Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars: 1 Easy Recipe

Alright, let me tell you about these Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars. If you’re anything like me, the holiday season means one thing: baking! And for years, I’ve been on the hunt for that *perfect* holiday dessert that’s both easy enough for a busy December and impressive enough for guests. Well, I finally found it! These bars are just… wow. They’ve got this deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s just begging for a cozy night, but then BAM! That super refreshing peppermint kicks in. It’s like a hug in dessert form, you know?

I remember the first time I made these. It was a chaotic holiday party, and I needed something quick that everyone would love. I whipped these up, and they were gone in a flash! Honestly, after years of developing holiday recipes and trying out countless variations, I can confidently say these bars are a winner. They’re my go-to because they never fail, and that amazing chocolate-peppermint combo just screams ‘holidays’ to me.

Why You’ll Love These Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Honestly, these bars are a total game-changer for your holiday baking list. Here’s why you’ll be making them year after year:

• Super Quick & Easy: Seriously, you can whip these up in no time, even when you’re juggling a million other things.
• Party Perfect: They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any holiday get-together. Everyone devours them!
• That Flavor Combo: Rich chocolate plus cool peppermint? It’s a match made in holiday heaven, and it just *works*.
• So Pretty!: That sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top makes them look so festive and special. Instant holiday cheer!

Gather Your Ingredients for Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these absolutely divine Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars, you’ll need to gather a few things. Don’t worry, most of them are probably already in your pantry, which is always a win, right? Grab these essentials and get ready for some serious baking magic.

Essential Baking Ingredients

First up, the backbone of any good baked treat! We’ve got 1 cup of unsalted butter, make sure it’s softened – that’s key for creaming it just right. Then, 2 cups of granulated sugar to get that perfect sweetness. You’ll need 4 large eggs, and trust me, room temperature eggs mix in so much better. A teaspoon of vanilla extract is a must for depth, and of course, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate base. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of baking powder to give them a little lift and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance all that sweetness.

Flavor Enhancers for Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Now for the stars of the show! We need that signature peppermint kick, so grab 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. You can always add a tiny bit more if you’re feeling brave, but start here! And for that decadent chocolatey goodness, toss in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. I find semi-sweet is the sweet spot – not too bitter, not too sweet. And for the grand finale, you’ll want about 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes. Make sure they’re crushed pretty finely so they stick well and give you that perfect festive crunch on top!

Crafting Your Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars: Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get these bars into the oven! This is where the magic really happens. It’s a pretty straightforward process, so don’t stress. You’ll have these delicious holiday treats ready to go in about 50 minutes total, with around 20 minutes of that being prep time. We’ll start by getting our oven all nice and toasty.

Preparing the Batter for Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good grease and flour. This is super important so your bars don’t stick! Now, in a big bowl, take that softened butter and the sugar and cream them together until they’re light and fluffy. Think pale yellow and airy! Then, beat in your eggs, one by one, making sure each one is mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and that lovely peppermint extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Now, gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until it’s *just* combined. Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tough bars! Finally, gently fold in those chocolate chips. You want a nice, thick batter that smells incredible.

Baking and Finishing Your Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Pour that gorgeous batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Now, pop it into the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick you stick into the center comes out clean. While the bars are still warm – and trust me, you want to do this while they’re warm – sprinkle those crushed candy canes all over the top. They’ll kind of melt and stick into the chocolate, making it look so festive! The hardest part? You have to let them cool completely in the pan before you cut them into squares. I know, the waiting is agony, but it’s crucial for getting nice, clean cuts and letting all those flavors meld together perfectly.

Tips for Perfect Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Alright, let’s make sure these bars turn out absolutely perfect every single time. Baking is all about a few little tricks, and I’ve picked up a few over the years that really make a difference with these Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars.

Achieving the Ideal Peppermint Chocolate Flavor

That peppermint flavor is key, right? If you’re a big peppermint fan, don’t be afraid to add an extra quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract when you mix in the wet ingredients. Just be careful not to go overboard – you want that refreshing zing, not a toothpaste explosion! Also, using good quality cocoa powder really makes the chocolate flavor pop, which is the perfect base for that peppermint to shine through.

Perfecting the Candy Cane Topping

For that gorgeous, festive topping, you want your crushed candy canes to be pretty fine. I usually just toss them into a Ziploc bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy mug. You don’t want big chunks, just a nice, even sprinkle. Add them while the bars are still warm so they get a little melty and stick really well. It makes them look super professional, even if you just threw them on there!

Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Got questions about these amazing holiday desserts? I’ve got answers! These Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars are pretty foolproof, but it’s always good to know a few things. Let’s dive into some common queries I get about whipping up these peppermint chocolate goodies.

Storing Your Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Once your bars are completely cooled (seriously, wait for it!), just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly fresh at room temperature for a good few days. They’re so good, though, I doubt they’ll last that long!

Variations for Your Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Want to mix things up? You totally can! Try adding about half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts along with the chocolate chips for a nice crunch. Or, swap out the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips – the contrast is lovely! You could even swirl in a little extra peppermint extract if you’re a true peppermint fanatic.

Nutrition Snapshot of Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars

Just so you know, these Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bars are a treat, and like most delicious holiday desserts, they have some yummy stuff in them! Per serving (that’s one bar), you’re looking at roughly 250 calories. We’ve got about 13g of fat in there, with 8g being saturated fat, which is pretty typical for a rich chocolate bar. You’ll get about 3g of protein and around 32g of carbohydrates. Remember, these numbers are estimates, and they can change a bit depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!

Print