Delightful Peppermint Chocolate Chip Bars

***This post is sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.***

Step into a world of delightful indulgence with our ultimate guide to **Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars**. This comprehensive article delves into more than just a recipe; we’ll explore insightful baking tips, creative serving suggestions, and the sheer joy these festive treats bring to any occasion. Prepare to enhance your culinary skills and satisfy those deep-seated cravings for holiday cheer, all wrapped up in the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint.

Embracing the Festive Spirit with Homemade Delights

The enchanting holiday season is officially upon us, casting its warm glow and sparking a collective desire for comfort, joy, and, of course, delicious treats. Are you fully prepared to dive into the festive fun, or are you still searching for that perfect activity to ignite your holiday spirit?

For many, including myself, baking is not merely a task but a cherished tradition—a magical gateway to the holidays. I fondly recall my childhood, when my mother would dedicate an entire day each year to cookie decorating. My brothers and I, with frosting smeared across our faces and fingers, would meticulously (or perhaps, enthusiastically) adorn sugar cookies. More often than not, the frosting found its way to our tongues before the cookies, but as we always told ourselves, Santa never judges! Those moments, filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of baking, remain some of my most treasured holiday memories.

While the frosting was a highlight, my absolute favorite part was undoubtedly the generous, almost copious amount of sprinkles I’d heap onto every single cookie. Thinking back, it’s no wonder my mother always kept a powerful shop vac conveniently nearby! It was a chaotic, colorful, and utterly joyful tradition that perfectly embodied the spirit of the season. These sensory experiences—the smell of freshly baked cookies, the vibrant colors of sprinkles, the warmth of shared moments—are what make the holidays truly special.

Celebrating National Cookie Day: A Sweet Tradition

In honor of these heartwarming cookie memories and the sheer delight they represent, today we’re diving into how you can celebrate National Cookie Day, which falls on December 4th. This special day is a fantastic excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, share joy, and create new traditions centered around everyone’s favorite baked good.

To truly immerse yourself in the spirit of National Cookie Day, I have a fantastic suggestion that combines warmth, hospitality, and a legendary treat. Make a point to stop by any DoubleTree by Hilton location across the U.S. for a complimentary, warm DoubleTree Cookie! This signature treat, renowned for its comforting chocolate chip goodness, is offered to everyone—not just hotel guests, but the general public—all day long on December 4th. It’s a wonderful gesture of hospitality that perfectly complements the festive season.

Speaking of warm welcomes, you’re guaranteed a delightful experience, especially if you find yourself in Denver. According to DoubleTree by Hilton’s recent survey on what makes travelers feel welcomed and which cities are the most inviting among six popular travel destinations*, Denver proudly topped the list! (And I have to say, heck yes, Denver!) The survey results highlight the importance of genuine hospitality in creating memorable experiences, something DoubleTree by Hilton excels at. Imagine, walking into a hotel lobby, being greeted with a genuine smile, and handed a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie – it’s a simple act that truly brightens your day and perfectly encapsulates the inviting atmosphere we all crave, especially during the holidays.

Introducing: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

Inspired by the iconic warmth and deliciousness of the DoubleTree Cookie, and my enduring love for all things sprinkle-covered, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that brings all this holiday magic together: a big batch of **Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars**! These bars are not just cookies; they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and festive joy, designed to be easily shared and thoroughly enjoyed.

These bars elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie to an entirely new level. We take that beloved, comforting base and infuse it with a spirited twist. Imagine: a hint of invigorating peppermint extract, an abundance of rich mini chocolate chips scattered throughout, and, of course, a truly generous, almost “obscene” amount of festive sprinkles on top. The moment you take your first bite, you’ll be instantly transported into the heart of the holiday cookie spirit—perhaps in as little as 2.2 nanoseconds! The cool, refreshing burst of peppermint perfectly complements the deep, sweet notes of chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors that is both familiar and exciting. It’s the ideal treat to impress at holiday gatherings or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening.

So, without further ado, let’s get baking! These cookie bars are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. The “bar” format makes them ideal for slicing and serving a crowd, eliminating the need for individual cookie scooping and shaping. Just press, bake, cool, and slice – pure baking bliss!

*DoubleTree by Hilton commissioned a 10-minute, online survey among 2,200 U.S. adults ages 18+ who have traveled for personal/leisure purposes, including a nationally representative sample of 1,000 who took two or more trips in the past 12 months, and a sample of 1,200 who traveled to Houston, Denver, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, or Los Angeles in the last two years (200 respondents per city). The margin of error is +/- 3.1% for the national data and +/-6.93% for the city data, with both samples at the 95% confidence level. The survey was fielded by Edelman Intelligence between April 3-17, 2018.

Recipe: Irresistible Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Get ready to create a batch of these extraordinary Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, yielding a generous pan of festive deliciousness perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply savoring all to yourself. The combination of chewy cookie, rich chocolate, and invigorating peppermint, topped with a luscious ganache and a shower of sprinkles, makes these bars an absolute showstopper. Let’s gather our ingredients and bring some holiday magic into the kitchen!

Print Recipe

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Bars:
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp baking soda
2/3 cup mini chocolate chips (for the cookie dough)
For the Ganache Topping:
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for the ganache)
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Optional: Assorted festive sprinkles, for topping

Directions:

For the Cookie Bars:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all corners are covered.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until just combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixer, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Gently fold in the 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.
Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press the dough into an even layer across the bottom of the dish. The dough will be a little thick and tough to spread, but persistence will pay off in a uniform bar.
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, indicating it’s set.
Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before proceeding with the ganache and slicing. This step is crucial for clean cuts.
For the Ganache Topping:
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gently melt the 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
Once the chocolate is mostly melted, remove from heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Whisk vigorously until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and uniform in consistency.
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, pour the warm ganache evenly over the top, spreading it with a spatula if necessary. Immediately sprinkle with your favorite festive sprinkles before the ganache sets.
Allow the ganache to set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or briefly in the refrigerator, before slicing the bars into desired squares. Slice and enjoy your festive, flavorful Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Achieving the perfect cookie bar is simpler than you might think. Here are a few tips to ensure your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out wonderfully every time:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a uniform, light, and airy dough that results in a tender bar.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough bars instead of soft, chewy ones.
Even Spreading: The dough for these bars is thick. For an even bake, take the time to press the dough into an even layer in your baking dish. You can lightly flour your hands or use a piece of parchment paper to help press it down.
Cool Completely: Patience is key! Resist the urge to cut into the bars while they are still warm. Cooling completely allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares and preventing the ganache from melting into the warm cookie.
Quality Extracts: Since peppermint is a star flavor here, use a good quality peppermint extract. A little goes a long way, so stick to the recommended amount to avoid an overpowering minty taste.
Get Creative with Toppings: While festive sprinkles are highly recommended, feel free to experiment! Crushed candy canes, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even a dusting of cocoa powder can add an extra touch.

These cookie bars are not only a delicious treat but also make a wonderful edible gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends during the holiday season. Their robust flavor and festive appearance are sure to spread joy and warmth.

Conclusion: Savor the Season with Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

In conclusion, our **Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars** are more than just a dessert; they are an embodiment of holiday joy, a delightful fusion of classic comfort and festive cheer. These decadent treats, with their invigorating minty delight and rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, offer the perfect way to sweeten all your celebrations. Whether you’re baking them for a party, sharing them with loved ones, or simply indulging in a moment of self-care, each bite promises to bring a sprinkle of magic and a taste of the festive spirit. Embrace the joy of homemade goodness this holiday season, and make these irresistible cookie bars a cherished part of your traditions. Happy baking, and enjoy every flavorful moment!