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Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Festive Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars for Holiday Cheer

Delight in these Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars, a perfect holiday treat for gatherings that brings joy and festivity.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Bars
  • 2 sticks salted butter, at room temperature Use unsalted if desired but adjust salt.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt Can replace with table salt at a slightly lower amount.
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Brown sugar can be used for a more caramel-like flavor.
  • 1 large egg Egg substitute: 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Can replace with almond extract for a different twist.
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract Adjust quantity to taste.
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped red and white peppermint candies Can substitute with chocolate chips for a non-peppermint version.
For the Frosting
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt.
  • 6 Tbsp salted butter, at room temperature Use unsalted butter for a less salty frost.
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar Can use sugar alternatives for fewer calories.
  • 3 Tbsp milk Non-dairy milk can be substituted.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • spatula
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by buttering the bottom and sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and blend on low speed until well combined.
  4. Gradually add in the flour and kosher salt, stirring until the dough comes together.
  5. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  6. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, checking that the edges become golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a cooling rack, about 30-45 minutes.
  8. Prepare the frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
  9. Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the cookie bars.
  10. Sprinkle chopped peppermint candies over the frosted bars and let set for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares.
  11. Slice into squares and serve!

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

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