Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe because it combines the nutty richness of peanut butter with the refreshing crunch of peppermint bark—a match made in cookie heaven. When I first tried this recipe during the holiday season, it instantly became a favorite in our family, not just for the festive flavors but also for how easy it is to whip up even if you’re short on time.

You’ll find that these cookies work wonderfully for holiday parties or just a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa. Plus, the combination of creamy peanut butter, buttery white chocolate, and the minty candy canes gives these cookies a layered taste that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, it’ll be a staple in your cookie arsenal.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, I’ve found that using a smooth peanut butter and good quality chocolate chips really makes the difference. Plus, crushed candy canes add that signature peppermint crunch, so be sure to pick fresh candy canes for the best texture and flavor.

• Smooth Operator Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter binds the cookie and lends rich flavor—avoid natural types that separate.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the crispy edges.
• Baking Soda: Just enough leavening to make the cookies tender yet hold their shape.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• Large Egg: Adds structure and moisture for that perfect cookie texture.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness and pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
• Candy Canes (Crushed): Gives the peppermint bark effect and a delightful crunch.
• Carob or Dark Chocolate Chips: Used for dipping—the bittersweet contrast balances the sweetness.
• Peanut Butter Chips: Melted with chocolate for a rich coating on the cookie bottoms.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps smooth the chocolate-peanut butter dip for easy coating.

Variations

I love to tweak this Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to swap out the candy canes for peppermint extract if you want a smoother texture without the crunch. You can also try using semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of carob for a more traditional chocolate coating.

• Nut-Free Variation: I’ve replaced peanut butter with sunflower seed butter when baking for friends with allergies, and it worked beautifully.
• Extra Crunch: Adding chopped nuts gave my cookies an awesome texture contrast that my family adored.
• Spicy Twist: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne sprinkled inside the batter added a surprising warmth I recommend exploring.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Base Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—that little step saves you so much cleanup later! In a medium bowl, stir together the smooth peanut butter, granulated sugar, baking soda, vanilla extract, and the egg until everything is fully blended. At this stage, you want a nice, creamy batter without any lumps. Then gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, distributing them evenly. I discovered this trick of folding gently prevents the candy canes from breaking down too much.

Step 2: Scoop and Bake

Using a regular-sized ice cream scoop, drop balls of batter onto your prepared sheet, spacing them well because they’ll spread a bit while baking. Bake for about 15 minutes until they’re golden brown and mostly set on top—you’ll see that gorgeous slightly cracked surface. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool completely right on the tray; I like to resist the urge to move them too soon because they firm up better that way.

Step 3: Melt and Dip the Bottoms

While your cookies cool, melt together the carob or dark chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to evenly melt without burning. When smooth, dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted mixture and spread it if needed to cover completely. Place them back on the tray to set—the chocolate layer adds a decadent finish and keeps the bottoms from sticking. This step might sound tricky but trust me, it’s easier than it looks once you get the hang of it.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a pinch of extra crushed candy canes on top of the melted chocolate once I dip the cookies—it not only looks festive but adds an extra burst of peppermint crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies before serving can also make them feel extra special and holiday-ready.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a creamy hot chocolate or peppermint mocha—perfect for a winter treat. I also like serving them alongside simple whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate that guests rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these cookies on a festive platter lined with rosemary sprigs and red berries for that extra seasonal flair. Gift-wise, wrapping a stack tied with a red ribbon and a sprig of fresh mint makes a charming homemade gift everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, make sure they’re well separated—especially after dipping with the chocolate—to avoid sticking together.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works great! I wrap each cookie in parchment paper, then foil, and place them in a zip-top bag. When I want one, I just thaw at room temperature for about an hour, and the texture is just like freshly baked.

Reheating

To warm these up, I pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This lightly softens them without melting the peppermint bark coating, delivering a satisfying chewy bite that’s especially comforting on cold days.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe quickly became one of my go-to gifts and holiday snacks because it’s so easy and universally loved. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying as I do—the perfect blend of cozy peanut butter with bright peppermint that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Keep a batch in your freezer, and trust me, you’ll always have a special treat ready for unexpected guests or your own sweet cravings.

Print