If you are craving a treat that perfectly combines the refreshing zing of mint with the rich decadence of chocolate, this Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, buttery cookie bars with a luscious mint filling and a glossy chocolate topping that just melts in your mouth — every bite feels like a little slice of heaven. It’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s guaranteed to become a crowd favorite the moment you share it with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the flour and baking soda create the perfect cookie texture, while the peppermint extract brings that signature fresh flavor. The chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness and richness, and the mint filling ties it all together with creamy smoothness.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure and tenderness to the cookie base.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookie bars rise just enough for a soft texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture for the cookie and the mint filling.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps with the cookie’s light texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm depth of flavor to the cookie base.
- Peppermint extract (1/4 tsp + 1 1/2 tsp): Infuses the layers with the refreshing minty taste that defines this recipe.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Adds delightful pockets of melty chocolate inside the cookie base.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Creates a smooth, creamy texture for the mint filling.
- Milk or heavy cream (2 tbsp): Adjusts the mint filling’s consistency for easy spreading.
- Green food coloring (a few drops, optional): Gives a fun, vibrant mint color to your filling, perfect for visual appeal.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For making that silky chocolate topping.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Melted with chocolate to create a glossy finish on the top layer.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking pan ahead of time by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a good grease ensures your cookie bars won’t stick and come out in perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Create the Cookie Base
Begin by creaming together 1/2 cup softened butter and the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, beat in the egg along with vanilla extract and the optional peppermint extract for that extra mint kick. Slowly fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, ensuring you don’t overmix and toughen the dough. If you’re adding mini chocolate chips, gently fold them in now for delightful chocolate bursts.
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let this base cool completely—it sets the foundation for the layers to come.
Step 3: Prepare the Mint Filling
Once your cookie base has cooled, it’s time to whip up the luscious mint filling. Mix the softened 1/2 cup butter with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in peppermint extract and a splash of milk or cream until the filling reaches a spreadable consistency. If you want, add a few drops of green food coloring—it’s a simple way to make your bars look as fresh as they taste. Spread this minty mixture evenly over the cooled cookie base, setting the stage for the final chocolate layer.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping
For the finishing touch, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until silky and smooth. Pour over the mint filling and use a spatula to gently spread it into an even, glossy layer. This chocolate coating seals in all the flavors and adds that irresistible sheen that makes these bars look professionally made.
Step 5: Chill, Cut, and Enjoy
Pop the entire pan into the fridge to chill until the chocolate hardens and the bars are firm, usually about an hour. Then slice into 16 squares and get ready to enjoy these perfectly minty, irresistibly chocolatey cookie bars that are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are spectacular on their own, but if you want to add a little flair, try sprinkling crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings on top before the chocolate sets. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch and hint at the sweetness inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bars with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The cold milk balances the richness and enhances the refreshing mint flavor, creating a delightful, well-rounded treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these bars on a festive platter surrounded by fresh mint leaves or alongside small bowls of fresh berries for a pop of color. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for parties or stack them with parchment paper between layers for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated if you prefer a chilled treat. Proper storage keeps the bars moist and maintains the balance of mint and chocolate flavors.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw the bars at room temperature or in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again without any loss in flavor or texture.
Reheating
If you like your mint chocolate bars a little softer or crave that just-baked warmth, gently warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds per serving. This brings out the chocolate’s melty goodness while keeping the mint filling cool and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mint instead of peppermint extract?
While fresh mint adds a lovely aroma, peppermint extract delivers a stronger, more concentrated mint flavor that works best in this recipe. If you want to use fresh mint, you could infuse the butter or cream first, but expect a milder result.
Are mini chocolate chips necessary in the cookie base?
They are optional but highly recommended! Adding mini chocolate chips gives you delightful pockets of melty chocolate in the cookie base, enhancing the overall texture and chocolate intensity.
What type of chocolate works best for the topping?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide just the right balance of sweetness and bitterness. You can also use dark or milk chocolate if you prefer, but semi-sweet is ideal for complementing the mint flavor without being overpowering.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but delicious nonetheless.
Why is chilling important before cutting the bars?
Chilling solidifies the chocolate topping and mint filling, allowing clean cutting without smudging or crumbling. It also helps the layers set for perfect texture in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe is one of those truly special desserts that shines with every layer of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these bars deliver comfort, freshness, and indulgence all at once. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it a treasured favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars combine a soft cookie base with a creamy mint filling and a rich chocolate topping, creating a refreshing and indulgent dessert perfect for mint and chocolate lovers. With a hint of peppermint and the perfect balance of sweetness, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Make the Cookie Base: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract if using. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips if desired. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and press down gently to form an even layer.
- Bake the Cookie Base: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
- Make the Mint Filling: Once the base is cool, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add peppermint extract and mix well. Stir in milk or heavy cream a little at a time until the filling reaches a spreadable consistency. Add green food coloring if desired. Spread this mint filling evenly over the cooled cookie base.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the unsalted butter either using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the mint filling and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill the Bars: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate topping to set properly.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges if used. Cut into 16 bars and serve. Enjoy these minty, chocolatey, chewy treats!
Notes
- For stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly but be cautious as it can be potent.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan alternatives and use plant-based milk.
- To ensure clean cuts, warm the knife slightly before slicing the bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can add crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate layer before chilling for extra crunch and peppermint flavor.
