Name: Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Ingredients: 1 pouch Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix; ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 12 ounces vanilla baking chips ((2 cups)); ⅓ cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy canes (14 miniature)

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What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a delicious batch of Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark? I remember the first time I made this treat—it was a chilly winter afternoon, and the scent of melting chocolate filled my kitchen like a warm hug. The vibrant red and white of the crushed peppermint candy canes added a delightful touch, making it the perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends. Each bite is a crunchy, sweet explosion that reminds me of everything I love about the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want something sweet to nibble on while watching your favorite holiday movies, this recipe is a must-try!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
29 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
14 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
13 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon

What Sets This Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark Apart

It’s Quick and Easy

One of my favorite things about Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark is how quick and simple it is to prepare. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a festive dessert that looks like it took hours to create. This makes it a fantastic option for those last-minute holiday gatherings or simply when you need something sweet!

Perfect for Gifting

Who doesn’t love a homemade gift? The vibrant appearance of this bark makes it an ideal present for friends, neighbors, or teachers. Just package it in a pretty tin or wrap it with a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful gift that anyone would appreciate!

Customization Opportunities

While this recipe is fantastic as is, the beauty of Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, whether it’s crushed nuts, dried fruits, or even different flavored baking chips. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique treat every time!

Kid-Friendly Fun

Making this bark is a great activity to share with kids. They’ll love getting involved with the stirring, pouring, and of course, the decorating with candy canes. It’s a wonderful way to make memories together during the holiday season.

Beautiful Presentation

The striking contrast of the white chocolate against the bright red peppermint creates a stunning visual. It’s perfect for any holiday table or party platter, making it not just a treat but a centerpiece!

Rich Flavor Profile

Combining the sweetness of sugar cookies with the refreshing kick of peppermint creates a balance that’s simply irresistible. The creamy texture of the white chocolate paired with the crunch of the candy canes makes every bite a delightful experience.

What You Need for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark

When it comes to making Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark, the ingredients come together in harmony to create something truly special. The combination of a sugar cookie mix with creamy vanilla baking chips and crunchy peppermint makes this bark irresistible. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the flavors and textures that make this treat a holiday favorite.

1 pouch Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix: This is the foundation of our bark, providing sweetness and a soft texture that complements the toppings perfectly.
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened: The butter adds richness and helps to bind the cookie mix into a dough.
1 large egg: The egg works as a binding agent, helping the mixture hold together as it bakes.
12 ounces vanilla baking chips (2 cups): These chips melt beautifully, forming a smooth, creamy layer to coat the cookie base.
⅓ cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy canes: The star of the show, these add a refreshing crunch and a burst of holiday flavor.

How to Cook Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark

Making Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark is a delightful process that brings the holiday spirit into your kitchen. Follow these easy steps for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, prepare a large cookie sheet by lining it with foil. This will make for easy cleanup and prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. You’ll want to ensure there are no dry patches, as this will help the dough hold together during baking.
Take the dough and press it into a 12-inch square on the prepared cookie sheet. This creates a uniform base for your bark, ensuring that every piece has the same delightful texture.
Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until it turns light golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary based on your oven. Once done, remove it and allow it to cool completely.
While the cookie base cools, prepare the vanilla baking chips. Place them in a microwavable bowl and microwave uncovered on High for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until they are smooth and melted.
Once the chips are melted, pour and spread them evenly over the cooled cookie base. This creates a smooth, glossy layer that will hold the candy canes in place.
Immediately sprinkle the coarsely crushed peppermint candy canes over the melted chocolate layer. The heat from the chocolate will slightly melt the candy canes, helping them to stick better.
Let the bark stand until set, which takes about 30 minutes. This allows the chocolate to harden and makes it easier to break apart later.
Once set, gently break up or cut the cookie bark into pieces. Store the bark tightly covered, which keeps it fresh for longer.

Things Worth Knowing

Serve warm: Enjoy the bark slightly warm for a gooey texture.
Storage: Keep your leftover bark in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
Use a sharp knife: When cutting the bark, use a sharp knife to ensure clean edges.
Experiment with flavors: Try swapping the vanilla chips for other flavors to create your version!

Recipe Variations about Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark

There are so many fun variations you can try with Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark. Let’s explore some ideas to spice up this festive treat!

Add different toppings: Consider using crushed nuts or sprinkles to add color and texture.
Change the chocolate: Swap vanilla chips for milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor.
Layer with caramel: Drizzle melted caramel over the chocolate layer for an extra sweet kick.
Use different candies: Experiment with other candies like crushed Oreos or M&Ms for a unique twist.
Holiday themes: Use seasonal sprinkles to match the holiday spirit.

Accompaniments for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark

When serving your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark, consider these delightful pairings that will enhance your festive gatherings:

Hot chocolate: Pair this bark with a warm cup of your favorite hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Christmas parties: This bark is a showstopper at holiday parties—serve it alongside other festive treats.
Gift giving: Package the bark in decorative bags for a sweet gift to friends and family.
Seasonal snacks: Enjoy it during movie nights or as a midday snack; it’s perfect for any occasion.
Ice cream topping: Crumble the bark over ice cream for a delicious dessert twist.

FAQ

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark is a festive dessert made from a cookie base topped with melted vanilla chocolate and crushed peppermint candy canes. It’s a delicious and easy treat that captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite.

Absolutely! One of the best parts about Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark is its versatility. You can add various toppings such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even different flavored chocolates to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.

To keep your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark can last up to two weeks. This makes it a great option for holiday parties or as a sweet treat to have on hand throughout the season.

Conclusion

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark is truly a delightful treat that embodies the joy of the holidays. Its combination of sweet, buttery cookies and refreshing peppermint makes it a favorite among friends and family. I encourage you to try making it and share it with your loved ones. Not only will it brighten your holiday table, but it will also create memories filled with sweetness and joy.