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Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat

The holidays are here, and there’s nothing quite like the sweet scent of freshly baked Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress your holiday guests or just need a delicious snack to enjoy while binge-watching your favorite series (no judgment here!), these delightful bars are your ticket to festive flavor without hours spent in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Imagine this: A soft, chewy cookie that captures the essence of the holidays in every bite, topped with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of candy cane goodness. That’s exactly what you get with these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars! They are perfect for Christmas gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for a pinch of holiday cheer. Plus, you can whip them up in no time, making them ideal for busy lives. Who doesn’t love a quick and easy dessert, am I right?

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful treats, gather the following ingredients:

For The Cookie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract (the star of the show!)

For The Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Steps to Make Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Here’s how to make these bars step by step:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want your kitchen warm and cozy—just like a hot cup of cocoa!

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Don’t be shy—this will take a couple of minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Flavors: Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined. The peppermint scent will have your mouth watering already!

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until it forms a smooth dough.

5. Spread Into Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper (this makes clean-up a breeze!). Spread the cookie dough evenly in the dish.

6. Bake: Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid any over-baking incidents. Remember, nobody likes a dry cookie!

7. Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key; your frosting will slide right off warm cookies!

8. Make the Frosting: While the cookie bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating together butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until smooth and creamy.

9. Frost and Top: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for that holiday crunch—how festive!

10. Slice and Enjoy: Cut them into squares, grab a glass of milk or hot cocoa, and enjoy the rewards of your (minimal) labor!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, blend until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars—not what we want!
• Chill Your Dough (Optional): If you find your dough too sticky, pop it in the fridge for a bit before spreading it in the pan.
• Get Creative: Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist. After all, you should personalize your treats!

A Little Personal Touch

I remember the first time I made these bars. I was racing against time before a holiday party, and I thought, "Wouldn’t it be great if I could bake something that’s festive yet simple?" After one bite of these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, they instantly became a family favorite. My kids couldn’t resist helping by crushing the candy canes (hello, kitchen chaos!), and now they’ve become a holiday tradition in our home.

FAQs About Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Can I substitute butter with margarine in this recipe?
You can! Just keep in mind that using margarine can slightly change the texture and flavor.

How can I store leftovers?
Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. But let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can use vanilla extract instead, but you’ll miss that refreshing minty kick that makes these bars so special.

As you gather around the table with loved ones this season, let these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars be a sweet part of your celebrations. They’re not just desserts; they’re moments of joy wrapped in sugary bliss.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s bake something delicious together! For more quick and delicious recipes, check out this collection of my favorite cookie recipes. And before you know it, you’ll have a holiday treat that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Meta Description: Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect recipe for holiday celebrations. Quick, easy, and delicious, these treats will surely delight everyone!