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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully combined.
- 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.
- Add Peppermint Candy: Fold in the crushed peppermint candy gently into the batter to distribute the flavor evenly without overworking the dough.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a mixer, blend together powdered sugar, softened butter, salt, vanilla or peppermint extract, and milk/heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy on top for extra festive flair.
- 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
