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Peppermint Chocolate Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Bark Cookies: A Festive Holiday Delight

These delightful peppermint bark cookies are inspired by the classic holiday treat we all know and love: peppermint bark! Imagine the perfect double chocolate chip cookie, subtly infused with peppermint flavor, and then lavishly topped with melted white chocolate and a generous sprinkle of crushed candy canes. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re a festive experience in every bite, perfect for sharing during the holiday season or adding to your thoughtfully curated cookie boxes.

Top view of delicious peppermint bark cookies.
A tempting top view of our peppermint bark cookies, ready to be devoured!

If you’re unfamiliar with peppermint bark, it typically consists of a rich chocolate base, a smooth layer of white chocolate on top, and a vibrant dusting of crushed candy canes. After the bark sets, it’s broken into delightful pieces, perfect for snacking and gifting. This classic holiday confection served as the inspiration for these cookies, bringing together the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of a cookie and the refreshing coolness of peppermint bark.

Our peppermint bark cookies feature a decadent double chocolate base, thanks to the inclusion of both chocolate chips and Andes peppermint chips. This ensures a consistent and delightful peppermint flavor throughout the entire cookie, not just on the topping. Then, they are generously topped with melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes, creating a visually stunning and incredibly delicious treat. These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering or as a special addition to your homemade cookie boxes.

Stack of two peppermint bark cookies split in half, revealing the delicious layers.
A tantalizing glimpse into the layers of flavor in our peppermint bark cookies.

Essential Tips for Perfect Peppermint Bark Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out as perfectly as the ones in this recipe, here are some crucial tips to keep in mind throughout the baking process:

  • Tip 1: Measuring Flour Accurately: Proper flour measurement is paramount for achieving the right cookie texture. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the flour container, as this compacts the flour and can lead to dry, dense cookies that don’t spread properly. If you live at a high altitude, consider adding an extra 2 tablespoons of flour to compensate for the drier air.
  • Tip 2: The Importance of Resting the Dough: This cookie dough benefits from two separate rest times. These periods allow the gluten to develop, resulting in a chewier, more structured cookie. If you rush the process and skip the resting times, your cookies will likely spread too thin and end up flat, resembling pancakes rather than the thick, chewy cookies we’re aiming for. Don’t skip the rest!
  • Tip 3: Creating the Perfect White Chocolate Crater: Before baking, use the back of a teaspoon to gently press a couple of shallow indents into the center of each cookie dough ball. The goal is to create a small “crater” that will hold the melted white chocolate topping, preventing it from running off the sides.
Cookie dough in a bowl, ready for baking.
The cookie dough will be a bit thick, ensuring a chewy texture.
Chocolate cookie dough ball on parchment paper, ready for the oven.
I used a large cookie scoop to portion the dough. I placed 6 dough balls on each cookie sheet and kept the rest on a plate during the 15-minute rest time.
Freshly baked cookies on a wire rack, cooling down.
Notice the indent in the cookie, perfectly shaped for the white chocolate topping!
Close up of a peppermint bark cookie on a wire rack.
A close-up look at the irresistible peppermint bark cookie.

If you’re craving more peppermint-infused delights, be sure to check out my chocolate peppermint cookies and my decadent white chocolate peppermint cheesecake. These recipes are sure to satisfy your peppermint cravings!

A delicious bite missing from a peppermint bark cookie.
A bite is missing, showcasing the tempting texture and flavors within.

If you loved this recipe, please leave astar review! Your feedback helps others discover this delicious treat. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats when you bake these cookies. For more inspiration and ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

Peppermint Bark Cookies

Peppermint Bark Cookies: A Detailed Recipe

Based on the classic holiday treat, these peppermint bark cookies feature a soft double chocolate chip base with peppermint chips, generously topped with melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes. A perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and refreshing peppermint!

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Prep Time:

25
minutes


Cook Time:

13
minutes


Resting Time:

25
minutes


Total Time:

1
hour


3
minutes


Servings:

23
large cookies

Ingredients



  • 2 1/4
    cups
    All-purpose flour



  • 1/2
    cup
    Unsweetened cocoa powder,
    I used dutch process



  • 1
    tsp
    Baking soda



  • 1
    tsp
    Salt



  • 1
    cup
    Unsalted butter,
    room temperature



  • 1
    cup
    Light brown sugar,
    packed



  • 1/2
    cup
    White granulated sugar



  • 1
    tsp
    Pure vanilla extract



  • 2 Large eggs,
    room temperature



  • 1
    cup
    Semi-sweet chocolate chips



  • 1/2
    cup
    Andes peppermint chips



  • 12
    oz
    Lindt white chocolate bars,
    Do not use white chocolate chips



  • 1
    TBSP
    Oil,
    canola or vegetable



  • Crushed candy canes

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later.
    2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour,
    1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder,
    1 tsp Baking soda,
    1 tsp Salt
  • Using a mixer (stand or hand mixer), beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for approximately 2 minutes. This process is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which will result in light and fluffy cookies.
    1 cup Unsalted butter,
    1 cup Light brown sugar,