Wow. These Peppermint Joy Bars stopped me in my tracks. The smell hit first. And, oh boy, I had to share.

They are cool. They are minty. They melt just right in my mouth. I made them once, then again, because they felt that good.

Each bite feels happy and fresh. The chocolate hugs the peppermint so well. It feels like a little winter treat.

So, yeah, let’s make these together. I’ll show you how I do it at home. Grab a bowl, and let’s start.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: The peppermint flavor is beautifully balanced with buttery goodness, creating a treat everyone will love.
Simple to Make: Straightforward steps with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these bars in advance for stress-free holiday entertaining.
Customizable: Add your own twists like crushed candy canes or chocolate drizzle.
Perfect for Gifting: These bars are as gorgeous as they are delicious, making them a thoughtful homemade gift.

Required Kitchen Tools

9×13-inch Baking Pan: Ensures even baking and the perfect thickness for the bars.
Parchment Paper: Makes removing the bars from the pan a breeze.
Medium Mixing Bowl: For dry ingredients.
Large Mixing Bowl: For wet ingredients.
Whisk: To combine dry ingredients smoothly.
Spatula: For folding and spreading batter.
Wire Rack: To cool the bars evenly.
Sharp Knife: For clean, precise slicing.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract

Mix-Ins and Toppings:

½ cup red and green sprinkles (for a festive touch)
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)

Variations for Peppermint Joy Bars

Add a Chocolate Layer: Melt semisweet or dark chocolate and spread it over the cooled bars for extra richness.
Use Candy Cane Pieces: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for added crunch and a beautiful holiday finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Extra Peppermint: Double the peppermint extract for a more intense flavor.
Drizzle Fun: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for a decorative and delicious touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until combined.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

5. Fold in Sprinkles and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles and white chocolate chips (if using).
The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to evenly incorporate the mix-ins.

6. Spread and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Decorate

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for decoration.

8. Slice and Serve

Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Peppermint Joy Bars

Holiday Platter: Add to a festive cookie tray with gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and chocolate truffles.
With Coffee or Hot Cocoa: These bars pair beautifully with warm beverages for a cozy treat.
As Gifts: Wrap in clear cellophane bags with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Dessert Buffet: Serve as part of a dessert spread at holiday gatherings.

Storing Peppermint Joy Bars

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Extend their freshness by keeping them in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Freezer: Freeze bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbohydrates	Sugar	Protein
1 Bar	~200	10g	28g	18g	2g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on portion size and specific ingredients used.)

FAQs for Peppermint Joy Bars

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the bars up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two 9×13-inch pans. Perfect for large gatherings!

Can I freeze the dough?

While the dough can be frozen, it’s best to bake the bars first and freeze the finished product for optimal texture.

How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

Make sure not to overbake. Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark and remove from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft.

Can I use other extracts?

Feel free to substitute peppermint extract with almond or orange extract for a unique twist.