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Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars – Festive and Flavorful Holiday Treats

Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert, combining the rich flavors of mocha and peppermint with a festive touch of sprinkles and mini M&Ms. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or packaging up as a sweet gift. A layer of white chocolate and peppermint chips adds extra indulgence to every bite, while a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk keeps the bars soft and chewy. Simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make.

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

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Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 13:49:11 GMT
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Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars | myhomemaderecipe.com
These Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars combine the rich flavors of mocha and peppermint with a festive mix of sprinkles and M&M Baking Bits. Perfect for the holiday season, these bars are easy to make and ideal for sharing.

Ingredients

  • Unsweetened Chocolate (2 oz): Coarsely chopped for melting, adding a rich chocolate base.
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure and base for the cookie dough.
  • Baking Powder (3 tsp): Leavens the dough, helping it rise slightly during baking.
  • Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Butter (12 tbsp): Softened to room temperature, gives a creamy texture to the dough.
  • Vegetable Shortening (4 tbsp): Adds a light, tender texture to the cookie bars.
  • Brown Sugar (1 1/3 cups): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes sweetness and a slightly crisp texture.
  • Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together, helping with structure and moisture.
  • Pure Coffee Extract (2 tsp): Infuses a subtle coffee flavor, enhancing the mocha taste.
  • White Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the dark chocolate base.
  • Peppermint Baking Chips (1 cup): Adds a festive, minty touch, perfect for holiday flavors.
  • Mini M&M Baking Bits (1/2 cup): Adds color and a fun, crunchy texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk (3/4 of a 14 oz can): Keeps the bars chewy and adds sweetness.
  • Christmas-Colored Sprinkles (1 tsp): For a festive, decorative touch on top.

Instructions

Step 1:
Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the unsweetened chocolate, stirring until smooth.
Step 4:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until well blended.
Step 5:
Add the melted chocolate, eggs, and coffee extract, mixing until smooth and combined.
Step 6:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips.
Step 7:
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, ensuring not to fully bake.
Step 8:
Remove from the oven and immediately top with peppermint chips, mini M&Ms, and sprinkles. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
Step 9:
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Step 10:
Allow to cool completely, then lift out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
  • These bars make a festive addition to holiday dessert platters or gift boxes.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Helpful Notes

  • Use high-quality unsweetened chocolate for a richer flavor base.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk for desired sweetness and chewiness.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Duff Goldman recommends using a mix of white and dark chocolate for an even more layered taste.
  • Chef Christina Tosi suggests sprinkling extra peppermint chips before the final bake for an added festive touch.
  • Chef Jacques Torres advises melting chocolate slowly to avoid graininess in the bars.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the classic flavors of peppermint and mocha for a holiday-inspired treat.
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting.
  • Offers a delightful mix of textures, from chewy to crunchy.
  • Visually festive and a hit with both kids and adults.

Variations

  • Use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate for a slightly sweeter taste.
  • Swap peppermint chips with crushed candy canes for added texture and color.
  • Add a handful of chopped nuts for a nutty crunch in each bite.
  • Try adding a swirl of caramel on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Holiday Cookie Bars

Festive cookie bars combining peppermint, mocha, and holiday sprinkles in a delightful dessert.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped.
02 2 cups all-purpose flour.
03 3 tsp baking powder.
04 1/2 tsp salt.
05 12 tbsp butter, at room temperature.
06 4 tbsp vegetable shortening.
07 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar.
08 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
09 2 eggs, at room temperature.
10 2 tsp pure coffee extract.
11 1 cup white chocolate chips.
12 1 cup peppermint baking chips.
13 1/2 cup mini M&M Baking Bits.
14 About 3/4 of a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk.
15 1 tsp Christmas-colored sprinkles.

Instructions

Step 01

Line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

Melt the chocolate using a double boiler method or a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water.

Step 04

In a stand mixer, beat butter, shortening, and sugars on medium speed until blended.

Step 05

Add melted chocolate, eggs, and coffee extract, beating until smooth.

Step 06

Gradually beat in the flour mixture until just combined, then stir in the white chocolate chips.

Step 07

Press the dough into the prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring not to fully bake.

Step 08

Remove from oven; top with peppermint chips, M&M bits, sprinkles, and pour over the sweetened condensed milk.

Step 09

Add extra sprinkles if desired, then bake at 350°F for another 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Step 10

Cool completely before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Notes

  1. Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  2. Cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
  3. Sprinkle extra sprinkles for a festive look.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 4 g