The air is crisp, carols are playing, and there’s that unmistakable sparkle of holiday magic all around! What better way to embrace the festive spirit than by filling your home with the enchanting aroma of freshly baked treats? Forget the fuss of elaborate desserts; this year, we’re bringing you a showstopper that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour. Get ready to fall head over heels for our absolutely irresistible Wholesome Holiday Peppermint Bark Blondies! These aren’t just any blondies; they’re a chewy, minty, chocolatey hug in every bite, designed to bring cheer and a touch of wholesome goodness to your holiday table. Let’s whisk our way into some serious seasonal joy!

Why You’ll Love These Wholesome Holiday Peppermint Bark Blondies!

Prepare to add a new favorite to your holiday baking repertoire. These blondies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience! Here are four compelling reasons why you’ll adore making and sharing these:

1. A Symphony of Holiday Flavors: Imagine the perfect blend of rich, buttery blondie, velvety white chocolate, a crisp snap of peppermint bark, and a refreshing minty finish. It’s truly a festive explosion that captures the very essence of the holidays. Each bite is a delightful journey through sweet, cool, and comforting notes.
2. Surprisingly Simple & Fun: Don’t let their elegant appearance fool you – these blondies are incredibly straightforward to whip up! With clear, easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers will feel like seasoned pros. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy afternoon of holiday baking, perhaps with a mug of hot cocoa and some festive tunes playing.
3. Visually Stunning & Instagram-Worthy: These blondies don’t just taste good; they look absolutely gorgeous! The vibrant red of the crushed peppermint candies against the creamy white and rich milk chocolate drizzle creates a stunning contrast that screams “holiday!” They’re guaranteed to be the star of any dessert platter.
4. Perfect for Sharing & Gifting: What’s better than a homemade holiday treat? One that’s easy to transport and universally loved! These Wholesome Holiday Peppermint Bark Blondies! make fantastic edible gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, or a thoughtful contribution to any holiday potluck or party. They’re a true crowd-pleaser!

Gather Your Magical Ingredients!

To create these festive delights, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some special holiday touches. Here’s your complete list:

🧈 1 cup (2 sticks) melted unsalted butter
🍯 1 ¾ cups packed light brown sugar
🥚 3 large eggs, at room temperature
🍦 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
🍃 ½ teaspoon refreshing peppermint extract
🌾 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
🌽 2 teaspoons cornstarch
🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
🧂 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
⚪ 1 cup white chocolate chips

Toppings:

🍫 ½ cup milk chocolate chips
❄️ ½ cup white chocolate chips
🍬 ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Blondie Bliss

Ready to bake some holiday magic? Follow these simple steps to create your perfect batch of Wholesome Holiday Peppermint Bark Blondies!

Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This ensures a clean lift-out later!
Wet Mix: In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is beautifully smooth and evenly blended.
Add Eggs & Extracts: Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla and invigorating peppermint extracts for that signature holiday flavor.
Dry Mix: In a separate medium bowl, lightly whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and kosher salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly.
Combine & Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredient blend to the wet mixture, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, creating delightful pockets of sweetness throughout.
Spread Evenly: Transfer the luscious batter to your prepared baking pan. Spread it into an even layer using a spatula to ensure consistent baking.
Bake to Golden: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (no wet batter!).
Cool & Prepare Toppings: Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This is the perfect time to get your festive toppings ready!
Melt Chocolates: In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the milk chocolate chips and white chocolate chips. Heat in short bursts (20-30 seconds), stirring well between each interval until smooth and glossy.
Drizzle & Sprinkle: Artfully drizzle both melted chocolates over the still-warm blondies. Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the top – this helps them stick perfectly for that holiday crunch!
Set & Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into charming squares. This ensures the chocolate toppings set beautifully and makes for clean cuts. Enjoy your homemade festive treat!

Presenting and Serving Your Festive Blondies

These Wholesome Holiday Peppermint Bark Blondies! are already stunning, but a little extra flair can make them truly unforgettable! Here are some ideas for presentation and serving:

Creative Presentation Ideas:

Festive Shapes: Once cooled but before the chocolate fully sets, you can use holiday-themed cookie cutters (stars, trees, gingerbread men) to create charming individual treats.
Powdered Sugar “Snow”: For an extra touch of winter wonder, lightly dust the finished, cooled blondies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.
Drizzle Art: Get creative with your chocolate drizzles! Use a piping bag with a fine tip for intricate patterns, or simply go for a rustic, zig-zag design.
Gifting Glory: Package individual blondies or small stacks in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or arrange them in a holiday tin for a beautiful homemade gift. Layer parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking.

Delightful Serving Suggestions:

Classic & Comforting: Serve them in classic squares alongside a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or herbal tea for the ultimate cozy holiday moment.
Warm & Indulgent: Gently warm a blondie square for a few seconds in the microwave and top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The warm blondie and cool ice cream create a heavenly contrast.
Dessert Platter Star: Arrange a variety of holiday treats on a large platter, making sure these vibrant blondies are a central focus. Their colors and textures will stand out.
Crumble Topping: Roughly chop a blondie and crumble it over a bowl of ice cream, yogurt, or even oatmeal for an unexpected holiday twist.

Storing Your Wholesome Holiday Peppermint Bark Blondies

To keep your delectable Wholesome Holiday Peppermint Bark Blondies! fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here’s how:

At Room Temperature: Store your completely cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
In the Refrigerator: For extended freshness, place the blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer them chewier, let them come to room temperature before serving, or gently warm them for a few seconds.
Freezing for Later: These blondies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Always ensure the chocolate topping is fully set before stacking or storing to prevent sticking.

FAQs About Wholesome Holiday Peppermint Bark Blondies!

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, you can! Dark brown sugar will result in a slightly deeper, more molasses-like flavor and a slightly chewier texture. It will also make the blondies a bit darker in color.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender blondie texture. If you don’t have it, you can omit it. The blondies will still be delicious, but might be slightly denser.
Can I make these blondies ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These blondies are a perfect make-ahead treat. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them as directed (room temperature or refrigerator). The flavors often meld even better overnight!
How do I get clean slices without the chocolate cracking?
Ensure the blondies are completely cool and the chocolate topping is fully set before slicing. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp, warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry) and wipe the blade clean between each cut.
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips in the blondie batter?
Certainly! You can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even a mix of different chocolates to suit your preference. The flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious.
Is peppermint extract different from mint extract?
Yes, they are distinct! Peppermint extract has a specific minty flavor, while mint extract can be a blend of mint varieties (like spearmint) or a milder, generic mint flavor. For this recipe’s classic holiday taste, peppermint extract is highly recommended.
How do I prevent the blondies from being dry or crumbly?
The key is not to overbake them! Blondies should be slightly underbaked when they come out of the oven, as they continue to cook from residual heat. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and certainly not completely clean.
What kind of peppermint candies should I use for the topping?
Crushed candy canes are ideal for their vibrant color and classic peppermint flavor. You can also use starlight mints or other hard peppermint candies, simply crush them finely.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the recipe! If doing so, you’ll need to use a larger baking pan, such as a 9×13-inch pan, and possibly adjust the baking time slightly. Keep a close eye on them during baking.
Are these blondies suitable for gifting during the holidays?
Absolutely! Their festive appearance, delightful flavor, and ease of storage make them a perfect homemade holiday gift. Package them beautifully, and they’ll be a cherished present.