Embark on a festive journey with these Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies. They're a delightful blend of rich cocoa and refreshing peppermint bark, offering a perfect balance between the two flavors. The texture is just right, soft with a slight crunch from the peppermint bark pieces. These cookies are not just for the holiday season but can bring joy to any day of the year. The best part? They are simple and fun to bake!
The primary ingredient that might not be a staple in your pantry is Peppermint Bark. It is a type of candy made from layers of dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed peppermint candies. It is usually available in the candy or festive section of supermarkets, especially during the holiday season. If you're unable to find it, you could make a homemade version or use crushed peppermint candies as a substitute.
Ingredients For Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies
All purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies, making them soft yet firm.
Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder imparts a rich, chocolaty flavor to the cookies.
Baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and spread, resulting in a nice, soft texture.
Baking powder: Baking powder also contributes to the rise and texture of the cookies.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Unsalted butter adds a creamy, rich flavor to the cookies and helps in the creaming process.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a moist, chewy texture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
White granulated sugar: White sugar sweetens the cookies and aids in creating a crisp outer edge.
Egg: An egg binds the ingredients together and contributes to the texture.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of the cookies.
Peppermint bark pieces: Peppermint bark pieces offer a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and add a delightful crunch.
One reader, Katrinka Menard says:
These peppermint bark chocolate cookies are a delightful treat! The combination of rich cocoa and refreshing peppermint creates a perfect balance of flavors. The cookies are easy to make and turn out wonderfully chewy with a satisfying crunch from the peppermint bark. A must-try for any cookie lover!
Mastering the Art of Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies
How to prepare the cookie dough: Beat the butter and sugars together for about 2 minutes with an electric mixer at medium speed, until completely mixed and light in color. Add the egg and the vanilla extract until well mixed, about a minute. Be sure to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl halfway through. With the mixer on medium speed, add the sifted flour mixture to the bowl slowly. Stop once all of the flour is incorporated (do not over-mix).
How to fold in the peppermint bark chips: After preparing the cookie dough, fold in the peppermint bark chips using a stiff spatula. Gently mix until the peppermint bark pieces are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
How to scoop out the dough: Take small spoonfuls of the dough and roll between your hands to make 1-inch sized balls. Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart.
How to bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How To Make Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies
With the addition of peppermint bark to the recipe, these chewy and fudgy bark chocolate cookies wonderfully capture the taste of Christmas.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¾cupsall purpose flour
- ¾cupunsweetened cocoa powder
- ½tspbaking soda
- ½tspbaking powder
- ¼tspsalt
- 1cupunsalted butter,softened
- ¾cupbrown sugar
- ¾cupwhite granulated sugar
- 1large egg
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 1cuppeppermint bark pieces,broken into little chip size pieces
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder in a bowl and set aside.
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Beat the butter and sugars together for about 2 minutes with an electric mixer at medium speed, until completely mixed and light in color.
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Add the egg and the vanilla extract, and beat for 1 minute until well mixed. Be sure to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl halfway through.
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With the mixer at medium speed, add the sifted flour mixture to the bowl slowly. Stop once all of the flour is incorporated.
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Fold in the peppermint bark chips using a stiff spatula.
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Take small spoonfuls of the dough and roll between hands to make 1-inch sized balls. Arrange on the baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
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Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 101.87kcal
- Fat: 5.56g
- Saturated Fat: 3.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.46g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.26g
- Carbohydrates: 12.95g
- Fiber: 0.88g
- Sugar: 7.16g
- Protein: 1.24g
- Cholesterol: 18.72mg
- Sodium: 42.95mg
- Calcium: 14.50mg
- Potassium: 45.56mg
- Iron: 0.62mg
- Vitamin A: 46.86µg
- Vitamin C: 0.23mg
Pro Tip for Perfect Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies Every Time
When folding in the peppermint bark pieces into the dough, ensure you do it gently and just until they're distributed evenly. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies. Also, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
Streamline Your Peppermint Bark Cookie Making Process
Prep ahead: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This will save time on the day you want to bake the cookies.
Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the baking sheet. This will ensure uniform cookie sizes and save time compared to rolling the dough by hand.
Bake in batches: If your oven is not large enough to accommodate all the cookies at once, bake them in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.
Cool on wire racks: After baking, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool. This will allow air to circulate around the cookies and speed up the cooling process.
Store in airtight containers: Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. This will save time on individually wrapping or packaging the cookies.
