I’ve always believed peppermint bark cookies are holiday magic in edible form. There’s something about that perfect balance of chocolate cookie base, smooth white chocolate coating, and that invigorating candy cane crunch that captures the essence of winter celebrations. They’re surprisingly simple to make but look like you spent hours perfecting them. Ready to transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland with these festive treats? The secret is in the technique—and I’m about to share all my tips for getting them just right.
Why You’ll Love these Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies
Three reasons why you’ll love these festive Peppermint Bark Cookies: they combine the beloved flavors of classic peppermint bark in a soft, chewy cookie form.
First, they’re incredibly simple to make—just mix, bake, dip, and sprinkle.
Second, the contrast between rich chocolate cookies and sweet white chocolate creates an irresistible texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.
And third, those crushed candy canes not only look gorgeous but add a delightful crunch that cuts through the sweetness.
Can you imagine a more perfect holiday cookie? I’m telling you, these will disappear faster than snow on a warm day.
What Ingredients are in Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies?
These delightful peppermint bark cookies combine all the beloved flavors of the classic holiday treat in cookie form. The rich chocolate base provides the perfect canvas for that distinctive peppermint flavor, while the white chocolate topping and candy cane sprinkles create that festive look we all crave during the holiday season. Ready to gather your ingredients and get baking? Here’s everything you’ll need:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 10 ounces white chocolate
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
A few notes about these ingredients: the peppermint extract is quite potent, so resist the urge to add more than the recipe calls for—trust me, a little goes a long way. For the white chocolate, I recommend using high-quality baking bars rather than chips if possible, as they melt more smoothly for dipping. And when crushing your candy canes, aim for a mix of fine powder and small chunks to give your cookies both color and that satisfying crunch. Can’t find candy canes out of season? Store-bought peppermint candies work just as well.
Make Ahead Tips for these Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies
During the holiday rush, having make-ahead options for your favorite treats can be a real sanity-saver, allowing you to enjoy those festive moments without being tied to the kitchen.
* Prepare the cookie dough in advance – Mix up your chocolate cookie dough up to 3 days before baking and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking so it’s easier to work with.
* Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls – Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour).
Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time—no need to thaw!
* Bake now, decorate later**** – The plain chocolate cookies can be baked and cooled up to 2 days before you plan to add the white chocolate and peppermint topping.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, then complete the decorating process when you have time.
* Crush candy canes ahead of time – One of the messier parts of this recipe is crushing all those candy canes.
Do this step days or even weeks ahead and store the crushed pieces in an airtight container until needed. This way, you’re always ready for the final festive touch without the sticky cleanup.
How to Make these Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies
Creating these festive peppermint bark cookies starts with a deliciously rich chocolate base. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, then melt ½ cup of unsalted butter before combining it with 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips. Mix in ¾ cup light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar until well incorporated.
The secret to these cookies’ perfect texture? Adding 2 large eggs plus 1 additional egg yolk, which creates that ideal chewy center. Don’t forget to enhance the flavor profile with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract—just enough mint to complement the chocolate without overwhelming it.
Once your wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed, gently fold in 1⅔ cups of all-purpose flour until you have a soft, chocolatey dough. Drop generous spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough room for the cookies to spread.
These beauties only need about 10 minutes in the oven—you’ll want to pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. Trust me on this one, they’ll continue cooking a bit as they cool and this prevents them from becoming too crisp. If your dough seems too soft to hold its shape, a quick 30-minute chill in the refrigerator works wonders.
The real magic happens after the cookies have completely cooled. Melt 10 oz of white chocolate until smooth and silky, then dip the top of each cookie for that classic peppermint bark look.
While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle ½ cup of crushed candy canes over the top—working quickly so they adhere properly. For professional-quality results every time, consider using our premium cookie set that includes everything needed for perfect holiday baking. The contrast between the dark chocolate cookie, smooth white chocolate layer, and crunchy peppermint pieces creates not just a flavor explosion, but also a festive visual treat that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.
Allow them to set completely before storing or serving, preferably on a pretty holiday platter where everyone can admire your handiwork.
Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies Substitutions and Variations
While perfecting the classic recipe is wonderful, let’s explore ways to make these cookies your own with some simple swaps and creative twists.
Dairy-free? Try coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Need a gluten-free option? Almond flour works beautifully as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Not a fan of peppermint? Orange extract creates a delightful chocolate-orange flavor profile.
For a grown-up version, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
Feeling fancy? Drizzle dark chocolate over the white chocolate layer, or swap the candy canes for crushed toffee bits or colorful sprinkles.
What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies
These delightful peppermint bark cookies deserve the perfect companions to round out your holiday treat spread or after-dinner dessert offering.
I love pairing them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa—the rich chocolate drink complements those cool peppermint notes beautifully.
For a more grown-up gathering, try serving alongside coffee with a splash of Bailey’s or peppermint mocha. Can you imagine the flavor combination? Divine.
A small scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled between two cookies creates an impressive holiday ice cream sandwich that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Trust me, your guests won’t forget it.
Leftovers and Storage for these Festive Peppermint Bark Cookies
After you’ve enjoyed your fill of these delightful treats, proper storage becomes essential for maintaining their festive flavor and texture.
I recommend storing these peppermint bark cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Want them to last longer? Pop them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For the best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the white chocolate from sticking together. The candy cane bits might soften slightly over time, but the flavor will still be wonderfully minty.
Can’t finish them all? These cookies actually freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
As the holiday season wraps us in its warm embrace, these peppermint bark cookies have become my absolute favorite way to spread Christmas cheer. There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and zingy peppermint that captures the essence of winter festivities.
Why not make these your new holiday tradition? The contrast of textures—soft cookie, smooth chocolate, and crunchy candy canes—creates a perfect bite every time. And honestly, who can resist those festive red and white speckles? They’re practically begging to be shared at parties, gifted to neighbors, or enjoyed with a steaming mug of cocoa.
If you’re looking for another holiday classic to add to your baking repertoire, consider making Peanut Butter Blossoms with their distinctive chocolate kiss centers that children and adults alike adore.