Peppermint Bark Cookies
It’s the best of both worlds! Buttery shortbread cookies topped with melted chocolate and peppermint candy canes.
Peppermint bark is one of my favorite holiday treats. Peppermint! And chocolate! Together! And these peppermint bark shortbread cookies take it one step further.
You want to make peppermint bark even more amazing?
Put it on top of a cookie!
These cookies are pretty, not at all difficult to make, and so very, very good. Plus, they’re sure to be the star of any holiday party or cookie exchange. And if you’re looking for an edible gift idea, all you have to do is place these peppermint bark cookies in a bag with cute ribbon and you’re set.
baking tip:How to Melt Chocolate
Melting chocolate is easy! Just be sure you don’t overheat the chocolate as it can scorch and seize very quickly. When almost all of the chocolate is melted and only a few chunks remain, remove from the microwave and stir until fully melted and smooth. For best results use high quality chopped chocolate and not chocolate chips.
In the microwave— Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring the chocolate after each.
On the stovetop— Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl (I like to use glass) set over a small saucepan of boiling water. You can also use a double boiler. Stir frequently as chocolate melts.
Peppermint Bark Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Shortbread cookies:
- 3/4 cup butter (170 grams) , at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Peppermint bark topping:
- 3 ounces white chocolate (85 grams), see Notes
- 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (85 grams)
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream , divided
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract , divided
- About 4 candy canes crushed into small pieces
Instructions
To make the cookies:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch round baking dish. I used a tart pan with removable sides. You can also use an 8-inch square dish.
- With an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Mix in the peppermint extract.
- Add the flour and salt and mix until just incorporated.
- Press the mixture into your prepared pan. Bake just until top starts to turn golden brown, 30-35 minutes. If you use a square baking dish, check at 25 minutes.
- Let cool completely.
To top the cookies:
- In a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, or in the microwave in 30 second bursts, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon of the heavy cream together until smooth. Be careful not to overheat and burn. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of the peppermint extract. Spread over the cooled shortbread. If desired, reserve some of the melted chocolate to drizzle on top. Chill in the freezer until firm, about 5 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate and remaining 1 tablespoon of the heavy cream together until smooth. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon of the peppermint extract. Spread on top of the semi-sweet chocolate.
- Drizzle with remaining melted chocolate, if you set some aside. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Chill in the freezer until firm, 5-10 minutes.
- For clean slices, heat a sharp knife by running it under hot water and wiping clean with a towel. Re-heat as needed.
- For best results, store shortbread in the fridge.
- You can use chocolate chips in place of the chopped chocolate.
- Make sure you use true white chocolate (check the label for "cocoa butter" in the ingredients). White chocolate imitations will not melt as well.
Nutrition
Recipe originally published December 2009.
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4 Comments on “Peppermint Bark Cookies”
Your little gift bags are beautiful! I tried to do cute little gift boxes for the goodies I made for friends and family, but it ended up being too much work trying to fit a variety of treats in a little, deep box. I ended up returning them and using plastic plates. Oh well. I tried.
Yum! These cookies look perfect and I can’t wait to try them!
Yum! These cookies look perfect for Christmas and I just can’t wait to try them.
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