Cozy Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe

As the chilly winds of winter set in, there’s something magically comforting about filling your home with the aroma of fresh-baked cookies. Picture this: you’re bundled up by the fireplace, sipping on hot cocoa, and suddenly, the sweet scent of peppermint and rich chocolate wafts through the air. That’s exactly what my Cozy Peppermint Bark Cookies bring to the table—every bite is like a warm hug on a frosty day!

This delightful cookie recipe is inspired by the traditional peppermint bark that we all adore during the holiday season. It’s a cozy treat that blends gooey chocolate and cooling peppermint in a way that feels both nostalgic and festive. You’ll want to keep this Cozy Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe handy during the holiday season and beyond; it’s perfect for cookie exchanges, festive gatherings, or a simple family treat. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Festive: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes these cookies an ideal seasonal treat.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this cookie recipe is straightforward and practically foolproof!
No Chill Required: You can whip up these cookies on a whim without having to wait for dough to chill.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These cookies wow friends and family, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins and toppings—there are countless delicious variations to explore!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cozy Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe

To bring the cheerful flavor of peppermint bark into cookie form, gather these simple ingredients:

1 and ¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (36g) Dutch processed cocoa
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate (coarsely chopped)
4 ounces (113g) white chocolate (coarsely chopped)
1 and ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
1 and ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 tablespoons (30-45mL) heavy cream
2 ounces (57g) white chocolate (finely chopped)
5 candy canes (crushed)

How to Make Cozy Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe

Let’s make it together! Follow these steps to create your own batch of delicious cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the semi-sweet and white chocolate until evenly distributed.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still soft.
Allow to cool on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat softened butter with powdered sugar, 1 and ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Frost cooled cookies generously and sprinkle with chopped white chocolate and crushed candy canes, pressing gently to stick.
Allow frosting to set before serving.

Fun Ways to Customize It

Make these Cozy Peppermint Bark Cookies your own with a few creative twists!

Minty Green: For a pop of color and added flavor, use green food coloring in your frosting or mint extract instead of peppermint.
Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for an indulgent crunch.
S’mores Style: Incorporate mini marshmallows into the cookie dough for a s’mores-inspired treat.
Chocolate Drizzle: Give your cookies a decadent finish by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the frosted cookies.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Here are my best kitchen secrets to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this will help create a fluffier texture when creaming.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when incorporating the dry ingredients; overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Storage Magic: Store any leftovers in an airtight container—these cookies can last for up to a week at room temperature.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance, wrap it tightly, and freeze it. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready!

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Each cookie is a little indulgence, and here’s the nutrition information per serving (based on 24 cookies):

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 40mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! You can substitute the chocolate types or even use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

How long does it last?
These cookies can last up to a week at room temperature when stored correctly.

A Cozy Closing Note

There’s something undeniably special about sharing the warmth of home-baked cookies during the holiday season. My Cozy Peppermint Bark Cookies are not just treats; they’re small bites of joy that evoke memories of laughter and love shared with family. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite cozy sweater, and let this recipe bring warmth to your kitchen.

Save this Cozy Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe to your holiday treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every bite!