Cool Mint Chocolate Bars

Indulge in the magic of the holidays with these Peppermint Patty Bars – a symphony of rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and a crunchy cookie crust. These decadent layers of cookies, creamy peppermint filling, and smooth semi-sweet chocolate truly make this a mint lover’s ultimate dream dessert! Perfectly festive and incredibly satisfying, these bars are poised to become your new favorite holiday treat.

If you adore the refreshing taste of peppermint, you’re in for an absolute treat. While you’re here, be sure to also try our delightful Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Cookie Cups for another minty masterpiece!

The Irresistible Allure of Peppermint and Chocolate

For as long as I can remember, York Peppermint Patties have held a special place in my heart as my absolute favorite candy. There’s something undeniably captivating about the cool, crisp sensation of peppermint paired with the luxurious richness of dark chocolate. It’s a classic combination that evokes a sense of nostalgia and pure indulgence.

My love for peppermint intensifies exponentially as the holiday season approaches. From the comforting aromas of peppermint-scented candles filling my home to the invigorating splash of peppermint in my morning coffee, everything about December resonates with this delightful flavor. It’s a taste that truly encapsulates the spirit and joy of the festive season.

So, when the exciting opportunity arose to create new recipes for #ChristmasCookieWeek, my decision was instantaneous. Crafting these Peppermint Patty Bars felt like a natural and incredibly exciting choice. I knew I had to translate my deep affection for peppermint into a dessert that was not only delicious but also celebrated the magic of this time of year.

Why These Peppermint Patty Bars Are Truly Special

I may be a little biased due to my unwavering devotion to peppermint, but I genuinely believe these Peppermint Patty Bars are an extraordinary creation. They stand out as one of my all-time favorite desserts on the blog, offering an experience that goes beyond a simple sweet treat.

The Foundation: A Crumbly Oreo Cookie Crust

At the heart of these incredible bars lies an irresistible Oreo cookie crust. You already know it’s going to be fantastic! The deep chocolate flavor of the Oreos provides the perfect contrast to the vibrant peppermint, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. It’s a crunchy base that perfectly complements the soft, creamy layers above.

Now, for a little secret tip: have you had the chance to try the seasonal Peppermint Bark OREOs? Oh my goodness, they are pure heaven! When I first made these bars, I couldn’t resist substituting half a package of regular Oreos with these festive peppermint-infused ones. The resulting crust had an extra layer of minty goodness that was simply divine.

However, when writing the recipe, I chose not to specifically mention the Peppermint Bark OREOs. My goal is for this recipe to be a timeless classic you can enjoy year after year, regardless of seasonal product availability. Rest assured, there’s an abundance of peppermint flavor in the decadent white middle layer, making it absolutely unnecessary to use peppermint-flavored Oreos in the crust. But, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to elevate the mint experience, like I often do, then absolutely go for it!

The Star: A Dreamy, Creamy Peppermint Filling

The middle layer is where the true peppermint magic happens. This smooth, creamy filling is bursting with that signature cool, refreshing mint flavor that we all adore. It’s light yet rich, striking the perfect balance against the robust chocolate elements. Made with powdered sugar, butter, milk, and a generous splash of peppermint extract, this filling comes together effortlessly in a stand mixer, creating a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. It’s the core component that truly defines these Peppermint Patty Bars, delivering that classic minty punch that mint lovers crave.

The Grand Finale: A Decadent Semi-Sweet Chocolate Topping

Crowning these delightful layers is a smooth, glossy topping of semi-sweet chocolate. This chocolate layer not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also provides the perfect depth of flavor, mimicking the classic Peppermint Patty candy. The semi-sweet chocolate perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling, ensuring each bite is a symphony of flavors. A touch of coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it that professional, shiny finish, making these bars look as incredible as they taste.

These Peppermint Patty Bars are rich, decadent and a Peppermint Lovers Dream.

Print Recipe

Peppermint Patty Bars

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 12 mins

Inactive Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 17 mins

Author: Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield: 24 servings

Rich and decadent layers of cookies, creamy peppermint filling, and semi-sweet chocolate make these Peppermint Patty Bars a mint lover’s dream!

