Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Embrace from My Kitchen

There is something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, wrapping around me like a warm hug. It’s a feeling I always experience when I bake Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies. The scent of butter, sugar, and peppermint fills the air, evoking holiday memories and quiet moments spent in the kitchen. As the cookies cool on the counter, I can’t help but smile, knowing that soon, they will bring families together, creating new memories shared over a plate of sweet treats.

The Story Behind Our Favorite Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

These cookies hold a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made them was during a bustling December when the holiday spirit was alive in every corner of our home. My kids were young, filled with wonder and anticipation for every little thing, especially the treats that emerged from my kitchen. The first batch was a trial run, and as the vibrant red jimmies glittered against the chocolate, their eyes lit up in delight. The combination of peppermint and chocolate was that perfect nod to winter, bringing warmth to our hearts during the cold days.

Every holiday season, these cookies became a tradition, accompanying our evenings spent wrapped in soft blankets while watching our favorite Christmas movies. It wasn’t just about the cookies themselves. It was about the time spent together as a family, baking, laughing, and sneaking bites when no one was watching. For us, they symbolize togetherness, joy, and the sweet comfort that comes with home.

The Simple Process Behind It

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Making Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies is a gentle reminder of the rhythm that defines home cooking. It begins not just with the ingredients but also with the sounds of laughter and the soft clinks of mixing bowls. As the butter and sugar blend together, the creamy mixture shows the joy of what’s to come. The flour is folded in like a dance, showcasing its softness as it transforms into a dough. Every step of the way feels like a piece of a larger story unfolding—a story not just of cookies but of warmth and love shared in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create your own Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies, gather these simple ingredients:

• 5½ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup (or 2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar (+ ¼ cup for rolling)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ¾ cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (a little extra if you love a cozy aroma)
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• ¼ cup red jimmies sprinkles
• 1 cup dark chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 36 mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares

Each ingredient plays a distinct role, enhancing the flavors and textures. Fresh butter gives richness and warmth while the peppermint extract adds a refreshing kick, marrying beautifully with the chocolate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cookies

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation builds as the oven warms up, a promise of sweet aromas soon to fill the house.

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This mixture is the foundation of your cookies, so whisk it together until it’s well blended, creating a soft, powdery cloud.

3. In another large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light in color. The texture should be creamy, and the smell will already begin to soothe your spirit.

4. Now, gradually mix in the powdered sugar and canola oil until combined. The mixture will take on a lovely sheen as you stir until it becomes smooth.

5. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. As you fold these ingredients together, breathe in that delightful peppermint aroma—it truly brings the holiday spirit to life.

6. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. You want the dough to come together nicely, soft yet sturdy enough to hold its shape when baked.

7. Portion out the dough, rolling it into balls about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar and then place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to spread.

8. Press a mini Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Square gently into the center of each cookie before baking. The chocolate will melt and create a delightful surprise inside.

9. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges turn golden. As the cookies bake, the kitchen fills with warmth, and you can hardly wait to taste them.

10. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy the sight of them glistening with melted chocolate.

Ganache

1. While the cookies cool, prepare the ganache by warming the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. The steam rising reveals the rich, inviting aroma of the cream.

2. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, allowing it to sit for a minute. This waiting time helps the chocolate melt beautifully.

3. Stir the mixture gently until glossy and smooth. This silky ganache will be drizzled over the cooled cookies, adding a touch of elegance.

4. Let the ganache cool slightly, then drizzle it generously over the cookies, allowing it to pool perfectly around the peppermint bark center.

5. Sprinkle the red jimmies over the cookies just before the ganache sets. Their vibrant color brings joy and celebration, perfect for any gathering.

How We Enjoy Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies at Home

These cookies are not just a treat. They become part of our family gatherings, our cozy evenings, or simply a sweet moment enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa. I love placing them on a festive plate, adorning it with a sprinkle of excess jimmies for that extra charm.

We often gather in the kitchen after dinner, sharing stories and laughter, our plates filled with cookies and hot drinks. The joy of sharing those moments, with the kids reaching for the ganache-coated cookies and competing for the ones with the most sprinkles, fills the room with happiness.

There’s a warmth that washes over us as we gather around the table with our cookies, humidity in the air, and the sound of each bite crunching just right. It’s these moments that make a house feel like a home.

Keeping It Fresh and Comforting

Storing these cookies is a simple act of kindness. Let them cool completely before you tuck them away. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can stay fresh for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigerating them will help maintain that delightful texture.

You know, the flavors tend to mellow and deepen overnight. The peppermint flavor becomes a little more pronounced, and the sweetness settles into something harmonious. It’s like each cookie holds a story waiting to be discovered with every bite.

Little Lessons From My Kitchen

Here are a few tried-and-true tips that may enhance your baking experience:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. They blend much easier, resulting in a smoother dough.

2. Chilling the Dough: If you find your dough a little too soft to handle, chilling it for 30 minutes can make rolling and shaping easier.

3. Melted Chocolate: If melting chocolate for ganache or drizzling, be careful not to overheat. Chocolate can seize easily. A gentle heat is your best friend.

4. Cleanup Made Simple: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It will save time on cleaning and make transferring cookies effortless.

5. Mix It Up: Feel free to play with different extracts or add chocolate chips if you’re looking for a twist on the recipe.

Family Variations on Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

What I love about these cookies is the opportunity for creativity. You can personalize them according to your family’s tastes or even the season. For instance, replacing peppermint with orange zest can transform them into a festive cookie for Thanksgiving.

Another variation is to sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the ganache instead of jimmies. This adds a delightful crunch and an extra holiday touch that kids love. Similarly, swapping out the dark chocolate for white chocolate creates a lovely contrast with a different flavor profile that many enjoy.

FAQs About Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, it might taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled and come together. Just store them in an airtight container, and you’re good to go.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you’re in a pinch, you could skip it or use a bit more vanilla to keep that sweet balance. Just remember, peppermint really accentuates the chocolate flavor!

How can I freeze these cookies?
You can stack the cookies in a single layer between parchment paper in an airtight container. They can stay frozen for up to three months, perfect for pulling out a sweet surprise later.

Will the cookies stay soft?
Yes, as long as they are stored properly! Keeping them in an airtight container helps retain their chewiness, making them just delightful to eat even after a few days.

A Warm Note From My Kitchen

I hope making and sharing Chocolate Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookies brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it does to mine. Each cookie you bake holds a story—a story of time spent in the kitchen, laughter, and love shared around the table. I invite you to embrace the process and let these cookies remind you of the importance of togetherness and nurturing those beautiful moments in our lives. Happy baking!