Christmas at our house always meant baking. Not just any baking, but a flurry of festive treats that filled the air with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and something wonderfully…minty. These weren’t just desserts; they were edible memories, each bite a reminder of family, laughter, and the magic of the season. I particularly remember the year my younger sister tried to “help” by adding an entire bottle of sprinkles to the batter!
My mom always had a few go-to recipes, and one that stands out are these amazing christmas bars recipe. They were so easy to make, even I could help, and they always disappeared in a flash. The combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint was simply irresistible. The memory of that first bite still brings a smile to my face, and now, I love sharing that same joy with my own family. Just the thought of it makes me want to put on my apron! Speaking of sharing, just the other day I was reminiscing about holiday treats while making some homemade pizza pockets recipe and thought how well these bars would fit into the season.
Why you’ll love this Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bars with Christmas Bars Recipe
- These christmas bars recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers or when you’re short on time during the busy holiday season.
- The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a delightful flavor profile that’s perfect for Christmas.
- They are easily customizable! Add more peppermint candies, use different chocolate chips, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra flair.
- These bars are perfect for gifting. Wrap them in cellophane bags with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.
- They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves the classic combination of chocolate and peppermint, making these bars a hit at any Christmas gathering.
- This christmas bars recipe makes a large batch, perfect for parties or for enjoying throughout the holiday week.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted for drizzle (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Christmas bars recipe makes every moment feel lush. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the bars from sticking and ensure easy removal.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and peppermint extract. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
Step 3
Stir in the crushed peppermint candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure the candies are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. This will ensure that the bars bake uniformly.
Step 5
Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this will dry out the bars.
Step 6
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is crucial for clean cuts and to prevent the bars from crumbling. Drizzle with melted white chocolate, if desired, for a festive touch.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Consider using a different type of cake mix, such as red velvet, for a festive twist. You could also add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. Another delicious variation is to incorporate a layer of cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
For a more intense peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the batter. Be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering. You could also use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preference.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a swirl of melted peanut butter to the batter before baking. This adds a salty-sweet element that complements the chocolate and peppermint perfectly. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
Pairings
These christmas bars pair perfectly with a warm glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. The richness of the chocolate and the coolness of the peppermint create a comforting combination. For a more sophisticated pairing, try serving them with a glass of coffee liqueur or a chilled glass of dessert grape juice.
If you’re serving these bars at a Christmas party, consider pairing them with other festive desserts, such as sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or a rich butterscotch pie recipe. The variety of flavors and textures will create a delightful dessert spread that everyone will enjoy.
For a lighter pairing, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool, creamy texture will complement the chewy bars perfectly. You could also add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top for an extra festive touch.
Serving ideas
For a simple yet elegant presentation, cut the bars into neat squares and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.
If you’re giving these bars as a gift, wrap them in cellophane bags with a festive ribbon. You can also include a handwritten card with a personal message. For a more elaborate presentation, arrange the bars in a decorative tin or box.
Another fun serving idea is to crumble the bars and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. The crunchy texture and the delicious flavor will add a special touch to your favorite desserts. You could also use them as a base for a Christmas-themed trifle or parfait.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
To store leftover christmas bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
When you’re ready to eat the frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry and crumbly.
If you notice that the bars are starting to dry out, you can add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture. You can also sprinkle them with a little bit of water before storing them.
Make-ahead
These christmas bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This is a great option if you’re short on time during the busy holiday season. Simply bake the bars according to the recipe instructions, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can also prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the bars, simply pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake according to the recipe instructions. This is a great option if you want to break up the baking process into smaller steps.
For a quick and easy dessert, you can also bake the bars and then freeze them for later. Simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This is a great option if you want to have a dessert on hand for unexpected guests or holiday gatherings.
Common mistakes when making Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bars
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough bars. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Overbaking the bars: This can dry them out. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Not letting the bars cool completely before cutting: This can cause them to crumble. Let them cool in the pan for at least an hour before cutting.
- Adding too much peppermint extract or oil: This can make the bars taste medicinal. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Not greasing and flouring the baking pan: This can cause the bars to stick. Make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly before adding the batter.
Final notes
These Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of the holidays. I encourage you to try this christmas bars recipe and create your own memories.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and add your own personal touch. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.
I hope these bars bring as much joy to your family as they have to mine. Happy baking!
Loved this Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bars? Try these next
- Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Butterscotch Pie Recipe
- Christmas Elf Hot Chocolate
- Houstons Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Orange Juice Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bars
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful chocolate peppermint Christmas bars! Layers of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint create a perfect holiday treat that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. These bars are a delicious addition to any Christmas dessert table or a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted for drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and peppermint extract. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Drizzle with melted white chocolate, if desired.
Notes
For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the batter. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These bars can also be frozen for longer storage. For a festive look, sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies on top before baking. You could also substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg