Name: Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 1 cup crushed candy canes

What are peppermint sugar cookie bars? If you love Sugar Cookies, and I mean a lot, why not try them out?reallyIf you love people, then prepare to have your world rocked. They’re like a soft, chewy sugar cookie, but in bar form, making them incredibly easy to whip up, even if you don’t have time to make them. I’m short on time. I can’t do anything. I remember the first time I made these, it was a week before Christmas, I was totally stressed out, and I had to eat them all. What rescued me? What makes these little squares of joy so special? Is it true that one bite and you’ll be hooked?

What is Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?

What are peppermint sugar cookie bars? It’s essentially a big, soft, chewy sugar cookie baked, then sliced into bars. No rolling, no cutting out individual shapes – just press the dough into the pan, swirl in some of the remaining dough. What is peppermint goodness? Peppermint sugar cookie perfection. The peppermint gives it that festive holiday flavor, and the glaze adds the perfect touch of holiday. What is the kind of treat that makes everyone smile?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why do I love peppermint sugar cookie bars?

Flavor Explosion:What is the best combination of peppermint and sweet sugar cookies? Is it like a party in your mouth? I always make sure to use good quality peppermint extract – it makes all the difference.
Super Simple:Is this recipe a lifesaver especially around the holidays when things get hectic? Can you whip up a batch in under an hour? No need to chill the dough or fuss with individual cookies.
Budget friendlyWhat are some pantry staples that you already have on hand? Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, peppermint extract – nothing fancy! What is the best way to treat yourself without breaking the bank?
Versatile:I like peppermint bars, but you can customize them to your liking. Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a different extract (like almond or vanilla).

What I love about these bars is how easily adaptable they are. I’ve made them with different types of sprinkles, and once I even swirled in some raspberry jam. They’re always a hit! If you like chocolate chip cookie bars, you’ll fall in love with them. How do you make peppermint sugar cookie bars?

How do I make Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars?

Quick Overview

Making these peppermint sugar cookie bars is easier than you think! You’ll start by mixing the dough, then swirling in the peppermint flavoring. After baking, you’ll let the bars cool slightly before adding the glaze and crushed candy canes. The best part? No special equipment needed! Just a mixing bowl, a baking pan, and a few basic ingredients. I always say, if you can make a cake mix, you can definitely make these!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some examples?

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure your butter is truly soft, not melted, for the best texture. I usually leave it out on the counter for about an hour before baking.
1 12 cups granulated sugar: 1 cup at Why are sugar cookie bars so sweet?
Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
What is vanilla extract? Adds a touch of warmth to the flavor.
What is all-purpose flour? 3 cups: All How do you measure flour properly?
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become nice and fluffy.
12 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.

For the Peppermint Swirl:

What is the star of the show peppermint extract? I recommend using a high-quality extract for the best flavor.
Red food coloring (optional): Just a few drops will give the swirl that classic peppermint look.

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar: This is what makes the glaze so sweet and smooth.
14 cup milk: Add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
12 teaspoon peppermint extract: Enhances the flavor in the glaze.
14 cup crushed candy canes: For that festive touch! I like to pulse them in a food processor until they’re finely crushed.

How do I get

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I’ve found that lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang makes removing the bars easier. I always do this, because it saves so much time, and you get perfect corners every time!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the butter isn’t melted, it should be soft enough for you to just press a finger into. If your bars come out flat and greasy, do you think it’s not like this?

Step 4: Combine

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in tough bars. I’ve definitely overmixed the batter before and the bars were still yummy, just a little chewier. What should I do to avoid it if I can?

Step 5: Prepare Peppermint Swirl

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of the batter with the peppermint extract and red food coloring (if using). Is the red food coloring necessary for Christmas? During the holidays.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

What is the best way to spread the remaining batter into a baking pan? What is the best peppermint Cake Recipe? Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peppermint batter into the batter. I love making swirls – you can make all sorts of fun patterns!

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden brown around the edges. I usually check them around the 25-minute mark to make sure they’re not getting too dark.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Set aside. How do you glaze candy canes? I like to wait until the bars are completely cool before frosting them. If the glaze is melted, it will melt.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

What are the best bars to bake within a few days? I always put them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. My kids ask for these all the time, so they never last long anyway!

What is the best way to serve it?

These peppermint sugar cookie bars are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a variety of other treats and beverages.

For Breakfast: Enjoy a bar with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day. A festive alternative to a danish or muffin!
For Brunch: Serve the bars on a platter with other holiday treats, like mini quiches, fruit salad, and mimosas. I love setting up a little holiday brunch bar with a bunch of different options.
As Dessert: These bars are the perfect after-dinner treat. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up on the couch with a bar and a mug of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha. This is the perfect way to enjoy them on a cold winters night.

My family loves to enjoy these bars with a glass of milk while we’re decorating the Christmas tree. It’s become a little tradition that we all look forward to every year. I’ve also brought them to holiday parties and potlucks, and they’re always a hit!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect batch of peppermint sugar cookie bars:

Butter Matters: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. I like to use a European-style butter when I can find it.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined, and then stop. I know, I know, it’s tempting to keep mixing, but trust me on this one.
Get Creative with Swirls: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different swirl patterns. You can use a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick to create your designs.
Cool Completely: Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting them, or the glaze will melt. Patience is key! I always do this otherwise it will make a mess and the bars will look sloppy!
Candy Cane Prep: Pulse the candy canes in a food processor until they’re finely crushed. This will make them easier to sprinkle on top of the glaze. Alternatively, you can place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Extract Quality: Use good quality peppermint extract. The quality of your peppermint extract really affects the overall flavor!
Texture Indicators: the final batter should be thick but spreadable. if it’s too dry add a tablespoon of milk and stir. If it is too wet add a tablespoon of flour and stir. This is what you want.

I’ve learned over time that a little bit of extra effort with the ingredients and techniques can make a big difference in the final result. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store your peppermint sugar cookie bars to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to put a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until after they’ve been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or runny.

I usually make a big batch of these bars during the holidays and freeze some for later. It’s always nice to have a sweet treat on hand when unexpected guests arrive!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious! Also, make sure your peppermint extract is gluten-free.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There’s no zucchini in this recipe! But typically, with zucchini, you don’t need to peel it. The skin is perfectly edible and adds a bit of texture and nutrients. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel it. It’s really a matter of personal preference.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

I haven’t personally tried these as muffins, but I don’t see why not! You’d need to adjust the baking time – start checking them around 15 minutes. I would also suggest using muffin liners for easy removal. If you try it, let me know how they turn out!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup. You can also use a less sweet glaze, or even skip the glaze altogether and just dust the bars with powdered sugar. Another great thing you can do is adding a little bit of lemon to the dough for a zesty bite.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you don’t want to use a glaze, you can simply dust the bars with powdered sugar. You could also melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top, or spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting.

Final Thoughts

These peppermint sugar cookie bars are truly a holiday dream come true. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, they’re so festive and fun to make! If you’re looking for a sweet treat to brighten up your holiday season, look no further. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my classic sugar cookie recipe or my chocolate peppermint brownies. Both are guaranteed to be a hit! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!