Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies
When the holidays come around, nothing is more heartwarming than the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies are an easy, delightful treat that will instantly transport you to cozy family gatherings and joyful memories of holiday cheer. Combining the rich flavors of chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint, these cookies offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing.
With their fast assembly, kid-friendly approach, and crave-worthy taste, these cookies are worth making anytime you want a sweet indulgence. The best part? They require minimal effort while delivering maximum satisfaction.
Are you ready to indulge your sweet tooth with a holiday classic?
Does the thought of biting into a warm, chewy cookie topped with festive peppermint shavings make your mouth water? Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft chocolate cookie, each bite bursting with white chocolate and peppermint flavor; it’s pure nostalgia wrapped in a gooey, delicious treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply treating yourself, these cookies are the perfect solution for satisfying your sugar cravings while evoking fond memories of childhood.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy Prep: Who doesn’t love a dessert that comes together in no time? This recipe allows you to mix up batter and get cookies in the oven in about 30 minutes.
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Kid-Friendly: With simple ingredients that kids can help with, these cookies are perfect for baking with little ones—turning your kitchen into a winter wonderland of fun.
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Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of chocolate and peppermint is universally adored. These cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
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Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of ingredients needed, these cookies are a no-brainer when it comes to whipping up something delicious without fuss.
Ingredients
To create these scrumptious Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 box (15.25-oz.) devil’s food cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- 2/3 cup (75 g.) finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate peppermint bark
- Cooking spray
- 1 (8-oz.) bag crushed peppermints
Each ingredient plays a vital role in this recipe, but together, they form a moist, rich, and utterly delightful cookie that’s perfect for celebrating the season. The devil’s food cake mix lends a deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the crunch of the peppermint, while the white chocolate adds a luscious creaminess that balances it all perfectly.
Timing
This cookie recipe is all about speed and satisfaction. You can have these drool-worthy cookies ready in under 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option for those last-minute cravings or impromptu gatherings. With just a little bit of chilling and baking time, you can indulge in warm cookies that are both fast and extraordinary!
Step-by-Step
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Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisk together the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and coconut oil until it’s just combined—the battle of mixing is where the magic begins! Your dough will be thick and inviting.
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Now switch to a spatula to mix vigorously until a smooth, velvety dough forms. This is where anticipation builds; get ready for cookie bliss!
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Gently fold in the finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate peppermint bark, ensuring every morsel is evenly distributed.
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Refrigerate the dough for 5 to 10 minutes—it’s like a little resting phase that makes it easier to scoop out later.
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Don’t forget to grease them with cooking spray for added stick-free perfection!
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Scoop the dough into golf ball-sized portions, then roll each one in the crushed peppermint candies, creating a festive sparkly coat.
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Bake these cuties for about 6 minutes, but keep an eye on them! Around the halfway point, give the pans a lively bang to help the cookies spread.
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Once baked, let them cool on the sheets for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Each cookie emerges with crispy edges and a chewy center, just waiting to be devoured.
Nutritional Information
Indulging in these delicious Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies can set you back roughly 150 calories per cookie. While a little indulgence here and there is perfectly acceptable, it’s wise to enjoy these cookies in moderation—after all, they’re meant to be a delightful treat, not an everyday snack!
Healthier Alternatives
If you want to lighten things up while still enjoying these delectable delights, consider these healthier swaps:
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Low-Sugar Option: You can replace the devil’s food cake mix with a low-sugar or sugar-free variant. Just make sure to adjust the moisture levels accordingly by adding a little extra coconut oil or egg.
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Dairy-Free Substitutes: Swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative and the white chocolate for dairy-free chocolate chips to create a gluten-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for various occasions. Want to elevate your dessert experience? Serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that screams holiday cheer. They also make excellent gifts when packaged festively with a lovely note. Serve them at holiday parties, as office treats, or simple family gatherings. The possibilities are endless!
Common Mistakes
To ensure your Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies turn out perfect, avoid these common pitfalls:
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Overbaking: The key to chewy cookies is not to leave them in the oven too long. Keep an eye on them during their last moments for optimal texture!
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Texture Issues: If your dough seems too dry, consider adding a bit more melted butter or coconut oil. Remember that every mix may behave slightly differently.
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Messes: The crushed peppermints may tend to scatter, so consider covering your work area while mixing. This way, your kitchen stays festive and clean.
Storing Tips
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to one week. Craving a cookie later on? You can also freeze cookie dough balls ahead of time; just scoop, roll, and freeze them. When you’re ready for a treat, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to your bake time to achieve cookies that are just as fresh as the day you made them.
Tempt them to bake ASAP
These Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they are a celebration of flavors and a nod to simpler times. Their gooey, chocolatey goodness paired with a fresh peppermint crunch makes for an irresistible dessert that shouldn’t be missed. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a batch (or two!) of these dreamy cookies!
FAQs
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Can I make these cookies in advance?
- Yes, you can prep the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
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What if I don’t have crushed peppermints?
- You can substitute crushed candy canes or even mini chocolate chips if desired.
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Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
- Absolutely! While the chocolate flavor is traditional, vanilla or red velvet can provide a delightful twist too.
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Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
- Yes, just find a gluten-free cake mix, and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
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How do I store leftover cookies?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Indulging in the heavenly flavors of these Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies is just a few simple steps away—get baking today!