Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, combining a rich, buttery base with festive peppermint flavor. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet treat with a refreshing minty touch.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (for frosting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons milk of choice or heavy cream (for frosting)
• Additional crushed peppermint candy for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy, about one minute.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick batter forms.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candy, being careful not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the bars are not overbaked.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely. Then, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper edges.
9. Step 9: To make the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla or peppermint extract, salt, and milk until smooth and creamy.
10. Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy on top.
11. Step 11: Let the frosting set for a little while before cutting the bars into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract in the frosting or add more crushed peppermint candy to the batter.
• Use white chocolate chips in the batter for a creamy twist.
• If you prefer softer bars, slightly underbake and cool completely before frosting.
• Experiment with different sizes of crushed candies for texture variation.

Storage

Store the peppermint sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. Allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature before serving. If desired, reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for best results.

How do I crush peppermint candy easily?

Place the peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or a heavy pan until you reach your preferred size.

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 55 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic buttery richness of sugar cookies with the festive flavor of crushed peppermint candy. Baked into a thick, chewy bar and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting, they offer a perfect holiday treat that’s easy to make and delightful to share.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy (optional)

Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 tablespoons milk of choice or heavy cream
• Additional crushed peppermint candy, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy, which should take about one minute.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Peppermint Candy: Fold in the crushed peppermint candy gently into the batter to distribute the flavor evenly without overworking the dough.
6. Spread Batter and Bake: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown but not overbaked.
7. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire cookie slab from the pan.
8. Prepare Frosting: Using a mixer, blend together powdered sugar, softened butter, salt, vanilla or peppermint extract, and milk/heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
9. Frost and Garnish: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy on top for extra festive flair.
10. Set and Serve: Let the frosting firm up slightly before cutting the cookie bars into squares. Serve and enjoy these delicious peppermint-flavored treats!

Notes

• To soften butter quickly, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Make sure not to overbake the bars, or they will become dry; baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
• For a stronger peppermint flavor, use peppermint extract in the frosting instead of vanilla.
• You can substitute the milk or heavy cream with any plant-based milk to make the frosting dairy-free.
• Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peppermint sugar cookie bars, peppermint cookie bars, holiday dessert, sugar cookie bars, peppermint frosting, easy holiday treats