Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookie Bars – A Cozy Winter Treat

These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookie Bars are the ultimate winter dessert! ❄️ Rich, fudgy, and filled with festive flavors, these cookie bars bring together the warmth of hot cocoa and the refreshing taste of peppermint, creating the perfect holiday treat. 🌟

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, indulging in a cozy winter snack, or preparing gifts for friends and family, these bars are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Get ready to dive into a gooey, peppermint-infused dessert that will transport you to a cozy winter wonderland! ✨

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Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookie Bars ❤️

• Fudgy & Decadent – A rich, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Holiday-Inspired Flavors – The perfect blend of hot cocoa and peppermint.
• Easy to Make – A simple recipe with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for Gifting – Wrap them up as a sweet holiday gift. 🎁
• One Pan Wonder – No need to roll dough or deal with individual cookies.

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to make these peppermint hot cocoa cookie bars:

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed 🍯
• 2 large eggs 🥚
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 🍞
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂

For the Peppermint Layer:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
• 1/2 cup heavy cream 🥛
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 🌿
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes 🍬

For the Topping (Optional, but Highly Recommended!):

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 🍪
• Extra crushed peppermint for garnish 🍭

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Substitutions & Variations 💡

• Butter Substitute: You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
• Minty Twist: If you want more minty flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cookie base.
• More Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or mix in mini marshmallows for a classic hot cocoa vibe.

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Step-by-Step Instructions 🍽️

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Pan 🔥

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later.

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Step 2: Make the Cookie Base 🍪

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

2️⃣ Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue to beat until fully incorporated.

3️⃣ In another bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

4️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. The dough will be thick and fudgy—perfect for a cookie bar!

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Step 3: Bake the Cookie Base 🍪

1️⃣ Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.

2️⃣ Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. You want them soft and chewy, not overcooked. Let them cool completely in the pan.

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Step 4: Make the Peppermint Layer 🍫

1️⃣ While the cookie base cools, make the peppermint chocolate layer. In a heatproof bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream.

2️⃣ Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

3️⃣ Stir in peppermint extract to infuse that refreshing minty flavor into the chocolate mixture. 😋

4️⃣ Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the peppermint chocolate layer over the top evenly using a spatula.

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Step 5: Add the Toppings 🎄

1️⃣ Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the peppermint chocolate layer. This adds a nice crunch and festive look!

2️⃣ If you’re adding white chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top for an extra creamy touch.

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Step 6: Chill & Set ❄️

1️⃣ Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to let the chocolate layer firm up. This step ensures the bars hold their shape when cut.

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Step 7: Slice & Serve 🍽️

1️⃣ Once the bars are fully set, use the parchment overhang to lift them from the pan.

2️⃣ Slice into 12–16 bars, depending on how big you want them. These bars are rich, so smaller pieces work great!

3️⃣ Serve them at your holiday party, gift them in a festive box, or enjoy them yourself with a hot cup of cocoa. 🎁☕

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Serving Suggestions 🎉

These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookie Bars are great on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

• Serve with Hot Cocoa – Pair them with a warm cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat. ☕️
• Top with Ice Cream – Vanilla or peppermint ice cream will complement the rich, chocolatey bars perfectly. 🍦
• Make it a Dessert Platter – Include other holiday treats like brownies, cookies, and candy cane fudge for a festive spread. 🍬
• Gift them – Package the bars in cute tins or cellophane bags with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious holiday gift. 🎁

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Storage & Reheating 🍴

Storing Leftovers 🏠

• Fridge: Store the leftover cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: These bars freeze well! Wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Tips 🔥

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-10 minutes to soften the bars.
• Microwave: Warm up individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey treat.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1️⃣ Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time? ⏰

Yes! You can make these bars up to 2 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2️⃣ Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Semi-Sweet? 🍫

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the bars sweeter, while semi-sweet chocolate adds richness. Choose based on your preference!

3️⃣ Can I Make These Gluten-Free? 🌾

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check your peppermint candies to ensure they’re gluten-free.

4️⃣ How Can I Make These More Minty? 🌿

For an extra minty flavor, add a little more peppermint extract to both the cookie base and the chocolate layer. You can also add mint chocolate chips for a double mint effect!

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Conclusion – A Must-Make Holiday Treat! 🎄

These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookie Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. They combine the comforting flavors of hot cocoa with the refreshing taste of peppermint, making them the ideal treat for winter festivities. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy snack or giving them as a gift, these bars will bring joy to everyone who tries them! ❤️

So what are you waiting for? Get baking, and enjoy these delectable, festive bars today! ❄️🎁🍫