Description
Soft, fudgy chocolate–espresso cookie bars filled with peppermint crunch and topped with a silky white chocolate peppermint frosting—perfect for festive gifting, parties, or cozy holiday treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- White Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Cookie Bars:
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint candy canes, plus more for decorating
Instructions
- Combine white chocolate chips, heavy cream, and peppermint extract in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
- Mix espresso powder with hot water until dissolved.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix again. Stir in espresso mixture, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
- Add half the dry mixture, mixing just until combined. Add remaining dry mixture. Stir in dark chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Spread dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top looks just set. Cool completely in the pan for 30 minutes.
- Whip the chilled frosting mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread in a thin layer over the cooled bars. Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes.
- Cut into 16 bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Use different types of chocolate chips for variation.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg