Are you dreaming of a deliciously festive treat that's both easy to make and impossibly delightful? Look no further! These Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are the perfect answer for your holiday baking needs, or any time you crave a refreshing minty chocolate experience. They're a simple, yet stunning combination of rich dark chocolate, crisp peppermint candy, and buttery shortbread, making them an ideal homemade gift or a delightful addition to your own dessert table. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros, promising a delicious outcome every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving that tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate and Peppermint:
Stir in the dark chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy canes. The peppermint pieces will add a delightful crunch and festive flair.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This will ensure proper creaming and a light, fluffy cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and creates a thicker cookie.
- Adjust Peppermint: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed peppermint candy canes to your liking.
Variations:
- White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies: Substitute white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
- Milk Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies: Use milk chocolate chips for a milder chocolate flavor.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories (depending on size and ingredients)
This recipe is just a guideline; feel free to adjust it to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies! They are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying a sweet treat yourself. These quick dinner ideas are not only tasty but also incredibly easy to make, so they're perfect for a busy weeknight. They also represent some of the best recipes available for a simple, delicious, and healthy meal.