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Let me share one of my favorite holiday treats Peppermint Bark Chocolate Chip Cookies. These beauties take everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies and dress them up for the season with chunks of rich peppermint bark melty chocolate chips and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt. They're pure holiday magic whether you're curled up with a glass of milk or sharing them with people you love.
What Makes These Cookies Special
These aren't just any holiday cookies they're the perfect blend of minty chocolaty goodness with that irresistible buttery cookie base. I love how simple they are to make yet they look and taste like something from a fancy bakery. They're my go to for cookie exchanges and holiday parties because everyone's eyes light up when they spot that gorgeous peppermint bark peeking through.
Everything You'll Need
- Unsalted Butter: A full cup softened but still cool we want that perfect cookie texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Three quarters cup helps create those crispy edges.
- Brown Sugar: Another three quarters cup for that perfect chew.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon adds wonderful depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Two large eggs make everything rich and wonderful.
- All-Purpose Flour: Two and a quarter cups gives us the perfect structure.
- Baking Soda: One teaspoon for just the right rise.
- Salt: Half teaspoon balances all that sweetness perfectly.
- Peppermint Bark: Two whole cups chopped up it's the star of our show.
- Chocolate Chips: One cup of semi sweet because more chocolate is always better.
- Flaked Sea Salt: A little sprinkle on top takes these over the edge.
Let's Bake Together
- Get Started
- First things first warm up that oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment.
- Make Your Base
- Cream those butters and sugars until they're light and fluffy then mix in vanilla and eggs until everything's happy together.
- Add the Dry Team
- Whisk your flour baking soda and salt in another bowl then gradually mix it into your wet ingredients just until they come together.
- Time for the Good Stuff
- Fold in most of that peppermint bark and all your chocolate chips save some bark for topping each cookie.
- Into the Oven
- Scoop out generous portions about 2 tablespoons each space them out well and bake until you see those golden edges about 10 to 12 minutes.
- The Final Touch
- Press those reserved bark pieces right into the warm cookies and if you're feeling fancy add that sprinkle of sea salt let them cool a bit on the pan before moving to a rack.
Keep Them Fresh
These cookies stay delicious for up to 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Want fresh baked cookies anytime? Roll the dough into balls freeze them and you can bake them straight from the freezer just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. They'll taste like they were made fresh that day.
My Best Advice
Keep that butter cool it's the secret to perfect cookies that don't spread too much. Mix your dough just until everything comes together overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies. If you've got time pop that dough in the fridge before baking the flavors get even better.
Mix It Up
Love peppermint? Add a little peppermint extract to the dough for an extra minty kick. Try switching up your chocolate chips dark or white chocolate both work beautifully. Want them extra festive? Sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top before they go in the oven.
Perfect Pairings
Nothing beats these cookies still warm from the oven with a cold glass of milk or steamy mug of hot cocoa. They're gorgeous on holiday cookie platters next to classic sugar cookies and spicy gingerbread. Package them up in pretty boxes and they make the sweetest gifts for friends and family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought peppermint bark?
Yes, any good quality peppermint bark works well. Just chop it into small, even pieces for best distribution throughout the cookies.
- → Why add extra peppermint bark on top?
Adding bark pieces while cookies are still warm ensures they stick well and creates an attractive appearance while also providing extra peppermint flavor in each bite.
- → Is the flaked sea salt necessary?
While optional, the sea salt enhances both the chocolate and peppermint flavors while providing a subtle crunch and sophisticated finish.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The peppermint bark helps keep them fresh and flavorful.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These holiday cookies combine traditional chocolate chip cookies with chopped peppermint bark for a festive twist, finished with flaked sea salt and extra bark pieces on top.