Holiday Baking Made Simple: Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
There’s nothing that says holiday cheer quite like the magical combo of chocolate and peppermint! These Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are a festive twist on a classic treat, bringing together rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with a delightful peppermint crunch. Each bite is topped with a creamy white chocolate peppermint icing and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for that extra sparkle. They’re the perfect cookies to bake for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just to enjoy with a mug of hot cocoa by the tree. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet scents of the season and spread a little peppermint joy!
Why you’ll want to make these cookies all season long:
- Holiday Flavor Combo – Rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint are the ultimate seasonal pairing.
- Crunchy + Creamy Texture – Crushed peppermint candy adds a delightful minty flavor, while the white chocolate icing keeps things smooth and sweet.
- Perfect for Gifting – Pack them up in a tin or holiday box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Cookie Swap Star – These eye-catching cookies are guaranteed to stand out on any holiday dessert table.
- Cozy Pairing – They taste amazing alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or even a peppermint mocha.
These chocolate peppermint cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday cookie swaps with friends and family
- Christmas Eve dessert platters
- Homemade holiday gift boxes or tins
- Cozy movie nights with hot cocoa
- New Year’s Eve dessert spreads
- Winter potlucks or office parties
- After-dinner treat for holiday dinners
- A sweet surprise for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
Servings: 9 large cookies
Prep:10 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 52 minutes
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounces) box of devils food cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup of crushed peppermint soft puffs candies ( hard peppermint candies are not recommended for this).
White Chocolate Peppermint Frosting Ingredients
- 3 cups powder sugar
- ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 stick butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup chopped white chocolate
- 1 cup crushed peppermint soft puffs candies
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, eggs and butter until smooth.
Fold in crushed soft peppermint candies to the mixture.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Using an ice cream scoop, scoop cookie dough and place onto parchment paper about 2 inches apart.
Bake cookies at 375 degrees F. for 12 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the frosting.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powder sugar until fluffy and smooth.
Mix in the peppermint and vanilla extract until combined.
Fold in the chopped white chocolate.
Place the frosting in the refrigerator until cookies are fully cooled.
Top the cookies with a spoonful of the frosting mixture.
Add crushed soft peppermint candies on top.
Notes: Store in an airtight container.
FAQ
Can I really use cake mix to make these cookies?
Yes! Using chocolate cake mix is a simple shortcut that gives you rich, fudgy cookies with minimal effort.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is recommended. It helps the dough retain its shape and the cookies not spread too much while baking.
How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies (without icing) and frost them after thawing.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge, or bake the cookies and frost them the next day to save time during the busy holiday season.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Use good-quality white chocolate for the icing—it melts smoother and gives a creamier finish.
- Crush peppermint candy gently in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin to avoid turning it into dust (a mix of small pieces and tiny shards gives the best texture).
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies release easily and cleanup is a breeze.
- Don’t overbake—these cookies are meant to be soft and fudgy, so pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Add extra minty goodness by sprinkling crushed peppermint on the icing while it’s still wet so it sticks beautifully.
As you can see, these Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are as merry and bright as the holiday season itself! With their fudgy chocolate base, creamy peppermint topping, and peppermint crunch, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to every gathering. Whether you’re baking them for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or sneaking a few for yourself with a cozy cup of cocoa, they’re the perfect way to spread sweet holiday cheer. So grab your mixing bowl, crush up those candies, and let the holiday baking magic begin!
