There’s something magical about the holidays, especially when the kitchen fills with the sweet, refreshing scent of peppermint. Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars bring a festive touch to any table, and they hold a special place in my heart.
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Growing up, my family would always make these bars as a treat for holiday gatherings. They’re simple to make, yet so flavorful—perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of sweet sugar cookies topped with peppermint frosting creates a festive delight that always brings a smile.
A Southern food classic
Southern cuisine holds a deep connection to family traditions and fond memories. For me, it’s always been about gathering around the table with loved ones. These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are a perfect example of how food brings people together in the South.
I remember my grandmother baking sugar cookies every holiday season, her kitchen filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked treats. She always believed in making the holidays special with the simplest of joys—like cookies made with love. Now, I carry on that tradition, adding a peppermint twist to the classic sugar cookie. Every bite brings back those sweet memories, and I hope these bars create some lasting memories for you as well.
Ingredients
How to make Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Making these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars is easy and fun. Start by preparing your baking dish and preheating your oven. This sets the stage for the perfect cookies. Next, mix the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla. Once combined, you’ll mix in the dry ingredients and fold in crushed peppermints for that signature holiday flavor. After spreading the batter into the dish, bake it until golden and let it cool.
For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. The final touch is a sprinkle of crushed peppermints, adding both texture and festive flair. After a brief chill in the fridge, you’ll have beautifully frosted cookie bars ready to share!
Serving suggestions
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, but they really shine during the holidays. Serve them as part of a festive dessert table, alongside other Southern favorites like pecan pie or banana pudding.
They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a mug of Southern sweet tea. Whether you’re enjoying them with family at Christmas dinner or gifting them to friends, these bars bring a sense of Southern warmth and hospitality to every gathering.
Storage tips
These cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need them to last longer, keep them in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect texture.
For extra convenience, you can also freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a month. To reheat, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Southern farewell
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a treat—they’re a way to connect with the people you love and create new memories. The Southern tradition of making food with care and sharing it with others is something I hold dear.
These bars are a simple way to bring a little bit of Southern hospitality into your home. Enjoy them, and remember that every bite is a reminder of the warmth and comfort of the South.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×9 baking dish
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Spatula or offset spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter softened to room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 3/4 cup of flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup of crushed peppermints
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter softened to room temp
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup of crushed peppermints
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the ends to hang over the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later. Spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Use a hand mixer to beat them together until light and fluffy. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 egg, and beat again until fully incorporated.
- To the butter mixture, add 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and half of the 1 3/4 cups flour. Beat to combine. Then, add the remaining flour and continue mixing until a batter forms.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermints. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the batter is transferred.
- Use a spatula or your hands to evenly spread the batter in the dish. If the batter is thick, lightly press it out with your hands. Bake the batter for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 tsp peppermint extract, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp milk. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cookie bars have cooled, lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crushed peppermints over the frosting. Place the bars in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the frosting firm up.
- Once the frosting has set, slice the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy the holiday spirit in every bite!
Notes
Tips and Tricks!
- Keep the bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- No peppermints? Swap them for candy canes!
- Out of parchment paper? Use foil as a substitute.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
