Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 24 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container at room temperature.Quick Answer
These Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful, festive treat that combines soft cookie bars with a creamy peppermint frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.
As the first hints of winter drift through New York City, I'm reminded of cozy nights filled with festive treats and the twinkling glow of holiday lights. This time of year, I find myself reaching for classic flavors that embrace the spirit of the season. One of my absolute favorites has to be these Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars-a delightful twist on the traditional sugar cookie, enveloped in a creamy, minty frosting that brings a cheerful touch to holiday gatherings, from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas parties.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
With their rich peppermint flavor and the inviting aroma wafting through the air, these cookie bars are the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously festive: The combination of rich sugar cookie base with creamy peppermint frosting makes these bars a seasonal favorite.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip these up quickly for any holiday gathering.
- Perfect for sharing: Cut them into squares for a delightful treat that's easy to serve at parties or to gift to friends and family.
- Flexible options: Personalize your bars by adding different toppings or flavors, making them versatile for any occasion.
- Make-ahead friendly: These cookie bars can be prepared in advance, ensuring you're ready for holiday festivities without the last-minute rush.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious recipe:For the Cookie Base:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream, to desired consistency
- Candy cane pieces, for topping (optional)
How to Make Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)
These delightful cookie bars are easier than you might think! Follow these steps for perfect results.Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This little trick ensures the perfect cut for your cookie bars.Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. I love the way the flour captures light, and mixing in the baking powder gently introduces air, setting the stage for soft, chewy bars.Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. The transformation is magical; you’ll know it’s ready when it appears airy and pale yellow.Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Extracts
Add in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, and mix until fully combined. The aroma of peppermint filling the air is simply invigorating.Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the wet, mixing until just combined. As the dough forms, it’s thick and slightly sticky—so satisfying to work with!Step 6: Spread in the Pan
Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it evenly into the corners. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and the center has a slight jiggle—as tempting as it is, don’t overbake!Step 7: Cool Completely
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies cool, make the frosting by beating the softened 1 cup of unsalted butter with 4 cups of powdered sugar. Add in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, and enough heavy cream to whisk into a smooth and creamy consistency.Step 9: Frost the Bars
Once the cookie base has cooled, spread that luscious frosting evenly on top. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces to bring some holiday cheer!Step 10: Slice and Serve
Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice them into squares, and admire your creations as they are sure to disappear quickly at your next gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: It's tempting to frost warm cookies, but cooling them completely ensures the frosting won't melt away.
- Not Using Fresh Extracts: Ensure your peppermint and vanilla extracts are fresh for the best flavor infusion.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don't Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Every oven is different, and testing for doneness is key.
- Decorate Wisely: You can experiment with different toppings or flavors, like drizzling melted chocolate on top for a richer taste.
- Storage Secrets: Store in an airtight container at room temperature, and these beauties will stay fresh for up to a week.
Variations
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
- Use white chocolate chips mixed into the dough for a different flavor profile.
- Try using lemon extract instead of peppermint for a citrus twist.
- Top with holiday sprinkles instead of candy cane pieces for a cheerful look.
How to Serve
- Slice into squares and serve on a festive platter for gatherings.
- Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a delightful treat.
- Individual bars make great gifts when wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie bars a day in advance for optimal flavor blending.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Reheating: Enjoy them at room temperature, or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars in an airtight container; they can last for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Baking is as much about patience as it is about technique. Taking the time to let the cookie bars cool before frosting can elevate every bite, allowing those rich peppermint flavors to truly shine.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~200 calories · 2g protein · 30g carbs · 9g fat
Recipe by:
Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish and press evenly into the corners. Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and enough heavy cream until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cookie bars evenly and sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares for serving.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance. Storing them in an airtight container will help preserve their freshness and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use almond extract or simply leave it out for a vanilla-flavored cookie bar.
3. How do I store leftover bars?
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
4. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
5. What if I don't have heavy cream for the frosting?
You can substitute milk or half-and-half for heavy cream, although the frosting may not be as rich and creamy.
