Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are the perfect festive treat that will delight your taste buds. Combining the classic flavors of peppermint and chocolate, these cookies bring a twist to traditional peppermint bark. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging at home. With their rich chocolate ganache topping and vibrant red sprinkles, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The blend of peppermint and chocolate creates a delightful holiday flavor that everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for cookie exchanges or holiday parties, and impress your friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed during the holidays or any time you crave something sweet.
• Beautiful Presentation: The colorful sprinkles and glossy chocolate make these cookies visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light texture for your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls allows you to mix dry ingredients without contaminating wet ones, leading to better results.
• Baking sheets: Using sturdy baking sheets helps prevent warping in the oven, promoting even baking.
• Cooling rack: A cooling rack allows air circulation around the cookies, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 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)

For the Topping

• ¼ c. red jimmies sprinkles
• 1 c. dark chocolate
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 36 mini Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark Squares

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
2. Whisk together until well-mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl:
1. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add canola oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix well.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated into the mixture.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Form Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop:
1. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
2. Space them about two inches apart.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 8: Prepare Ganache

While cookies cool:
1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine dark chocolate and heavy cream.
2. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 9: Assemble Cookies

Once cookies are cool:
1. Dip each cookie’s top into ganache or drizzle over them.
2. Sprinkle with red jimmies while ganache is still wet.
3. Top each with a mini Peppermint Bark Square.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

These delightful Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic pairing that balances the sweetness.

As Part of a Cookie Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a festive platter alongside various other holiday treats for a beautiful display at gatherings.

With Hot Chocolate

• Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• For a fun twist, crumble the cookies over vanilla or mint ice cream to add crunch and flavor.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags as delightful gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

How to Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies come out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth dough that blends well and bakes evenly.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes can prevent spreading and help achieve that perfect shape.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t skip the peppermint extract: Adding this gives your cookies that distinct peppermint flavor essential for this recipe.
• Monitor baking time closely: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies during baking to prevent overcooking.
• Allow cooling time: Let the cookies cool completely before adding toppings or serving to ensure they hold their shape.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Peppermint Mocha Coffee
   A rich blend of coffee and chocolate infused with peppermint creates a cozy drink that complements the cookies.

2. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad adds a light and refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors perfectly.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include an assortment of cheeses like creamy brie or sharp cheddar to provide savory bites alongside sweet cookies.

4. Mini Cupcakes
   Serve mini cupcakes in festive flavors like chocolate or vanilla to create an inviting dessert spread.

5. Yogurt Parfaits
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts beautifully with rich sugar cookies.

6. Nut Mix
   A bowl of spiced nuts offers crunch and savory flavor, making it an excellent balance to sweet desserts.

7. Cocoa-Dusted Marshmallows
   These sweet bites offer another layer of chocolatey goodness without overwhelming the palate.

8. Ginger Tea
   A warm cup of ginger tea provides spice and warmth, enhancing your cookie enjoyment on chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the dough’s texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements lead to poor results. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. If you notice your cookies flattening, try chilling them for at least 30 minutes.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them as soon as they start to turn golden around the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper for easy access.

Reheating Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies unique?

These cookies combine the rich flavor of chocolate ganache with refreshing peppermint, creating a delightful holiday treat that stands out from traditional sugar cookies.

Can I customize the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, substitute different extracts, or use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate based on your taste preferences.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Are there any alternatives to eggs in this recipe?

Yes! You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as an egg substitute if you’re looking for a vegan option.

When is the best time to make these cookies?

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or anytime you want a festive treat!

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their unique flavor combination and festive appearance, they make a wonderful addition to any dessert table. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins!