The holiday season brings a wave of warmth and joy, often culminating in cozy family gatherings and the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the air. Enter the Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars—a delectable twist on traditional sugar cookies that boasts a soft, chewy texture and a burst of refreshing peppermint flavor. Imagine biting into a square of sweet perfection, where creamy chocolate kisses meld with the festive crunch of crushed candy canes. This treat is not only easy to make but also a surefire way to impress family and friends.
Speaking of ease, if you enjoyed our classic chocolate chip cookies that have been a hit for years, you’ll love how these bars offer a unique flavor profile without sacrificing simplicity. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this step-by-step guide on how to create these irresistible Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars that will surely become a staple for your winter evenings.
What is Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars?
Now, you may be wondering, what in the world is a Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bar? That’s a valid question, and here’s the scoop! Picture a soft, thick bar of sugar cookie goodness topped with delightful peppermint-flavored chocolate kisses. You might ask, who decided to combine sugar cookies with a peppermint twist? We may never know, but one thing is clear: the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach! And if these peppermint-infused treats don’t capture their taste buds, I’m not sure what will. Trust me; you’ll want to whip up a batch and share them with your loved ones—just be prepared for requests for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars
Imagine indulging in a warm, gooey peppermint cookie bar that’s perfectly sweet and just the right amount of festive. Not only are these Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars the highlight of any dessert table, but making them at home is a cost-effective way to create something special without breaking the bank. Plus, they are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. You can amp up the flavor with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top. Isn’t that irresistible?
If you’re itching to explore other delightful cookie creations, check out my lemon sugar cookies that offer a zesty kick. But I promise these peppermint bars will have you craving that cozy feeling of winter even after the season has passed!
How to Make Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars
Quick Overview
Making Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars is a breeze! With a preparation time of just 25 minutes and an extra 20 minutes to bake, you’ll have warm, delicious bars ready to share in no time. These bars offer a chewy texture complemented by the crunchy peppermint topping, making them a memorable treat at any gathering.
Key Ingredients for Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful bars:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peppermint chocolate kisses, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix!
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Gently fold in the peppermint chocolate kisses, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Spread: Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Top: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Cut and Serve: Slice into square or rectangular bars, serve, and enjoy your Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars!
Top Tips for Perfecting Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars
- Butter Temperature: For the best texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. It should be soft but not melted.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda. Fresh leavening agents are key to fluffy bars.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze uncut bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Other Flavor Variations: For a twist, consider adding chopped nuts or substituting chocolate kisses with dark chocolate or white chocolate variations.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For extended shelf life, you can refrigerate them for about a week. If you want to enjoy them warm later, a quick reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will do the trick, or you can pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Get ready to melt hearts with these Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars. Whether snuggling on a chilly evening or sharing with family, these treats are bound to spread joy. Happy baking!
Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the peppermint chocolate kisses, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and let them cool completely.
- Once cooled, sprinkle with crushed candy canes on top, cut into bars, and serve.
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