The secret to truly irresistible peppermint bark cookies lies in balancing the rich chocolate with a refreshing burst of mint, ensuring a chewy texture that melts in your mouth. This recipe delivers just that, combining a decadent cocoa base with a delightful crunch of peppermint bark that’s perfect for the festive season. These peppermint bark cookies are designed for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply a cozy evening indulgence. They are surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers, and yield a treat that tastes far more complex than the effort required.

Time: 60 min
👥 Servings: 20 cookies
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 10 ingredients
Chewy Peppermint Bark Cookies: Your Holiday Obsession! Peppermint bark cookies: bake these chewy chocolate delights for the holidays. Packed with festive mint f

Chewy Peppermint Bark Cookies: Your Holiday Obsession!

Peppermint bark cookies: bake these chewy chocolate delights for the holidays. Packed with festive mint flavor, they’re perfect for gifting or sharing.
Prep Time 49 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 20
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
  • 8 oz 70-75% dark chocolate chips or a chopped bar
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
  • 3 tbsp dutch process cocoa powder
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vegetable oil until combined.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, and kosher salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chopped bar. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
  7. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

– For the best texture, ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted. I found that if my butter was too warm, the dough became too sticky and needed extra chilling time.
– Don’t overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain.
– Achieving that perfect chewy center means taking the cookies out when the edges are set but the middle still looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool.
– Store leftover peppermint bark cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • For the best texture, ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted. I found that if my butter was too warm, the dough became too sticky and needed extra chilling time.
  • Don’t overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain.
  • Achieving that perfect chewy center means taking the cookies out when the edges are set but the middle still looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool.
  • Store leftover peppermint bark cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

These peppermint bark cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday spread, offering a perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. Try them out and share your festive creations!