Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies! These chewy, chocolate brownie cookies are studded with pieces of peppermint bark. They're the ultimate holiday treat! Best enjoyed next to a roaring fire with hot cocoa.

By
Garrett McCord
Garrett McCord
Garrett McCord
Garrett has been writing about food and sharing recipes for 15 years. He is the author of Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese.
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Updated September 23, 2022
Garrett McCord
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
Elise Bauer

If this cookie doesn't capture the seasonal taste of Christmas, then I don't know what does!

These cookies are chocolatey, oh so fudge-y, and studded with bright colorful chunks of peppermint bark. Perfect with a tall glass of milk next to a decked-out tree.

These peppermint bark chocolate cookies are the first to be eaten at a cookie swap, and are bound to become a holiday staple after you take your first bite.

Perfect for in-laws, holiday parties, or leaving on a plate for Santa!

Chewy, Brownie Peppermint Bark Cookies
Elise Bauer

Peppermint Bark

You can buy peppermint bark at any candy store or specialty food store, or you can simply make the peppermint bark yourself.

If you want to make life even easier, just add some white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies in lieu of peppermint bark.

Make-Ahead and Freeze

These cookies freeze very well, either unbaked or baked, for about a month. If unbaked, freeze all the dough balls on a single baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or storage container. No need to thaw before baking; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

If already baked, make sure to cool completely. Then, wrap well in aluminum foil and transfer to a freezer bag or container.

Brownie-like Peppermint Bark Cookies
Elise Bauer

Want More Cookies for Your Cookie Tray?

Check out ALL our favorite Christmas cookie recipes right here!

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies

Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 36 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar

  • 3/4 cup white granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • About 1 cup peppermint bark, homemade or store-bought, broken into little chip sized pieces

Method

  1. Preheat the oven:

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Combine the dry ingredients:

    Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder in a bowl and set aside.

  3. Make the cookie dough:

    Beat the butter and sugars together for about 2 minutes with an electric mixer at medium speed, until completely mixed and light in color.

    Add the egg and the vanilla extract until well mixed, about a minute. Be sure to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl halfway through.

    With the mixer on medium speed, add the sifted flour mixture to the bowl slowly. Stop once all of the flour is incorporated (do not over-mix).

  4. Fold in the peppermint bark chips:

    Using a stiff spatula, fold in the peppermint bark chips.

  5. Roll the dough into balls:

    Take small spoonfuls of the dough and roll between your hands to make 1-inch balls. Arrange on the baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart.

  6. Bake the cookies:

    Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
139 Calories
7g Fat
18g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 36
Amount per serving
Calories 139
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 46mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 18mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 34mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.