Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a soft and thick cookie base infused with crushed peppermint candy and topped with a creamy peppermint-flavored frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime, these bars combine the flavors of vanilla and mint with a tender crumb and a smooth, sweet topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy, about one minute. This step helps create a light texture in the cookie bars.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined, forming the base of the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix well after each addition to create a thick dough.
- Incorporate Peppermint: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candy, distributing it evenly throughout the batter without overmixing to maintain texture.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the bars aren’t overbaked to maintain softness.
- Cool the Bars: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to carefully lift the bars out of the pan for easy frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a clean bowl, blend together powdered sugar, softened butter, salt, vanilla or peppermint extract, and milk or cream using a mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candy on top for a festive finish.
- Set and Serve: Allow the frosting to firm up slightly at room temperature before cutting the bars into squares and serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake the bars to keep them soft and chewy.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure even mixing.
- Crushed peppermint candy is optional but adds a festive crunch and flavor.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor in the frosting, use peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Use parchment paper to easily remove the bars from the pan without breaking.
Keywords: peppermint sugar cookie bars, peppermint cookie bars, sugar cookie bars, holiday cookie bars, peppermint dessert, festive cookies
