Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

There’s something magical about the holiday season that brings back memories of baking with family, and one of my favorite treats to make is Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars. Every year, when the first snowflakes start to fall, I whip up a batch of these delightful bars that are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. The combination of creamy white chocolate, crunchy candy canes, and soft, sweet cookie dough makes these bars a must-have in any holiday celebration. Picture a cozy afternoon spent in the kitchen, laughter echoing, as the scent of peppermint fills the air. These bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat while snuggled under a warm blanket.

What to Buy for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to the ingredients for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the buttery base to the rich fudge layer, these ingredients come together harmoniously. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make these festive treats:

• 2 cups chocolate animal cracker crumbs: These provide a deliciously sweet and crunchy base for the bars.
• ¼ cup sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten the crust and enhance the overall flavor.
• ½ cup butter, melted: This adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
• ½ cup crushed candy canes, divided: A festive touch that brings a delightful crunch and minty flavor.
• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk: This forms the creamy fudge layer that ties everything together.
• 2 cups white chocolate chips: Melting these creates a luscious, sweet layer that complements the peppermint.
• 1 tsp peppermint extract, or to taste: This enhances the minty flavor and makes the bars truly festive.
• 2 (16-oz) packages refrigerated sugar cookie dough, room temperature: The star of the show, creating a soft and chewy cookie layer.

Preparation Steps for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Making Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars is a fun and straightforward process that results in a treat everyone will love. Follow these simple steps to create your delicious bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This is essential for ensuring your cookie bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Place the chocolate animal crackers in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. You want them to be similar in texture to fine graham cracker crumbs for the best crust.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Mix until it resembles wet sand. This mixture will form the base of your bars.
4. Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out and tightly packed to create a solid crust.
5. Sprinkle half of the crushed candy canes over the crust. This will add a lovely crunch and festive touch to your bars.
6. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peppermint extract. This will enhance the peppermint flavor in the fudge layer.
8. Pour the white chocolate mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You want every bite to be filled with that creamy goodness.
9. Break up the sugar cookie dough and crumble it over the fudge layer. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover every inch; some gaps will create a delicious texture.
10. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary. You’re looking for a nice, set appearance.
11. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top. This will give your bars a festive appearance.
12. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps the layers set up nicely.

Things Worth Knowing

Customization Ideas

There are countless ways to customize your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars. Here are a few ideas to elevate your baking game:

• Add nuts: Include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Different extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or vanilla for a unique flavor.
• Layering: Try adding a layer of raspberry jam between the fudge and cookie dough for a fruity twist.
• Frosting: Top your bars with a light frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Colorful sprinkles: Decorate with festive sprinkles to make your bars visually appealing.
• Chocolate drizzles: Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a beautiful finish and extra indulgence.
• Flavor variations: Use different flavored chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or mint chocolate, to change things up.

What to Pair With Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to serving Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, there are plenty of delightful options that enhance the experience:

• Hot chocolate: Pair these bars with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat on cold days.
• Coffee: Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.
• Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Fruit salad: Complement the richness of the bars with a refreshing fruit salad.
• Holiday parties: These bars are perfect for Christmas gatherings or festive occasions.
• Gift giving: Wrap them up as gifts for friends and family to spread the joy.
• Seasonal events: Ideal for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any celebration that calls for something sweet.

FAQ

Conclusion

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are truly a delightful blend of flavors and textures that capture the essence of the holiday season. With their creamy fudge layer, sweet cookie base, and festive crunch, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. I encourage you to try making these delicious bars and share them with your loved ones—there’s nothing quite like the joy of indulging in a homemade treat together!

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

The ultimate festive treat, Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars combine creamy white chocolate, crunchy candy canes, and soft cookie dough for a holiday delight. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Treat yourself to this festive favorite tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 36 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups chocolate animal cracker crumbs
• ¼ cups sugar
• ½ cups butter, melted
• ½ cups crushed candy canes, divided
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14-oz
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 tsp peppermint extract, or to taste
• 2 packages refrigerated sugar cookie dough 16-oz, room temperature

Equipment

• Food Processor
• 9×13-inch Cake Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• 6-quart saucepot

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This is essential for ensuring your cookie bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Place the chocolate animal crackers in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. You want them to be similar in texture to fine graham cracker crumbs for the best crust.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Mix until it resembles wet sand. This mixture will form the base of your bars.
4. Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out and tightly packed to create a solid crust.
5. Sprinkle half of the crushed candy canes over the crust. This will add a lovely crunch and festive touch to your bars.
6. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peppermint extract. This will enhance the peppermint flavor in the fudge layer.
8. Pour the white chocolate mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You want every bite to be filled with that creamy goodness.
9. Break up the sugar cookie dough and crumble it over the fudge layer. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover every inch; some gaps will create a delicious texture.
10. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary. You’re looking for a nice, set appearance.
11. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top. This will give your bars a festive appearance.
12. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps the layers set up nicely.

Notes

• Tip 1: I like to line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil with a 2-inch overhang. This makes it easier to get the bars out of the baking dish.
• Tip 2: These bars are best if they have been refrigerated for a few hours. This gives the peppermint bark layer time to set up.
• Tip 3: These bars are very rich. I suggest cutting them into small squares.
• Tip 4: Store the bars in an airtight container either in the refrigerator or on the countertop at room temperature. The bars will keep 3 to 5 days.
• Tip 5: For an extra indulgent treat, top the cookie bars with a thick layer of frosting.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.