There is something truly magical about the combination of mint and chocolate in baked treats, and this Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe captures that delightful pairing perfectly. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar studded with rich semisweet chocolate chips and refreshing mint chocolate morsels that melt in your mouth. These bars are an irresistible blend of creamy butter, sweet sugars, and a just-right hint of peppermint that instantly brighten your day. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual snack, or a special treat for yourself, these bars bring a wonderful balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients that come together effortlessly for fantastic flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s lending moisture, sweetness, or that perfect chewy bite and minty twist.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps create a tender, moist texture in the cookie bars.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and contributes to the perfect chewy consistency.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Imparts a subtle caramel note and enhances moisture for chewiness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add structure to the bars.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
- Peppermint extract (½ teaspoon): Gives the bars that signature minty freshness without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): The foundation that gives the bars their classic cookie texture.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly and stay soft.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Offers rich pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
- Mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints (1 cup): Delivers bursts of creamy mint chocolate that make these bars unforgettable.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later. Having your baking pan ready ensures a smooth baking process ahead.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your bars a soft, tender crumb once baked.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, which infuse the batter with their warm, aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which provides balance to the sweetness and helps the bars bake evenly.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the bars could become dense rather than delightfully chewy.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and mint chips or chopped Andes mints. These bits create pockets of intense chocolate flavor and refreshing mint that make every bite exciting.
Step 7: Bake
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is just set. Keep an eye on the bars to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into neat squares. This cooling time helps them firm up and makes handling easier, ensuring clean, beautiful bars.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm and flavor, sprinkle a few crushed Andes mints or some finely chopped fresh mint leaves over the top before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a festive, snowy appearance perfect for holidays.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of peppermint tea. For adults, consider serving alongside a peppermint mocha or a rich hot chocolate to complement the mint-chocolate theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a festive serving tray to make an inviting display. Stack them in a lovely jar or wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for charming gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, freeze them for up to two months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To warm up your cookie bars fresh from the fridge or freezer, pop them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This helps soften the chocolate and revives that freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mint chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If mint chocolate chips are hard to find, chopped Andes mints are a fantastic alternative, or you can mix in your favorite chocolate chips and add extra peppermint extract for a minty punch.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract on hand?
You can substitute with a few drops of mint extract or even crushed candy canes mixed into the dough, but be cautious with quantities as mint flavor can be strong.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture.
How do I get the bars chewy instead of cakey?
Make sure not to overmix the dough and bake just until the edges are golden and the center is set. Overbaking will lead to cakier bars, so watch the timing closely.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch, or even dried cherries for a pop of tartness that pairs beautifully with mint and chocolate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines nostalgic flavors with an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, the Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe is your perfect match. These bars bring pure joy with every bite and are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking lineup. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to something truly special today!
Print
Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and festive Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars featuring a buttery cookie base studded with semisweet and mint chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a sweet treat with a refreshing hint of peppermint.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined for an even flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important to distribute the rising agent and salt evenly.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make bars tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in both the semisweet chocolate chips and the mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Spread Dough and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the oven for 25–28 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 24 bars, ensuring clean cuts and proper texture.
Notes
- For a more pronounced mint flavor, increase peppermint extract slightly, but be cautious as too much can overpower the bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months; thaw completely before serving.
