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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, then integrate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well-combined.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl, gradually folding into the wet mixture to create a uniform cookie dough.
- Fold dark chocolate chips and instant espresso powder into the dough, ensuring even distribution of flavors and chocolate pieces.
- Press the prepared dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, compact base layer.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crisp and the center is set but still soft to the touch.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for approximately 30 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate chips with heavy cream, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the white chocolate mixture over the cooled cookie base, creating an artistic pattern.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes and chocolate chunks across the top for added texture and festive appearance.
- Gently brush peppermint extract over the surface to intensify the mint flavor.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to set the topping and enhance the flavor profile.
- 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