Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe with you—it’s honestly become one of my go-to treats during the holiday season. There’s something about the combination of creamy peanut butter and the refreshing crunch of peppermint bark that just hits all the right notes for me. These cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or just sneaking a few when no one’s looking!

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up something that felt so festive and indulgent. You’ll find that the balance of sweet, nutty, and minty flavors makes this recipe a delightful crowd-pleaser. Plus, with a little guidance, you can nail these at home without any fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to deliver a cookie that’s sweet, nutty, and packed with peppermint goodness. Make sure to use a smooth peanut butter for that perfect creamy base and fresh candy canes for crisp peppermint flavor.

• Smooth Operator Peanut Butter: This gives the cookies a creamy and rich peanut butter flavor that blends beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
• Baking Soda: Essential for helping the cookies rise just enough for that chewy bite.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm aroma.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together so the cookies hold their shape.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds pockets of sweet creaminess, balancing the peppermint.
• Crushed Candy Canes: For that signature peppermint crunch and festive touch.
• Carob or Dark Chocolate Chips: Used for dipping, adding rich chocolatey depth.
• Peanut Butter Chips: Mix with chocolate for a luscious coating that complements the cookie.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps melt the chocolate coating smoothly and creates shine.

Variations

I like to tweak this Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion. Whether it’s adding extra peppermint or swapping out the chocolate for a different type, it’s a flexible cookie that welcomes your personal touch.

• More Minty: Sometimes I sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top right after dipping for an eye-catching garnish and extra crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Swap the carob chips for a mix of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to suit your family’s preferences.
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter—I’ve tried this for friends with allergies, and it worked beautifully.
• Mini Size: Make bite-sized cookies to serve as party hors d’oeuvres or festive snacks.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this setup prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, baking soda, vanilla, and egg until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Don’t rush this part; you want a creamy dough that holds together well. Then fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, distributing them evenly so every bite has some surprise crunch and sweetness.

Step 2: Scoop and Bake

Using a regular-sized ice cream scoop makes portioning the dough super easy and keeps your cookies uniform in size. Place scoops onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading. Bake for about 15 minutes—you’re looking for golden edges and a mostly set top, but the cookies should still be a little soft in the center. This softness will firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake!

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to melt the coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the carob or dark chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and vegetable oil. Melt them in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until smooth and glossy. This gradual approach prevents burning and helps you get a perfectly shiny dip.

Step 4: Dip and Set

Dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted chocolate mixture—use a spoon to spread it evenly if needed. Then, place the cookies back on the parchment-lined tray and let them cool until the chocolate hardens completely. This step adds a delicious, chocolaty crunch that beautifully complements the soft peanut butter cookie.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a light dusting of extra crushed candy canes on top right after dipping for that pop of color and festive flair. Sometimes, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt really brings out the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, especially if you like a little sweet-salty contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha—makes for a truly cozy winter combo. You might also enjoy them alongside a simple cup of coffee or a vanilla chai latte to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries for an enchanting look. Wrapping them up in cellophane with red and white ribbon turns them into perfect handmade gifts that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, but I usually don’t have many leftovers because they disappear fast!

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I freeze these cookies wrapped individually in parchment paper and then sealed in a zipper bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

When I want to freshen up frozen cookies, I let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. If you want to “revive” the chocolate dip shine, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave works wonders—just be careful not to melt them completely!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe has quickly become a beloved staple in my holiday baking rotation, and I think you’ll love it just as much. It’s easy, festive, and delivers that perfect balance of flavors that keep people coming back for more. Honestly, once you try dipping those peanut butter cookies in peppermint-infused chocolate, you won’t want to go back. So go ahead—bake a batch for your next get-together or cozy night in and watch these cookies become everyone’s favorite.

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