Dreamy Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars Recipe for Festive Baking

Whipping up a batch of delectable peppermint mocha cookie bars promises pure winter indulgence.

Sweet chocolate mingles with refreshing mint in every delightful bite.

Cozy kitchen moments become magical when these treats emerge from the oven.

Rich cocoa and cool peppermint create an irresistible flavor combination that melts hearts.

Baking novices and seasoned pros alike will adore this simple yet impressive dessert.

Crumbly edges and soft centers make these bars a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Warm mugs of coffee perfectly complement these decadent squares, inviting you to savor each delicious morsel.

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars

• Craft Chocolate Masterpiece: Dive into a delightful baking adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sensation: Guaranteed to wow friends and family with its rich chocolate base, peppermint kick, and Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Holiday Showstopper: Perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or creating memorable sweet moments during special celebrations.
• Beginner-Friendly Magic: Straightforward technique that requires minimal baking skills, making it accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients for Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bar Goodness

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides moisture and helps bind the cookie bar together.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that contribute to the rich flavor and tender texture of the cookie bars.
• Eggs: A binding agent that helps create structure and provides richness to the cookie dough.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the foundation of the cookie bar base.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the cookie bars.

• Dark Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips: Chocolate ingredients that add decadent flavor and create a luxurious texture.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the overall taste profile.
• Peppermint Extract: Provides a cool, refreshing mint flavor throughout the cookie bars.

• Peppermint Candy Canes, Chocolate Chunks: Decorative ingredients that add crunch, visual appeal, and extra flavor to the top of the cookie bars.
• Heavy Cream: Used to create a smooth, glossy white chocolate drizzle.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, warm background flavor to the cookie dough.

Step Into Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bliss

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for super easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip butter with granulated and brown sugars until they become light and fluffy. Crack in eggs and splash vanilla extract, blending until everything looks smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a delicious cookie dough.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

• Dark chocolate chips
• Instant espresso powder

Ensure these tasty additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Prepare The Pan

Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth and compact base layer.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look slightly crisp and the center feels set but still soft.

Step 7: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.

Step 8: Create White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate chips with heavy cream, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Decorate With Flair

Drizzle the white chocolate mixture over the cooled cookie base, creating a beautiful artistic pattern.

Step 10: Add Festive Toppings

• Crushed peppermint candy canes
• Chocolate chunks

Step 11: Boost Mint Flavor

Gently brush peppermint extract over the surface to intensify that cool mint taste.

Step 12: Set And Chill

Refrigerate the bars for 1 hour to help the topping set and enhance the overall flavor.

Step 13: Serve And Enjoy

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Handy Hints for Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars

• Master Moisture Control: Avoid overbaking by checking doneness at 18 minutes; a slightly soft center ensures chewy, rich cookie bars.
• Enhance Espresso Depth: Use high-quality instant espresso powder to amplify the rich chocolate and coffee undertones without adding extra liquid.
• Peppermint Precision: Apply peppermint extract sparingly to prevent overwhelming the delicate chocolate and coffee flavors.
• Topping Texture Trick: Crush candy canes just before sprinkling to maintain crisp texture and prevent premature melting or color bleeding.
• Chocolate Melting Method: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts when melting white chocolate to prevent scorching and achieve smooth consistency.

Flavor Twists on Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars

• Mocha Brownie Blast: Replace white chocolate drizzle with rich chocolate ganache and add chopped espresso beans for an intense coffee kick.
• Peppermint Dark Chocolate Version: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate glaze, increase peppermint extract, and use dark chocolate chips in the base for deeper flavor complexity.
• Holiday Candy Crunch: Top with crushed holiday candies like red and green M&Ms, sprinkle sea salt, and use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter profile.
• Mint Chocolate Swirl: Create a marbled effect by swirling mint-colored white chocolate into the base dough, reducing espresso powder and adding green food coloring for a festive look.

What to Serve With Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars

• Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a rich, dark roast espresso that mirrors the cookie's intense chocolate and espresso notes, enhancing the dessert's deep, robust flavors.
• Create Creamy Milk Counterpoint: Pour a cold glass of whole milk or a smooth vanilla almond milk to balance the cookie's rich chocolate and provide a cooling contrast to the peppermint's sharp edge.
• Match Dessert Wine Magic: Select a sweet port wine or chocolate-infused dessert wine that complements the cookie's decadent chocolate profile and elevates the overall tasting experience.

How to Keep Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars Fresh

• Seal cooled peppermint mocha cookie bars in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
• Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Questions About Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars?

• What ingredients give these cookie bars their unique mocha flavor?

The dark chocolate chips and instant espresso powder combine to create a rich, deep coffee-chocolate taste that enhances the overall cookie bar experience.

• How do the peppermint elements contribute to the recipe?

The crushed candy canes and peppermint extract add a cool, refreshing mint dimension that perfectly complements the chocolate and espresso notes, creating a festive and balanced flavor profile.

• Why is the white chocolate drizzle important to the recipe?

The white chocolate drizzle provides a creamy, sweet contrast to the intense chocolate base, creating visual interest and adding an extra layer of indulgent texture to the cookie bars.

Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent peppermint mocha cookie bars blend rich chocolate and cool mint in a delightful seasonal treat. Creamy cocoa and festive peppermint create a luxurious dessert perfect for winter gatherings and holiday celebrations you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Cookies Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate and Mocha Components:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 0.25 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 0.5 cup chocolate chunks

Peppermint and Finishing Elements:

• 0.5 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
• 0.25 cup peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, then integrate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well-combined.
3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl, gradually folding into the wet mixture to create a uniform cookie dough.
4. Fold dark chocolate chips and instant espresso powder into the dough, ensuring even distribution of flavors and chocolate pieces.
5. Press the prepared dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, compact base layer.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crisp and the center is set but still soft to the touch.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for approximately 30 minutes.
8. Melt white chocolate chips with heavy cream, stirring until smooth and glossy.
9. Drizzle the white chocolate mixture over the cooled cookie base, creating an artistic pattern.
10. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes and chocolate chunks across the top for added texture and festive appearance.
11. Gently brush peppermint extract over the surface to intensify the mint flavor.
12. Refrigerate for 1 hour to set the topping and enhance the flavor profile.
13. Lift the bars out using parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Instant espresso powder intensifies the chocolate notes, creating a more complex and sophisticated taste profile.
• Crush peppermint candy canes just before sprinkling to maintain their vibrant color and prevent moisture absorption.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to keep the texture soft and chewy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg