Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies

Introduction: The holiday season is filled with traditions that fill our homes with warmth, joy, and, of course, delightful treats. Among the many festive flavors that capture the spirit of Christmas, few are as beloved as peppermint and chocolate. Combine that with a sprinkle of crunchy peppermint bark, and you’ve got a cookie that’s destined to become a holiday favorite. These Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies take the best of both worlds—soft, chewy chocolate cookies dipped in silky white chocolate and crowned with crumbled peppermint bark. The result? A cookie that tastes like pure Christmas magic.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the White Chocolate Coating:

1 cup white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)

For the Peppermint Bark Topping:

1 cup crushed peppermint bark pieces (store-bought or homemade)
1-2 tsp crushed candy canes (optional, for extra peppermint flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

2. Form the Cookies:

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Gently flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your fingers, as they won’t spread too much during baking.

3. Bake:

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they appear set but slightly soft in the center.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the White Chocolate Coating:

While the cookies are cooling, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave (in 20-second intervals, stirring in between).
Once the chocolate is smooth, dip the top of each cooled cookie into the white chocolate, ensuring an even coating.

5. Top with Peppermint Bark:

After dipping the cookies in white chocolate, immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint bark pieces on top while the chocolate is still wet.
Optionally, add extra crushed candy canes for a bit of extra peppermint crunch and flavor.

6. Let Set:

Place the cookies on a wire rack to allow the white chocolate to set. You can refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.

Methods:

The method for making these cookies is straightforward and follows the traditional process of baking chocolate cookies. The twist lies in the festive additions—dipping the cookies in melted white chocolate and topping them with crushed peppermint bark. The combination of soft cookies with a crunchy, sweet topping brings together different textures and flavors that make every bite a festive delight. You can also customize the amount of peppermint bark depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.

History:

Peppermint bark itself is a relatively modern creation that has become a staple of the holiday season. Traditionally made of layers of white and dark chocolate topped with crushed peppermint, it was first popularized in the 1980s by candy stores and chocolatiers looking to offer a holiday treat that combined the festive spirit of peppermint with the richness of chocolate. The concept of adding peppermint bark to cookies takes this beloved treat one step further, turning it into a dessert that’s not just visually stunning, but packed with all the flavors of Christmas.

Formation:

These Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies come together in a few stages. The cookie dough itself is simple and takes just a few minutes to prepare. After baking, the real magic happens when you dip the cookies in white chocolate and top them with peppermint bark. The layers of chocolate and peppermint not only make for a visually impressive treat but also enhance the texture and flavor with every bite. This process of layering brings depth to the cookie, making it an irresistible holiday indulgence.

Conclusion:

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. They combine the best elements of festive flavors—chocolate, peppermint, and white chocolate—into one delicious bite-sized treat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply enjoying the Christmas spirit, these cookies are sure to impress. The soft chocolate base, creamy white chocolate coating, and crunchy peppermint bark topping are a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, they make great gifts for the holiday season!

Lovers of These Cookies:

Peppermint lovers will adore these cookies, as they bring the bold minty flavor of peppermint bark to the forefront. Chocolate chip cookie enthusiasts will also appreciate the chewy, rich chocolate base, which pairs perfectly with the crunchy white chocolate and mint topping. These cookies offer something for everyone—whether you love the refreshing zing of peppermint or the indulgent richness of chocolate, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re also ideal for sharing with loved ones, making them a perfect choice for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat by the fire.

So go ahead, indulge in the magic of Christmas with these Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies, and let the holiday cheer fill your home with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies!