Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with refreshing peppermint. Perfect for holiday celebrations, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional peppermint bark. The combination of a soft sugar cookie base topped with luscious chocolate ganache makes them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of chocolate and peppermint creates a festive taste that is perfect for the holiday season.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies with confidence.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or enjoying with friends and family.
• Impressive Presentation: The colorful sprinkles on top add a fun touch that makes these cookies visually appealing.
• Perfect Texture: The soft sugar cookie pairs perfectly with the creamy chocolate ganache.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Baking sheets: Provide an even surface for your cookies to bake perfectly.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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
• ½ tsp. peppermint extract
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• ¼ c. red jimmies sprinkles

For the Ganache Topping

• 1 c. dark chocolate
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 36 mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
2. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together room temperature butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in canola oil, vanilla, and peppermint extract until well combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Cookies

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
2. Sprinkle red jimmies on top of each dough ball for decoration.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache Topping

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine dark chocolate and heavy cream.
2. Stir continuously until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Assemble Cookies

1. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks.
2. Once cooled, drizzle warm ganache over each cookie.
3. Top with mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares while ganache is still soft.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite during holiday gatherings!

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or attending a cookie exchange, there are plenty of creative ways to serve them.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve the cookies alongside a warm mug of cocoa. The chocolate and peppermint flavors complement each other beautifully.

Gift Packaging

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of peppermint or vanilla ice cream between two cookies.

Holiday Dessert Table

• Include these cookies on your dessert table at holiday gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy them as part of a larger spread.

How to Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Achieving the perfect Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for optimal results.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure flour accurately – Use the spoon-and-level method to prevent dense cookies; too much flour can lead to a dry result.

• Chill the dough – Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape and enhance flavor.

• Don’t overbake – Remove the cookies when they are just set around the edges. They will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.

• Drizzle with chocolate – For an extra touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for added flavor and decoration.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking to complement your Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies, consider adding some delightful side dishes. Here are some tasty options:

1. Peppermint Hot Cocoa – A rich and creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic choice that balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a cool, creamy texture.

3. Fruit Salad – A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the cookies.

4. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses pairs nicely with sweet desserts, providing an interesting contrast in flavors.

5. Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar add crunch and warmth alongside sweet treats.

6. Gingerbread Men – These festive cookies enhance the holiday spirit and make for an excellent pairing with peppermint flavors.

7. Chocolate Fondue – Provide melted chocolate for dipping fruit or leftover cookie pieces, creating a fun interactive dessert experience.

8. Milkshake – A thick peppermint milkshake can be a fun drink option that echoes the cookie flavor while offering something cool and refreshing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your baking experience. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:

• Boldly skip room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.

• Boldly disregard measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can lead to disappointing results. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.

• Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain a soft texture.

• Boldly ignoring the cooling time: Letting your cookies cool properly helps them set. Don’t rush this step if you want perfect Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies.

• Boldly underbaking or overbaking: Each oven is different; watch your cookies closely. Remove them when they are slightly golden around the edges for the best results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store 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 freezer-safe bag or container.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies:

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?

Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How long do these cookies last?

Properly stored, these cookies last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to use crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or even nuts as toppings instead of peppermint bark squares.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are an irresistible treat that brings festive joy to any gathering. With their delightful chocolate layer and refreshing peppermint flavor, they stand out among holiday sweets. Plus, you can customize them with various toppings or flavors, making them versatile for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family!