Easy Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe + Tips!

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Get ready to fall head over heels for a dessert that perfectly captures the magic of the holidays in every bite! These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars aren’t just a treat; they’re a festive experience. Here are four irresistible reasons why they’ll become your new favorite holiday go-to:

• Effortlessly Easy: Thanks to a handy sugar cookie mix, whipping up these bars is a breeze. No need to stress about complicated recipes – just simple steps for spectacular results, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Bursting with Festive Flavor: Imagine the classic comfort of a soft sugar cookie mingling with the cool, refreshing zing of peppermint and crunchy candy cane bits. It’s a flavor combination that screams “holiday cheer” and will delight every palate.
• Perfect for Sharing (and Gifting!): Forget fiddly individual cookies! These bars are ideal for feeding a crowd, bringing to a potluck, or cutting into neat squares for thoughtful homemade gifts. They’re a crowd-pleaser that travels well.
• Chewy, Dreamy Texture: Each bar boasts a delightfully soft, chewy cookie base topped with a luscious, creamy peppermint frosting. The added crunch from the candy canes provides a beautiful textural contrast that makes every bite truly satisfying.

Are you ready to dive into the most delightful and easy-to-make holiday dessert? Forget those fancy, time-consuming recipes! This year, let’s make magic with something wonderfully simple and utterly delicious: Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars. Imagine a soft, buttery sugar cookie base infused with crunchy candy cane pieces, topped with a cloud of dreamy peppermint frosting, and then showered with even more festive sparkle. It’s like a winter wonderland in bar form, and trust us, your taste buds are in for a serious celebration. These bars bring all the festive joy with none of the fuss, making them the ultimate holiday hero for parties, cozy nights in, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Gather your simple ingredients to create these irresistible festive bars. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together!

• 🍪 1 (17.5 ounce) package sugar cookie mix
• 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 🥚 1 large egg
• 🍬 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for cookie dough)
• 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 🍚 2 cups powdered sugar
• 🥛 1-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 🌿 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 🧂 Pinch salt
• 🍬 2-3 tablespoons crushed candy canes (for topping)

Detailed Directions: How to Make Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Let’s get those oven mitts on and transform these simple ingredients into a holiday masterpiece!

1. Prepare Your Pan: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little overhang on the sides – this will be your secret weapon for effortlessly lifting the entire slab of cookie bars out later!
2. Mix the Simple Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine your sugar cookie mix, the 1/2 cup of softened butter (the one for the cookie dough!), and the large egg. Stir them together until everything is just blended and forms a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overmix! Now, gently fold in the 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes until they’re nicely and evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Bake to Perfection: Take your festive dough and press it evenly into your prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure it’s a uniform layer from edge to edge. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 22-27 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown and the center looks set and firm. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and, this is crucial for perfect frosting, let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience, young grasshopper!
4. Whip Up the Creamy Frosting: While your cookie bars are chilling out, it’s frosting time! In a medium bowl, beat the remaining 1/2 cup of softened butter until it’s light and fluffy – this usually takes a minute or two with an electric mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting with just 1 tablespoon of milk or cream, the peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat everything until you have a smooth, wonderfully spreadable frosting. If your frosting seems a little too thick, add a tiny bit more milk or cream, just a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired silky consistency.
5. Frost and Garnish: Once your cookie bars are entirely cool (we mean completely cool, otherwise your frosting will melt into a sad puddle!), spread that dreamy peppermint frosting evenly over the top. Don’t be shy! Finally, sprinkle generously with the remaining 2-3 tablespoons of crushed candy canes for a beautiful, sparkling, and oh-so-festive finish.
6. Slice and Enjoy: Now for the grand finale! Use that handy parchment paper overhang to gently lift the entire baked and frosted slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into neat squares or elegant rectangles. Serve these delightful Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars and savor every bite of simple, homemade holiday goodness!

Creative Ways to Present and Serve Your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a visual treat as much as they are a culinary delight! Here are some fun ideas to present and serve them, making them even more special:

• Classic Squares or Rectangles: The simplest and often most elegant way. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For extra neatness, chill the frosted bars for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.
• Mini Bites: For bite-sized indulgence, slice the bars into smaller squares, about 1-inch by 1-inch. Perfect for dessert platters where guests might want to sample many treats.
• Cookie Cutter Fun: If you want to get really creative, and your bars are cool but not completely hard, you can use small holiday-themed cookie cutters (stars, trees, gingerbread men) to cut out shapes. You’ll have some scraps, but they’re delicious for the baker’s treat!
• Tiered Presentation: Arrange your bars on a multi-tiered dessert stand, alternating with other holiday treats like chocolate truffles or mini cupcakes for an impressive spread.
• Gift-Ready Packaging: Wrap individual bars or small stacks in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon. These make fantastic hostess gifts, teacher gifts, or additions to holiday cookie boxes.
• Alongside Hot Beverages: Serve your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a peppermint mocha, or a warm cup of coffee. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
• Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange them artfully on a large platter, perhaps with a dusting of extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect, surrounded by cranberries or sprigs of fresh rosemary for a pop of color.

Storing Your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Want to enjoy these delicious Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars beyond the first day? Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and fabulous!

• At Room Temperature: Once completely cooled and frosted, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers can prevent them from sticking together.
• In the Refrigerator: For a slightly firmer bar and to extend freshness, especially if your kitchen is warm, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing for Longer: These bars freeze beautifully! Once the frosting is completely set, you can wrap individual bars or small stacks tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs About Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars!

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, many brands now offer gluten-free sugar cookie mixes! Just ensure the mix you choose is GF, and follow the package directions for any adjustments to butter or egg if they differ.
2. What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
   Place candy canes in a sturdy Ziploc bag, seal it, and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently crush them into pieces. Be careful not to make them too fine if you want some texture.
3. My frosting is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?
   If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s spreadable.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough (without baking) and press it into the pan, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
5. How do I ensure my bars are soft and chewy?
   The key is not to overbake them! Take them out when the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still looks a little soft. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
6. Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?
   Absolutely! While peppermint makes them festive, you could try vanilla, almond, or even a touch of orange extract for a different flavor profile.
7. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
   You can grease and flour your baking pan thoroughly instead. However, parchment paper makes lifting the bars out much easier and prevents sticking.
8. Are these good for a cookie exchange?
   They’re perfect! Their bar form makes them easy to transport and portion, and the festive flavor is always a hit at holiday gatherings.
9. How many candy canes do I need to get 1/2 cup crushed?
   This can vary based on size, but typically 5-7 standard-sized candy canes will yield about 1/2 cup crushed.
10. Can I use store-bought frosting?
    You certainly can for convenience! Just ensure it’s a plain vanilla or cream cheese frosting, and then stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a pinch of salt to give it that homemade peppermint flavor.