Substitute Ingredients For Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: This substitution is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to the cookies.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar, providing a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
white granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener, adding a distinct flavor to the cookies while reducing the refined sugar content.
peppermint bark pieces - Substitute with crushed candy canes: Crushed candy canes can be used to replace peppermint bark pieces, providing the same minty flavor and festive appearance to the cookies.
Creative Ways to Serve Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies
Elevate the cookie size: Instead of traditional small cookies, create larger, more substantial cookies to make a bold statement on the plate.
Artful plating: Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other for an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with elegance: Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies for a touch of sophistication and a hint of sweetness.
Incorporate a touch of color: Add a few fresh mint leaves to the plate for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the peppermint flavor in the cookies.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the cookies on a sleek, modern plate or a rustic wooden board to enhance the overall visual appeal.
Accompany with a palate cleanser: Serve the cookies with a side of vanilla bean ice cream or a light peppermint-infused tea to cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.
Personalized plating: Consider adding a custom stamp or monogram on the plate to add a personalized touch to the presentation.
Create a focal point: Place a single, beautifully wrapped peppermint bark piece in the center of the plate to draw attention and create a stunning focal point.
Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Making Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Oven: You will need an oven to bake the cookies at 350°F.
- Baking sheet: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to place the cookie dough for baking.
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer will help in creaming the butter and sugars together and mixing the dough.
- Sifter: Use a sifter to sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Stiff spatula: A stiff spatula will help in folding in the peppermint bark chips into the cookie dough.
- Wire rack: After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preserving the Freshness of Your Homemade Treats
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture.
- If you prefer to freeze the cookie dough for later baking, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and let them thaw slightly before placing them on a prepared baking sheet and baking as directed in the recipe.
Reviving Leftover Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will help restore some of the original texture and flavor of the cookies.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, wrap the cookies in aluminum foil before placing them in the preheated oven. This will help retain moisture and prevent them from becoming too crispy. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy method, place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will soften the cookies and melt the peppermint bark slightly, creating a gooey and delicious treat.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your cookies. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp.
For a more indulgent treat, crumble the leftover cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the warm, gooey cookies and the cool, creamy ice cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Surprising Trivia About Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies
The peppermint bark chocolate cookies recipe is a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the refreshing taste of peppermint. These cookies are perfect for festive gatherings and make a great gift for friends and family. They are a delicious way to enjoy the classic combination of chocolate and peppermint in a new and exciting form.
Budget-Friendly Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookie Recipe
The cost-effectiveness of this peppermint bark chocolate cookies recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Peppermint bark and cocoa powder can be pricier, affecting the overall cost. However, the recipe yields a generous batch, making it suitable for a household. Considering the indulgent nature of the cookies, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, as the delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a delectable treat, perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Are Peppermint Bark Cookies Good for You?
The peppermint bark chocolate cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients contributing to its indulgent nature are:
- High amounts of butter and sugar, which are calorie-dense and can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess
- Refined all-purpose flour, which lacks fiber and essential nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
- Peppermint bark pieces, which likely contain additional sugar and saturated fats
However, the recipe does include some positive aspects, such as the use of cocoa powder, which is a source of antioxidants and can provide some health benefits in moderation.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the amount of butter by 25% and substitute the remaining portion with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to maintain moisture while cutting down on saturated fats
- Decrease the sugar content by 1/4 to 1/3, as the peppermint bark pieces will provide additional sweetness
- Use high-quality, dark chocolate peppermint bark with a cocoa content of 70% or higher to increase the antioxidant content and reduce added sugars
- Incorporate additional healthy ingredients, such as finely chopped nuts or dried fruits, to boost the nutrient profile and provide a more satisfying texture
By implementing these changes, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the peppermint bark chocolate cookies while still enjoying the festive flavors of the holiday season.
Our Editor's Take on This Festive Cookie Recipe
The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint bark in these cookies creates a delightful contrast of flavors. The recipe's straightforward instructions make it accessible for home bakers, while the addition of peppermint bark pieces adds a festive touch. The cookies are sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings or as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the indulgent blend of chocolate and mint in every bite!
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Why trust this Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its perfect balance of peppermint and chocolate. The combination of rich cocoa powder and refreshing peppermint bark creates a symphony of flavors. The precise measurements and detailed instructions ensure a foolproof outcome. Trust the expertise behind this recipe, as it has been meticulously crafted to deliver a delectable treat. Embrace the joy of baking with this peppermint bark chocolate cookies recipe, and savor every bite of these irresistible cookies.
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