Description
These Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars feature a soft, chewy cookie base infused with a hint of peppermint, topped with a creamy mint filling and finished with a rich layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate. Perfectly balanced with a refreshing mint flavor and indulgent chocolate, these bars make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract (optional, for extra mint flavor)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate chunks in the base)
Mint Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for a fun mint color)
Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract (if using) until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie tender. If desired, fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
- Form the Cookie Base: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press it down gently with your spatula or fingers to form a smooth, even layer.
- Bake the Cookie Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan before proceeding to the next step.
- Prepare Mint Filling: While the cookie base cools, make the mint filling by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Mix in the peppermint extract and milk or heavy cream, adjusting the amount to reach a spreadable consistency. Add green food coloring if desired and beat until well combined.
- Apply Mint Filling: Once the cookie base is fully cooled, spread the mint filling evenly over the surface of the cookie layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth and glossy. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Top with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the mint filling layer and spread it evenly with a spatula, covering the entire surface.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate topping is fully set and firm.
- Cut into Bars: Remove from the refrigerator and lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 16 to 20 bars, depending on desired size.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious mint chocolate cookie bars as a delightful, minty, chocolatey treat perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime.
Notes
- For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly but use it sparingly as it can be overpowering.
- Mini chocolate chips in the cookie base are optional but add delightful bursts of chocolate throughout.
- Make sure the cookie base is completely cooled before spreading the mint filling to prevent melting or mixing.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Allow the bars to come to room temperature briefly before eating for the best texture and flavor.
