Description of this recipe
These No-Bake Peppermint Bark Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the classic flavors of peppermint bark with the ease and convenience of no-bake cookies. Imagine rich chocolate wafer cookies generously coated in smooth, peppermint-infused white chocolate and sprinkled with crunchy candy cane pieces. These cookies require no oven time and minimal effort, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules or anyone looking for a quick and impressive dessert. They are festive, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering!
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely fall in love with these No-Bake Peppermint Bark Cookies for several reasons:
- Simplicity: As the name suggests, there’s no baking involved! This makes it an ideal recipe for beginner bakers, kids who want to help in the kitchen, or anyone who wants a delicious treat without the hassle of turning on the oven.
- Festive Flavor: The combination of white chocolate and peppermint is a classic holiday pairing. The cool, refreshing peppermint flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a balanced and irresistible taste. The crunchy candy cane pieces add a delightful textural element and enhance the peppermint flavor.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these cookies can be ready in under an hour, including chilling time. This makes them perfect for last-minute holiday parties or when you need a sweet treat in a hurry.
- Visually Appealing: These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning. The contrasting colors of the chocolate wafer cookies, white chocolate, and red and white candy cane pieces create a festive and elegant appearance. They make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert platter.
- Customizable: While the recipe calls for chocolate wafer cookies, you can easily customize it to your liking. Consider using other types of cookies, such as vanilla wafers or graham crackers. You can also add other toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Package them in a festive tin or cellophane bag, and they’re sure to be appreciated.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days. This makes them perfect for planning ahead for holiday gatherings or parties.
- Nostalgic: Peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. These cookies capture the essence of peppermint bark in a convenient and shareable form.
Ingredients:
- 1 12 ounce package Ghirardelli White Chocolate Melts, or chopped good quality white chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract, not imitation extract
- 1 9 ounce package Chocolate Wafer Cookies
- 8 candy canes, crushed
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare your workstation. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier. Crush the candy canes using a food processor, blender, or by placing them in a resealable bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Set the crushed candy canes aside.
Step 2: Melt the white chocolate. Pour the white chocolate melts (or chopped white chocolate) into a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up and become grainy. If the chocolate is not melting smoothly, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to help loosen it up.
Step 3: Add the peppermint extract. Once the white chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in the peppermint extract. Be sure to use pure peppermint extract, not imitation extract, for the best flavor. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste, if desired. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the chocolate.
Step 4: Dip the cookies. Hold a chocolate wafer cookie by the edges and dip the top of the cookie into the melted white chocolate, coating it evenly. Use a fork or spoon to help spread the chocolate if needed. Lift the cookie out of the chocolate and gently tap it to remove any excess chocolate.
Step 5: Decorate and set. Place the chocolate-covered cookie on the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the wet chocolate. Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the remaining cookies, white chocolate, and candy canes. Once all the cookies are decorated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, or until the white chocolate is completely set.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and fudge.
- Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.
- Package them in a festive tin or cellophane bag and give them as homemade gifts.
- Serve them at holiday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for a festive dessert topping.
Tips:
- Use good quality white chocolate for the best flavor. Ghirardelli White Chocolate Melts are a great option, but you can also use other brands of white chocolate.
- Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate, as it can seize up and become grainy. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- If the white chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to help loosen it up.
- Use pure peppermint extract, not imitation extract, for the best flavor.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the wet chocolate immediately after dipping the cookies, so they adhere properly.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
Calories:
Approximately 150-200 calories per cookie
Protein:
Approximately 1-2 grams per cookie
Sodium:
Approximately 30-50 milligrams per cookie
Conclusion
These No-Bake Peppermint Bark Cookies are a festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy treat that’s perfect for the holidays. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a batch of these delightful cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a guaranteed success. So gather your ingredients, get ready to dip, and enjoy the magic of peppermint bark in cookie form!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer dark chocolate, you can substitute it for the white chocolate in this recipe. The peppermint flavor will still complement the dark chocolate nicely. However, keep in mind that the visual contrast between the chocolate and candy canes might not be as striking.
Q2: I don’t have chocolate wafer cookies. Can I use another type of cookie?
A: Yes, you can definitely use other types of cookies. Vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even shortbread cookies would work well. The key is to choose a cookie that is relatively flat and sturdy enough to hold the melted chocolate and candy canes.
Q3: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. Once the chocolate is set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This makes them a great option for holiday parties or when you need a quick and easy dessert.
Q4: What if my white chocolate seizes up when I melt it?
A: White chocolate can be finicky and sometimes seizes up when melted. To prevent this, make sure to microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval. If the chocolate starts to seize up, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to help loosen it up. You can also try melting the chocolate in a double boiler instead of the microwave.
Q5: Can I add other toppings to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate would all be delicious additions. Just make sure to add the toppings while the chocolate is still wet so they adhere properly.
