Peppermint Bark Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

Indulge in the ultimate holiday treat with these decadent White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies. Born out of a sweet dilemma between chocolate cookies and peppermint bark, these cookies offer a delightful fusion of rich chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and a refreshing candy cane crunch. A signature holiday creation that has garnered rave reviews, these cookies are sure to be the star of any festive gathering.

Crafted with layers of love and flavor, these cookies have a magical allure that captivates both chocolate lovers and peppermint enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy family gathering, a festive cookie exchange, or a spirited office party, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy and holiday cheer. Elevate your dessert table with these showstopping treats or package them up in festive bags for delightful gifts that will be cherished by all.

Perfect for creating lasting memories and bringing a touch of holiday magic to every bite, these White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are a labor of love that pays off in smiles and compliments. Embrace the spirit of the season with these delicious cookies that have become a beloved tradition for many, a must-have recipe that embodies the joy of baking and sharing during this special time of year.

Quick Benefits

• Combination of rich chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and refreshing candy cane crunch creates a flavor explosion
• Perfect balance of sweet white chocolate layer and dark chocolate ganache
• Versatile recipe with options to customize for different occasions, such as marbling effect, less sweet frosting, or adult version with peppermint schnapps
• Can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator or freeze unbaked dough for later use

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Bark Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe

• Decadent Flavor Combination: The cookies offer a perfect blend of rich dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and refreshing peppermint that captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies have been a hit at numerous gatherings, with family members, friends, and even picky eaters singing their praises and asking for the recipe.
• Holiday Spirit in Every Bite: The magical combination of chocolate and peppermint exudes a festive feel, making these cookies a must-have for spreading holiday cheer.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can experiment with different variations like marbled ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even adding a kick with peppermint schnapps for a personalized touch.
• Beautiful Presentation: Perfect for displaying on a tiered stand or gifting at cookie exchanges, these cookies are visually appealing and look like miniature works of art, especially when wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The unbaked cookie dough freezes well, allowing you to prepare them in advance for impromptu holiday gatherings or emergencies, ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: While they’re best enjoyed within a few days at room temperature, these cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week without compromising flavor or texture.

Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

For the cookies

• ¾ cups light brown sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp corn starch
• 1 cup dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup salted butter, melted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour

For the white chocolate buttercream

• ½ cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 4 oz white chocolate baking bar (Ghirardelli recommended)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream, room temperature
• ½ tsp kosher salt

For the ganache

• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz bittersweet chocolate (Ghirardelli baking bars recommended)
• ½ tsp peppermint extract (optional)
• ¾ cup heavy cream

For topping

• 1 cup crushed peppermint candy or candy canes

How to Make Peppermint Bark Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

Step 1: Make the cookie dough

In a stand mixer bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract on medium for 1 minute. Add eggs and mix on low until incorporated. Add flour, corn starch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low until combined.

Step 2: Prepare and chill dough

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a medium cookie dough scoop to form 20 balls of dough (2-2.5 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared sheet. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and prevent spreading.

Step 3: Bake cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F. If dough has been refrigerated for over 45 minutes, let it rest on the counter for 5 minutes. Place chilled dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges are set.

Step 4: Cool cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make white chocolate buttercream

Microwave white chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract until smooth. Mix in the white chocolate, then gradually add heavy cream for desired consistency.

Step 6: Make the ganache

Prepare the ganache while the cookies cool. Break the chocolate into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a small pot over medium heat until simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts if desired. Whisk until smooth and let cool for 15-30 minutes until spreadable.

Step 7: Assemble cookies

After the cookies have cooled, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of white chocolate buttercream onto each cookie, spreading it to the edges. Then, add 1-2 tablespoons of ganache, leaving a ¼-inch border of white chocolate peppermint. Finish by topping with crushed candy cane candy before serving.

Storage Tips

After making these White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Store the finished cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together or getting crushed. Avoid stacking the cookies as this may damage the delicate ganache topping. At room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for 3-4 days, but keep in mind that the crushed peppermint candy may soften slightly over time due to exposure to air and moisture.

If you need to store the cookies for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. However, before serving, allow the cookies to come to room temperature to ensure the best texture and flavor. Additionally, if you have leftover unbaked cookie dough, it freezes beautifully. Consider making a double batch and freezing half of the dough balls for convenient holiday baking or unexpected cookie needs. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy these festive and delicious cookies for an extended period while maintaining their quality and taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of chocolate, you can experiment with milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate in the cookie base or ganache. This will alter the flavor profile slightly but can still result in delicious cookies. Additionally, if you don’t have white chocolate baking bars on hand, you can substitute white chocolate chips for the same rich and creamy white chocolate layer.

For a dairy-free or vegan option, you can replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute, such as margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free white chocolate and dark chocolate for the ganache. You can also substitute the eggs with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions. These substitutions may slightly alter the texture and taste of the cookies but can still yield a tasty result for everyone to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

For a festive holiday presentation, serve these white chocolate peppermint bark cookies on a tiered cookie stand adorned with sprigs of fresh mint and whole candy canes. The layered look of the cookies will impress guests and make for a stunning display at any gathering. Pair them with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or coffee to balance out the sweetness and create the ultimate holiday treat experience.

For a creative twist, try adding a swirl of dark chocolate ganache on top of the cookies for a visually striking marbled effect. You can also experiment with different flavors by substituting the peppermint with raspberry extract and crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a unique Valentine’s Day version. For adult holiday parties, consider spiking the ganache with a touch of peppermint schnapps to add a festive kick to these already decadent cookies.

FAQs for Peppermint Bark Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter instead of salted butter. Just make sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly to maintain the desired balance of flavors.

Can I omit the peppermint extract in the white chocolate layer for a non-minty version?

Yes, you can omit the peppermint extract from the white chocolate layer if you prefer a non-minty version of the cookies. The white chocolate layer will still add a delicious creamy element to the cookies.

How do I store these white chocolate peppermint bark cookies?

Store these cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough for these cookies?

Yes, the unbaked cookie dough for these cookies freezes beautifully. You can make a double batch and freeze half of the dough balls for later use. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Conclusion

As you embark on your own White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies baking adventure, remember that the joy of the holidays can be found in every step of the process. These cookies are more than just a delightful treat; they’re a labor of love that will bring smiles to all who indulge in them. Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering or enjoying them with loved ones at home, these cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition in your holiday baking repertoire.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen with these White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies. Let the aroma of chocolate and peppermint fill your home, and revel in the joy of creating something truly special. From the first bite to the last crumb, these cookies are a delicious reminder of the warmth and cheer that the holiday season brings. Happy baking, and may your White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies bring sweetness and delight to all who taste them!