Name: Delightful Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars for Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (can substitute with almond extract); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips (or crushed candy canes); 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 2 tablespoons Milk (as needed for consistency)

As the crisp air fills with whispers of pine and cozy nights draw near, my thoughts turn to one of the most delightful holiday traditions: baking. There’s something magical about creating Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, a soft and chewy indulgence that fills the kitchen with the sweet scent of mint and sugar. These bars are not only quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules, but they also serve as a charming centerpiece for any festive gathering. Topped with creamy buttercream frosting and an extra sprinkle of peppermint crunch, they are sure to impress your guests and bring smiles all around. Are you ready to dive into this sweet seasonal treat? Let’s get started!

Why are Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars special?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of minty crunch from the peppermint chips and creamy buttercream frosting makes for a deliciously festive treat.

Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can whip up these bars without fuss, perfect for those new to baking!

Perfect for Sharing: Their convenient bar format is ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in with loved ones.

Customizable Delight: Swap peppermint chips for your favorite chocolate or add nuts for a delicious twist! For more creative ideas, check out my variation suggestions.

Baking Time Saver: In just about 30 minutes, you can have these delightful bars ready to impress, making them a time-efficient choice during the busy holiday season.

These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they are a celebration of the holiday season!

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars Ingredients

Get ready for a festive baking adventure with these delightful bars!

For the Dough

Butter – Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bars and helps achieve that tender texture.
Eggs – Binds the ingredients together, ensuring a soft and chewy bite.
Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor profile; consider almond extract for a delightful twist!
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the bar, providing essential structure.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps the bars rise slightly for that perfect bake.
Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips – Infuses the bars with delightful mint flavor; feel free to swap with crushed candy canes if desired.

For the Frosting

Powdered Sugar – Creates a sweet, smooth frosting that complements the bars perfectly.
Milk – Adjusts the frosting consistency, making it spreadable and creamy.

Get everything ready, and let’s prepare to fill your home with the wonderful scent of Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly spraying it with non-stick spray. This will ensure that your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In an electric mixer, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender texture in your cookie bars, so be sure to achieve that airy consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. This will help bind your ingredients together, resulting in the chewy goodness of your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. You want a soft, cohesive dough that has hints of minty flavor from the flour mixture.

Step 5: Fold in the Peppermint Chips
Gently fold in the Andes peppermint crunch baking chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will give your cookie bars that delightful minty flavor and a wonderful crunch that complements the soft texture.

Step 6: Spread the Dough
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure the surface is smooth and level, as this will ensure uniform baking. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool the Bars
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the bars to cool entirely is essential, as it prevents the frosting from melting when added later.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by creaming softened butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, followed by a splash of vanilla extract. Add milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency that’s perfect for topping your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the bars have completely cooled, generously spread the frosting over the top using an offset spatula. For a festive touch, sprinkle additional peppermint chips on top of the frosting. This adds color and an extra burst of peppermint flavor, making your bars even more delightful for holiday celebrations.

Expert Tips for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Perfect Butter Texture: Ensure the butter is soft but not melted; this creates that fluffy mix crucial for achieving soft and chewy texture in your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars.
Rotate for Even Baking: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking pan halfway through baking. This will help promote even cooking and ensure all parts of your bars are evenly baked.
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting into a gooey mess. This step is key for a beautiful finish!
Minty Boost: For a more intense peppermint flavor, consider adding a small amount of peppermint extract to both the dough and the frosting. Just a little goes a long way!
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only helps with easy removal but also keeps the edges of your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars from overbaking.

What to Serve with Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

As you prepare these festive treats, consider delightful accompaniments that enhance your holiday gathering experience.

Hot Cocoa: The warm, rich flavors of hot cocoa perfectly complement the minty sweetness of the bars, creating a cozy pairing for chilly nights.
Spiced Apple Cider: This fragrant, spiced beverage provides a lovely contrast to the sweet bars, adding a festive touch that evokes holiday cheer.
Peppermint Tea: A soothing option that ties in the peppermint flavor, this warm drink can balance the sweetness and enhance the dessert experience.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy whipped cream on the side not only adds creaminess but also beautifully contrasts with the chewy texture of the bars.
Holiday Fruit Salad: A mix of tart and sweet fruits provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the bars, making for a colorful and festive addition.
Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by drizzling melted chocolate over the bars, adding an extra layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will adore.
Cinnamon Rolls: For a brunch or breakfast option, serving warm cinnamon rolls alongside the cookie bars can create a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Eggnog: A classic holiday drink that adds a touch of creaminess and spice, perfectly balancing the festive peppermint with its rich flavor.
Nutty Snack Mix: A crunchy, savory contrast to the bars, a homemade nut mix with caramel or chocolate can satisfy a range of taste preferences at your gathering.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars offer fantastic make-ahead possibilities for busy cooks! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain that delightful chewy texture, make sure to bring the dough back to room temperature before spreading it in the baking pan. You can also bake the bars up to 3 days ahead of time; simply store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, frost them with the buttercream and top with extra peppermint chips, ensuring your festive treat is just as delicious as if they were freshly made!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful for holiday munching.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate these bars for up to a week. Just ensure they’re covered to avoid drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until cozy.

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars Variations

Feel free to spice up your baking adventure by customizing these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Swap butter and milk for vegan alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk for a dairy-free delight.
A little creativity opens the door to rich flavors without compromising on the festive experience.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-friendly.
You won’t miss the traditional flour as the flavors will still shine through.
Chocolate Lovers: Substitute Andes peppermint chips with dark or white chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet twist.
The rich chocolate flavor paired with mint adds a new depth to your bars.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed walnuts or pecans to the dough for an extra crunch and nutty richness.
This twist not only elevates the texture but creates a cozy flavor profile ideal for chilly nights.
Extra Minty: Infuse your bars with additional peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor.
Just a dash can turn your Pinterest-perfect bars into a peppermint explosion!
Crushed Candy Canes: For a festive garnish, sprinkle crushed candy canes atop the frosting instead of extra peppermint chips.
Their vibrant colors and crunch make your bars not only tasty but visually stunning, too.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of salted caramel sauce on top for a sweet-and-salty flavor combination.
The contrast enhances the sweet holiday vibe with a sophisticated touch.
Chili Chocolate: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate chips.
The heat complements the sweetness in a surprising but delightful way, making these bars truly unique.

These variations are perfect for creating your vibe this holiday season, so let your kitchen be the canvas for some joyful baking!

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right ingredients for my Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! For the best results, use fresh ingredients. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; it should easily hold its shape while mixing. Choose eggs that are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter. When selecting peppermint baking chips, look for those that have bright colors and no dark spots or signs of moisture in the packaging. This ensures they’ll bring that delightful minty flavor to your bars.

How should I store my Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, perfect for snacking or holiday entertaining! If you want to enjoy them later, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze my Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?
Very! To freeze, I recommend wrapping your unfrosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. If you’d like them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!

What should I do if my bars are too crumbly or dry?
If your bars turn out crumbly or dry, it might be due to over-mixing the dough or not measuring your flour correctly. Make sure you’re scooping your flour with a spoon and leveling it off, rather than packing it into the measuring cup. If you encounter this issue again, you can add a splash of milk to the dough next time, which can improve moisture levels.

Are there any dietary considerations for my Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, consider making them gluten-free by substituting regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For those allergic to eggs, you can use flaxseed meal as a substitute: mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Just be aware that these adjustments may slightly alter the texture and flavor, but they should still be delicious!