Name: Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs, at room temperature; 12 tablespoons (170 grams) butter, at room temperature; 2 ounces (56 grams) unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped; 2 teaspoons pure coffee extract; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup peppermint baking chips; 1/2 cup mini M&M baking bits; About 3/4 of a 14 ounces (400 grams) can of sweetened condensed milk; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons (56 grams) vegetable shortening; 1 teaspoon Christmas-colored sprinkles

Chocolate and peppermint dance together in these irresistible peppermint mocha cookie bars that promise pure winter bliss.

Cold evenings call for warm, rich desserts that comfort the soul.

Decadent layers of soft chocolate meld perfectly with cool mint undertones.

The deep coffee notes add complexity to each delectable bite.

Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate’s deep, luxurious flavor profile.

These bars bring a festive touch to any gathering, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Treat yourself to a slice of seasonal magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Create festive peppermint mocha cookie bars that bring instant cheer and delightful chocolate-peppermint flavors to your kitchen.
Minimal prep steps and straightforward ingredients make these bars perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced dessert makers.
Easily adapt the recipe by swapping toppings or adjusting chocolate intensity, making these cookie bars a versatile dessert for different tastes and preferences.
Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, potlucks, and special occasions where you want to impress friends and family with a delicious homemade treat.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cookie bars.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

Chocolate and Flavor Ingredients:

Chocolate: Adds rich, deep chocolate flavor to the base of the cookie bars.
White Chocolate Chips: Provides extra sweetness and creamy texture.
Coffee Extract: Intensifies the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee undertone.
Peppermint Chips: Brings a refreshing, cool mint flavor perfect for holiday treats.

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

Butter, Shortening: Create a rich, tender texture in the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds extra richness and helps create a gooey texture.

Decorative Ingredients:

M&M Bits, Sprinkles: Provide festive color and additional texture to the cookie bars.

13×9 Baking Pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized cookie bars with even baking.
Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of the bars.
Stand Mixer: Powerful tool for thoroughly blending butter, sugars, and chocolate.
Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: Perfect for gently melting chocolate without burning.
Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining dry ingredients and preparing the recipe.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting cooled cookie bars into clean, precise squares.
Cooling Rack: Helps bars cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.

Steps for Baking Peppermint Mocha Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a 13×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Ensure the parchment is smooth and fits snugly in the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together these dry ingredients in a medium bowl:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Ensure the ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Smoothly

Use a double boiler or create a makeshift one by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water.

Carefully melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Cream Butter And Sugars

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, blend:

Butter
Shortening
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add to the butter mixture:

Melted chocolate
Eggs
Coffee extract

Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter looks smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Combine Dry And Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Fold in white chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

The bars should be slightly underbaked.

Step 8: Add Festive Toppings

Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with:

Peppermint chips
M&M candies
Colorful sprinkles

Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the surface.

Step 9: Final Baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.

The bars should look bubbly and golden around the edges.

Step 10: Cool And Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out, then slice into squares using a sharp knife.

Line the baking pan with parchment paper, letting excess hang over edges for easy removal of cookie bars.
Use a double boiler or create a makeshift one with a heatproof bowl over simmering water to melt chocolate smoothly without burning.
Gently fold flour mixture into wet ingredients just until combined to keep cookie bars tender and prevent tough texture.
Pour sweetened condensed milk over partially baked bars to create a rich, gooey center that keeps treats extra delicious and soft.
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean, precise squares and prevent crumbling.

Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same rich chocolate and peppermint flavors.
Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Squares: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based chocolate, replace eggs with flax eggs, and select dairy-free white chocolate chips for a compassionate treat.
Low-Sugar Festive Bars: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use dark chocolate with minimal sugar, and reduce condensed milk quantity for a healthier alternative.
Dairy-Free Peppermint Mocha Option: Use plant-based butter alternatives, coconut cream instead of condensed milk, and ensure all chocolate components are dairy-free for those with lactose sensitivities.

Holiday Party Platter: Arrange cookie bars on a festive red and green tray, sprinkled with extra crushed peppermint for a cheerful presentation.
Dessert Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside hot cocoa or peppermint mocha coffee to enhance the seasonal flavor profile and create a cozy winter treat experience.
Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack bars in clear cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbon, perfect for homemade edible gifts that spread delicious cheer to friends and family.
Garnish Glow-Up: Top each bar with a small candy cane or drizzle melted white chocolate for an extra touch of festive elegance and visual appeal.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for maximum 3 months.
Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Alternatively, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds.
Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated 325F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.

FAQs

What is the key flavor profile of these Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars?

These bars combine rich chocolate, coffee extract, and peppermint for a festive holiday taste that balances sweet, rich, and minty notes.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

You can swap white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips, use vanilla extract instead of coffee extract, and replace peppermint chips with crushed candy canes if needed.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and a set center. The bars should be slightly firm but not completely hard when you remove them from the oven. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.

Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Festive Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars Recipe for Holiday Joy