Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Why Make This Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat to celebrate the holiday season or any winter occasion. Their soft, chewy texture paired with a delightful peppermint frosting creates a truly irresistible dessert. This recipe caters to both cookie lovers and those who enjoy a little something sweet in a bar form. Plus, they come together quickly—making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or holiday parties. The light pink frosting, adorned with crushed candy canes, not only looks stunning but also adds a refreshing crunch that complements the sweetness of the cookie base.

How to Make Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Making Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars is simple and straightforward. This recipe allows you to whip up a batch in no time, making it a fun activity to involve the kids or friends in the kitchen. The steps flow easily from mixing your dry ingredients to baking, and finally to frosting these delightful bars with a festive touch. The aroma of buttery cookies mingled with mint will fill your home, making it feel just like the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Pink food coloring (optional)
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and pink food coloring (if using) until smooth and creamy.
8. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
9. Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your festive treat!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 bar, based on 16 servings):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 2g

How to Serve Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for various occasions! Serve them during holiday gatherings, as treats in lunchboxes, or as a sweet surprise to brighten someone’s day. Pair these bars with a hot cup of cocoa or a warm latte for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make great gifts—just package them in a festive tin or wrap them up with a pretty bow.

How to Store Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

To store your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Simply cut them into pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
2. Do Not Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
3. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper will help you easily lift the bars out, making cutting and serving simpler.
4. Customize the Frosting: Adjust the peppermint extract to your taste preference—less for a milder flavor and more for a bold peppermint kick.

Delicious Variations

1. Chocolate Peppermint Bars: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolaty bars.
2. Nutty Surprise: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch.
3. Different Frosting: Try a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for a different sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Q: Can I omit the peppermint extract?
A: Absolutely! You can replace it with vanilla extract or leave it out altogether for a simple sugar cookie flavor.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: When the edges turn light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re ready!

Conclusion

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars combine the perfect balance of sweetness and holiday spirit, making them a must-try recipe. Whether you’re celebrating the season or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of joy! Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences—your friends and family will love these delightful treats!

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Deliciously soft and chewy cookie bars topped with a festive peppermint frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet treats any day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookie Base

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for better mixing.
• 1 large egg Ensure it's at room temperature.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Check for gluten-free if needed.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract Adjust to taste.
• pink food coloring (optional)
• crushed candy canes for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Allow to cool completely.

Frosting

1. For the frosting, beat together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and pink food coloring (if using) until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
3. Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your festive treat!

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze after cutting into bars.