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Soft Christmas Peppermint Cookie Bars Recipe Perfect for Holidays

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These soft and chewy peppermint cookie bars topped with creamy frosting and crushed candy canes are the ultimate festive dessert for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crushed candy canes (divided)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and mix until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  4. Gently fold in half of the crushed candy canes.
  5. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add heavy cream gradually until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  8. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top.
  9. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

[‘Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.’, ‘Don’t overmix the batter to ensure soft and chewy bars.’, ‘Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for minimal mess.’, ‘Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.’, ‘Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for uniform slices.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas, Peppermint, Cookie Bars, Holiday Dessert, Easy Baking, Festive Treats

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/soft-christmas-peppermint-cookie-bars-recipe-perfect-for-holidays/