Craving the cozy flavors of a peppermint mocha in a convenient, shareable treat? Look no further than these irresistible Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars! These bars perfectly capture the essence of the beloved holiday beverage, combining rich chocolate, invigorating peppermint, and a subtle coffee kick. They are easy to make, require no chilling time, and are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering. This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, promising a delightful experience and a stunning result.
**Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars:**
* **Festive Flavors:** The harmonious blend of chocolate, peppermint, and coffee creates a truly festive and comforting taste. It’s like sipping a warm peppermint mocha by the fireplace, but in cookie bar form!
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly straightforward, with simple steps and readily available ingredients. No fancy techniques required!
* **No Chilling Required:** Unlike many cookie recipes, these bars don’t need to be chilled before baking, saving you valuable time during the busy holiday season.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or gifting to friends and family.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different toppings, such as chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
Before you start baking, gather these essential ingredients:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of our cookie bars, providing structure and texture. 2 1/4 cups (270g).
* **Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:** Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor. 1/2 cup (45g).
* **Baking Soda:** Helps the bars rise and become tender. 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Unsalted Butter:** Provides richness and moisture. Softened to room temperature. 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g).
* **Granulated Sugar:** Sweetens the bars and contributes to their chewy texture. 1 cup (200g).
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor. Packed. 1/2 cup (100g).
* **Eggs:** Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. 2 large.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and peppermint. 1 teaspoon.
* **Instant Espresso Powder:** Amplifies the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle coffee note. 2 teaspoons.
* **Peppermint Extract:** Provides the signature peppermint flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
* **Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:** Adds extra chocolatey goodness. 1 cup (170g).
* **Crushed Peppermint Candies:** For topping, adding a festive touch and extra peppermint flavor. About 1/2 cup, or more to taste.
**Equipment You’ll Need:**
* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** The ideal size for these cookie bars.
* **Parchment Paper:** For lining the baking pan, preventing the bars from sticking and making cleanup easier.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** Either a stand mixer or a hand mixer will work.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Spatula:** For scraping the sides of the bowl and spreading the batter.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars:
**1. Prepare the Baking Pan:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after baking.
**2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:**
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder.
**3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:**
* In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
**4. Add the Eggs and Extracts:**
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
* Stir in the vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and peppermint extract. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and add more to taste, depending on your preference for peppermint intensity.
**5. Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients:**
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookie bars.
**6. Stir in the Chocolate Chips:**
* Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
**7. Spread the Batter into the Pan:**
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
**8. Sprinkle with Crushed Peppermint Candies:**
* Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the top of the batter. Gently press them into the batter to help them adhere during baking.
**9. Bake the Cookie Bars:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the bars dry.
**10. Cool and Slice:**
* Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
* Once cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. You can use a sharp knife to make clean cuts.
**Tips for Perfect Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars:**
* **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Softened butter is essential for creating a light and fluffy batter. If you forget to take the butter out of the refrigerator ahead of time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookie bars. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Adjust the Peppermint Extract to Your Liking:** The amount of peppermint extract you use will depend on your personal preference. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste, if desired.
* **Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips:** The quality of the chocolate chips will impact the overall flavor of the cookie bars. Use a high-quality brand for the best results.
* **Cool Completely Before Slicing:** Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from crumbling.
* **Add a Chocolate Drizzle:** For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookie bars.
**Variations and Add-Ins:**
Get creative and customize these Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars with your favorite additions:
* **White Chocolate Chips:** Substitute some of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture.
* **Espresso Glaze:** Drizzle a simple espresso glaze over the cooled bars for an extra coffee kick. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee until smooth.
* **Candy Cane Pieces:** In addition to the crushed peppermint candies, add small pieces of candy cane for a festive look and an extra burst of peppermint flavor.
* **Dark Chocolate Chunks:** Instead of chocolate chips, use dark chocolate chunks for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
* **Sea Salt Flakes:** Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes over the top of the bars after baking to enhance the sweetness and add a salty-sweet contrast.
**Serving Suggestions:**
These Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars are perfect for:
* **Holiday Parties:** Bring a batch to your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear!
* **Cookie Exchanges:** They make a delightful addition to any cookie exchange.
* **Gifting:** Package them in a festive box or tin and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy them as a simple yet satisfying dessert after a holiday meal.
* **Snacking:** Satisfy your sweet cravings with a chewy and flavorful cookie bar.
* **With a Warm Drink:** Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or, of course, a peppermint mocha for the ultimate cozy experience.
**Storage Instructions:**
To keep your Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars fresh and delicious:
* **Store at Room Temperature:** Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze for Longer Storage:** For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate):**
* Calories: 200-250 per bar (depending on serving size and additions)
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 80-120mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 2-3g
**Conclusion:**
These Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that embodies the festive spirit of the holidays. With their rich chocolate flavor, invigorating peppermint essence, and subtle coffee kick, they are sure to become a new favorite. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars! Happy baking and happy holidays!