Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars – When the holiday season rolls around, I’m always on the hunt for festive, easy-to-make desserts that capture the magic of the season. Enter Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars: a crowd-pleasing, visually stunning treat that combines the buttery goodness of sugar cookies with the cool, refreshing flavor of peppermint. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a holiday experience wrapped in sweetness and nostalgia.

If you’re like me, the idea of baking dozens of individual cookies during the busiest time of the year can feel overwhelming. That’s where these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars shine. By baking one large sheet of cookie dough and slicing it into bars, you save time without sacrificing flavor or presentation. Plus, the peppermint frosting and festive sprinkles add an extra layer of holiday cheer that’s impossible to resist.

These bars start with a soft, buttery sugar cookie base that melts in your mouth. The dough is simple yet rich, made with pantry staples like flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla. But the real magic happens when you add a creamy layer of peppermint frosting. The cool minty flavor is the perfect complement to the sweetness of the cookie base, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Let’s talk aesthetics. These bars are a showstopper. The light pink hue of the peppermint frosting, combined with a generous sprinkling of crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles, makes them almost too pretty to eat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a stunning addition to your dessert table, Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars deliver.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s beginner-friendly, making it a perfect baking project to share with kids or friends. Plus, the bars hold their shape beautifully, making them easy to transport to cookie exchanges, office parties, or family gatherings.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and brimming with holiday spirit, these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are your answer. They’ve quickly become a staple in my holiday baking repertoire, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your home too. Give them a try this season—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PEPPERMINT SUGAR COOKIE BARS

These Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat! You’ll adore their soft, buttery cookie base topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and festive sprinkles. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings, and bring a refreshing minty twist to classic sugar cookies. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy the holiday season stress-free! 🎄✨

• Festive Flavor: The perfect blend of buttery sweetness and refreshing peppermint makes these bars a holiday favorite.
• Easy to Make: No rolling or cutting—just bake, frost, and slice!
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at parties, cookie exchanges, and family gatherings.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make them ahead and enjoy during the busy holiday season.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a personal touch.

INGREDIENTS FOR PEPPERMINT SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Butter: Softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
Sugar: Use granulated sugar for the perfect sweetness balance.
Egg: Adds structure and richness to the bars.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor; peppermint extract can be used for a festive touch.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for these bars.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookie bars rise slightly for a light texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Crushed Peppermint Candy (Optional): Adds a festive crunch and flavor to the cookie bars.

Frosting:
Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting.
Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for a creamy consistency.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness.
Vanilla Extract or Peppermint Extract: Flavor enhancer; choose based on your preference.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency.
Additional Crushed Peppermint Candy: For garnish and extra festive flair.

HOW TO MAKE THIS PEPPERMINT SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Thick Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Using a mixer, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy, about one minute.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix until well combined to form a thick batter.

Step 5: If using, gently fold in the crushed peppermint candy, ensuring it is evenly distributed without overmixing.

Step 6: Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared baking pan.

Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Step 8: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely. Once cooled, lift the entire cookie bar out of the pan using the parchment paper for easy handling.

Frosting with Crushed Peppermint

Step 1: In a mixer, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla or peppermint extract, salt, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.

Step 3: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top for decoration.

Step 4: Allow the frosting to set slightly before cutting the cookie bars into squares.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy your festive sugar cookie bars!

STORAGE OPTIONS

When it comes to these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, proper storage is key to preserving their soft, chewy texture and minty-fresh flavor. Whether you’re prepping them ahead of time for holiday parties or saving leftovers (if there are any!), here’s the best way to keep them fresh and festive:

Refrigerator Storage

These bars stay perfectly moist and flavorful when stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 5-7 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Simply let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their soft, luscious texture.

Freezer Storage

Yes, you can freeze these peppermint delights! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a festive peppermint-chocolate combo.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Candy Cane Crunch: Replace peppermint extract with crushed candy canes mixed directly into the dough for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives to make these bars completely dairy-free.
• Vanilla Peppermint: Reduce the peppermint extract and add a splash of vanilla for a more subtle mint flavor.

SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy
• For the Frosting with Crushed Peppermint
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 tablespoons milk of choice or heavy cream
• Additional crushed peppermint candy for topping

Instructions

• Thick Sugar Cookie Bars
• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a mixer until fluffy, about 1 minute.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
• Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until you achieve a thick batter.
• If using crushed peppermint candy, fold it gently into the batter without overmixing.
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Avoid overbaking.
• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely. Once cooled, use the sides of the parchment paper to lift the cookie bar out of the pan.
• Frosting with Crushed Peppermint
• In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, vanilla (or peppermint extract), salt, and milk. Beat until smooth and creamy.
• Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
• Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch.
• Allow the frosting to set slightly, then cut the bars into squares and serve.