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–+ servings

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Sally Thompson
Soft, buttery, and topped with creamy pink peppermint frosting, these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and festive gatherings. The thick sugar cookie base stays perfectly soft and chewy while the crushed candy cane topping adds a refreshing peppermint crunch in every bite. This easy dessert recipe delivers all the flavor of classic sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. Perfect for holiday baking, easy dessert ideas, Christmas dessert tables, and sweet winter treats, these frosted cookie bars are simple to make in one pan and easy to slice for serving. Whether you need quick dessert ideas, festive food ideas, or a crowd-pleasing easy recipe, these peppermint bars are guaranteed to impress family and friends.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 44 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Pink food coloring optional
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
  • Holiday sprinkles optional
  • White chocolate drizzle optional

Instructions
 

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • 2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • 3. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and sour cream.
  • 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  • 6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  • 7. Bake for 18–24 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
  • 8. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
  • 9. For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • 10. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until fluffy.
  • 11. Add pink food coloring if desired.
  • 12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  • 13. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the frosting and add optional toppings if desired.
  • 14. Chill the bars for 20–30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • 15. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Do not overbake the cookie bars or they may lose their soft texture. Remove them from the oven once the center is just set.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to keep the frosting smooth and thick.
For the best peppermint texture, crush candy canes into small chunks instead of fine powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 150mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 34g
Keyword Christmas cookie bars, christmas dessert, cookie bars, easy dessert recipe, festive dessert, holiday dessert, peppermint frosting, peppermint sugar cookie bars
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