Peppermint Bark Cookies with Cake Mix

Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday cookies that combine the rich flavors of chocolate and refreshing peppermint. These cookies are not only easy to whip up but also infuse a sense of nostalgia and warmth into your home as they bake. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or even as a thoughtful gift, this recipe is a step-by-step guide to creating scrumptious treats that everyone will adore.

Ingredients

To craft these delicious Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients, each bringing its unique flavor and texture to the cookies:

• 1 box (15.25-oz.) devil’s food cake mix: This provides a rich, chocolatey base that is both moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together, giving the cookies their perfect structure.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This adds a creamy richness, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted: A touch of coconut oil ensures a tender texture and a delightful hint of tropical flavor.
• 2/3 cup (75 g) finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate peppermint bark: Using white chocolate gives a sweet contrast to the dark cocoa, while peppermint bark adds a festive crunch.
• Cooking spray: Necessary for greasing your baking sheets, ensuring easy removal of the cookies.
• 1 (8-oz.) bag crushed peppermints: These add a burst of refreshing mint flavor and a delightful crunch, making each bite a holiday cheer.

Cooking Time & Tips for Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies

When it comes to making Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies, you have the option of quick preparation or a more leisurely approach. Quick preparation involves gathering all your ingredients and making the dough in under 30 minutes, while a slower pace might include extra chilling time for the dough to firm up even more.

For best results, here are some practical tips:

1. Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature to create a smooth, uniform dough.
2. Use a timer to avoid overbaking the cookies. Trust your senses; the aroma is a good indicator of doneness.
3. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it a bit longer before rolling into balls.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and coconut oil until just combined. The mixture will be thick and rich, almost like brownie batter.
2. Use a spatula to mix until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want a cohesive dough.
3. Fold in the finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate peppermint bark until evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating pockets of sweetness with every bite.
4. Refrigerate the dough for 5 to 10 minutes. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to shape into balls.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, greasing them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. Scoop the dough into golf ball-sized portions and roll each in crushed peppermint candies. This adds an enticing peppermint flavor and a festive look.
7. Bake for about 6 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake; they should look soft in the center as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
8. Let cool on the sheets for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows them to set perfectly without falling apart.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

These Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies are versatile and can be served on a variety of occasions. Consider presenting them at:

• Holiday parties as a cheerful treat.
• Family movie nights for a sweet snack during your favorite films.
• Cookie exchanges, where their festive appearance will surely impress.
• As a homemade gift, beautifully packaged, they are sure to bring joy to friends and family.

Common Mistakes for Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies

While the recipe is straightforward, some common mistakes can detract from your baking experience:

1. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; always mix until ingredients just come together.
2. Forgetting to chill the dough can result in cookies that spread too much, so don’t skip this crucial step.
3. Not keeping an eye on the baking time can lead to hard, overbaked cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

For those seeking a healthier twist, consider these alternatives:

• Choose a sugar-free cake mix to reduce sweetness and calories.
• Use coconut sugar in place of regular sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
• Substitute the white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor and added antioxidants.
• Incorporate whole wheat flour for added fiber, replacing some of the cake mix.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
   Yes, any cake mix flavor can work, but chocolate complements the peppermint best.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cake mix to make them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

3. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

4. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes! Freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

5. What can I use instead of white chocolate?
   You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or leave it out entirely if preferred.

6. Can I add nuts or fruit to the dough?
   Walnuts or dried cranberries can add a delightful texture and flavor variation.

Conclusion

Don’t wait any longer to dive into the delicious world of Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies! With their festive flavors and easy preparation, these cookies are sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday traditions. Bake a batch today and enjoy the cozy sensations that come from the combination of chocolate and peppermint—perfect for sharing or indulging all on your own!

Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies

A delightful twist on traditional holiday cookies combining chocolate and refreshing peppermint, perfect for gatherings or as gifts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 36 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cookie Base

• 1 box (15.25-oz.) devil's food cake mix Provides a rich, chocolatey base that is both moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs Essential for binding the ingredients together.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Adds a creamy richness.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted Ensures a tender texture with a hint of tropical flavor.
• 2/3 cup finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate peppermint bark Gives a sweet contrast and a festive crunch.

Finishing Touches

• 1 bag (8-oz.) crushed peppermints Adds a refreshing mint flavor and a delightful crunch.
• as needed spray cooking spray For greasing baking sheets.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and coconut oil until just combined.
• Use a spatula to mix until a smooth dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
• Fold in the finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate peppermint bark until evenly distributed.
• Refrigerate the dough for 5 to 10 minutes to firm it up.

Baking

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, greasing them with cooking spray.
• Scoop the dough into golf ball-sized portions and roll each in crushed peppermint candies.
• Bake for about 6 minutes, ensuring they remain soft in the center.
• Let cool on the sheets for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth dough. Use a timer to avoid overbaking and refrigerate if dough is too sticky.

Keyword Cake Mix Cookies, Easy Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Peppermint Bark Cookies