Ingredients

• 1 (14.3oz package) Oreo Cookies
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a 13 x 9-inch pan with aluminum foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan for easy lifting.
2. In a food processor, process Oreo cookies until very fine crumbs are formed. Slowly stream in the melted butter while the processor is running until the mixture is well combined. Press this cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 12 minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.
3. For the peppermint filling: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until combined. Add another cup of powdered sugar, followed by the milk. Mix until smooth. Incorporate 1 more cup of powdered sugar along with the peppermint extract and mix well. Finally, add the remaining powdered sugar and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth.
4. Evenly spread the peppermint filling over the cooled cookie crust. Place the pan into the freezer for 45 minutes to allow the filling to firm up.
5. For the chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
6. Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the chilled peppermint layer. Gently spread with an offset spatula to create a smooth, consistent topping.
7. Cover the pan and place it back into the freezer until the chocolate layer is completely set, typically about 30-45 minutes. Once firm, use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Cut into 24 bars using a sharp knife (wiping the knife clean between cuts for neater slices). Serve chilled.

Notes

Adapted from Peppermint Cream Bars

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some crushed candy canes or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the chocolate layer before it fully sets.

Store leftover Peppermint Patty Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Courses: Dessert, Christmas Treats, Holiday Baking

Cuisine: American

Essential Ingredients for Peppermint Patty Bar Perfection

The success of these Peppermint Patty Bars hinges on a few key ingredients, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference in achieving that irresistible flavor and texture.

The Secret to a Vibrant Peppermint Flavor

For these Peppermint Patty Bars, I highly recommend using a high-quality peppermint extract. I personally used Adams Peppermint Extract, and it delivered every bit of wonderful flavor I anticipated. Their extracts are consistently delicious and I wholeheartedly recommend them for all your baking adventures, especially when making these Peppermint Patty Bars!

It’s important to note the difference between peppermint extract and mint extract. Peppermint extract provides that distinct, cool, and strong flavor we associate with candy canes and classic mints. Mint extract, on the other hand, can be a blend of different mint varieties, sometimes leaning more towards spearmint, which might give a slightly different profile than what we’re aiming for here.

Achieving the Perfect Chocolate Glaze

The choice of chocolate chips is crucial for the top layer. Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness that prevents the bars from being overly cloying, perfectly complementing the rich peppermint filling. The addition of coconut oil to the melting chocolate isn’t just for ease of melting; it also helps create a smoother, shinier, and more pliable chocolate layer that is less prone to cracking when cut. This small detail ensures a beautiful presentation and a delightful bite every time.

Tips and Tricks for Peppermint Patty Bar Perfection

Making these Peppermint Patty Bars is straightforward, but a few simple tips will ensure your success and help you achieve perfectly decadent results every time:

• Don’t Overbake the Crust: The Oreo crust only needs a short bake time (12 minutes) to set. Overbaking can make it too hard. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
• Process Oreos Finely: For the best crust texture, ensure your Oreo crumbs are very fine. This helps them bind together beautifully with the melted butter.
• Cream the Filling Well: When making the peppermint filling, take your time to beat the butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This creates that desirable smooth, creamy texture.
• Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key! Make sure each layer is adequately chilled and set before adding the next. This prevents the layers from mixing and ensures clean, distinct lines in your finished bars. The freezer is your friend here.
• Even Chocolate Layer: When pouring the melted chocolate, work quickly and spread it evenly over the chilled peppermint layer. An offset spatula works wonderfully for this.
• Clean Cuts: For neat slices, use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife with a hot, damp cloth between each cut can prevent the chocolate from cracking and dragging, leaving you with beautifully defined bars.
• Storage: Store your Peppermint Patty Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They taste wonderful chilled and will last for up to a week, though they rarely last that long!

These tips will help you create a batch of Peppermint Patty Bars that are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging your own peppermint cravings.

#ChristmasCookiesWeek Thursday Recipes: Discover More Holiday Delights!

The holiday season is a fantastic time for baking, and if you’re looking for even more inspiration beyond these amazing Peppermint Patty Bars, check out these other fantastic recipes shared during #ChristmasCookiesWeek. There’s a festive treat for everyone!

• Celebrating Sinterklaas with Speculaas by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Chocolate Mint Thumbprints by Family Around The Table
• Chocolate Shortbread by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Cinnamon Spice Sugar Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Cream Cheese Buttons with a Dark Chocolate Drizzle by Kate’s Recipe Box
• Cut Out Sugar Cookies by The Freshman Cook
• Empire Cookies by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Iced Peppermint Cookies by Jonesin’ For Taste
• Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies by Palatable Pastime
• Mexican Wedding Cookies by House of Nash Eats
• Mint Chocolate Thumbprints by Family Around the Table
• No Bake Bourbon Balls by Girl Abroad
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cereal Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Peppermint Brownie Bites by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Peppermint Patty Bars by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
• Red and White Pinwheel Cookies by Hardly A Goddess
• Truffle Filled Cookie Tarts by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies by The Saucy Fig