The aroma of freshly baked Frosted Peppermint Sugar fun cookie bar recipe spiced cookie variation These delightful bars are not only sweet but also a sprinkle of festive magic that transforms any gathering into a celebration.
Picture this: vibrant colors, creamy frosting, and the unmistakable crunch of peppermint candy canes. It’s like Christmas in your mouth! Perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or when you need a sweet pick-me-up, these cookie bars promise to deliver joy in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The flavor profile combines sweet vanilla with refreshing peppermint for a delightful treat
- Their eye-catching colors make them visually stunning on any dessert table
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging yourself!
I remember the first time I made these Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars; my friends devoured them within minutes and begged for the recipe! perfect dessert pairing. rich pumpkin dessert. For more inspiration, check out this Salted Vanilla Hot Chocolate recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides the base for your cookie bars; sift it for a lighter texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to experiment with brown sugar for extra depth.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the bars rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a rich taste.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will bind everything together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor; avoid imitation if possible.
- Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way in giving that refreshing minty kick!
- Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes add festive flair; consider using chocolate-covered ones for added richness.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for the frosting; it creates that smooth texture we all love.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to your frosting; ensure it’s softened before mixing.
- Milk: A splash of milk helps achieve the desired consistency in your frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for airy cookie bars.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture. Then mix in vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars!
Add Candy Canes to Batter: Gently fold in crushed candy canes into your batter. Their crunch will add delightful texture to each bite.
Bake Your Cookie Bars : Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges; a toothpick should come out clean from the center.
Prepare Your Frosting : While cooling, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Spread Frosting on Cool Bars : Once cooled completely, spread your creamy frosting generously over the cookie bars. Top with more crushed candy canes for holiday flair!
Enjoy sharing these Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars at gatherings or savoring them solo while binge-watching your favorite holiday movie! For more inspiration, check out this Shortbread Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, blending sweet peppermint flavor with a soft, chewy texture
- The vibrant frosting adds a festive touch that makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in
- These cookie bars are sure to impress!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy. Then mix in the eggs and vanilla before gradually adding the dry ingredients for a smooth dough.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular sugar for brown sugar to enhance caramel notes, or add crushed candy canes for extra crunch and holiday flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, always use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Avoid overbaking; they should be slightly soft in the center
- Lastly, let them cool completely before frosting to ensure the icing doesn’t melt
Creating these festive treats reminds me of my childhood when my grandma would fill our kitchen with delicious smells every December. Her secret ingredient? A sprinkle of love and peppermint magic!
FAQ
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a ziplock bag and gently smash with a rolling pin for perfect pieces.
Can I substitute peppermint extract?
Yes, but use half the amount as it’s more concentrated than peppermint flavoring.
How can I tell when my cookie bars are done baking?
They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookie bars 1x
Description
Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive treat that captures the essence of the holidays. With their sweet vanilla base and refreshing peppermint flavor, these cookie bars are topped with creamy frosting and crushed candy canes, making them perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy night in. Enjoy a bite of joy that brings nostalgia and cheer to your celebrations!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in crushed candy canes gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; add milk for desired consistency.
- Frost cooled cookie bars and top with additional crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bar (65g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
