Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark: An Incredible 10-Step Recipe

Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark are a delightful holiday treat that captures the essence of the season. These cookies offer a perfect blend of warm spices and sweet peppermint, making them an irresistible addition to your festive celebrations. Each bite reveals a world of flavors that transports you to a winter wonderland, filled with the aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they also make for wonderful gifts and decorations during the holiday season.
If you’re searching for a way to spread joy and warmth during the holidays, look no further than Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark. The combination of soft, spiced gingerbread with a crunchy peppermint topping creates a unique flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or gifted to friends and family, these cookies embody the spirit of giving and sharing.
In this guide, you will learn why this recipe is so special, how to prepare it, and tips for serving it perfectly. The fun and festive nature of these cookies makes them an excellent choice for holiday baking, and you will find that even novice bakers can create this delightful treat. Let’s dive into the amazing world of Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark and discover what makes them a must-try recipe for the holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark are cherished for many reasons. Here are just a few reasons why you will fall in love with this recipe:
1. Festive Flavor: The warm spices combined with the coolness of peppermint create a flavor experience that is truly unique.

2. Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
3. Great for Decorating: These cookies are perfect for decorating with icing, making them a fun activity for families.
4. Versatile: You can customize the spices and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
5. Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in festive boxes, they make delightful gifts for friends and family.
6. Holiday Tradition: Baking gingerbread cookies can become a cherished family tradition that brings everyone together.
With these enticing attributes, you can see why Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark are a holiday favorite. They not only taste wonderful but also create lasting memories during the festive season.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark takes a bit of time, but the process is well worth it. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Chill Time: 1 hour (for dough)
– Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
– Cooling Time: 15 minutes
In total, you should expect to spend about 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish, including chilling and cooling the cookies. This time may vary slightly based on your kitchen setup and experience level, but it provides a solid estimate for planning your baking session.

Ingredients

– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or peppermint bark for topping
– Optional: royal icing for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Molasses and Egg: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Add Peppermint Bark: Once cooled, melt the peppermint bark and drizzle it over the cookies or dip the tops into the melted bark. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies while the bark is still warm.

How to Serve

Serving Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark can elevate the whole experience. Here are some ideas to make your presentation extra special:
1. Display on a Festive Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter to showcase their beautiful designs and colors.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with a side of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
3. Gift Packaging: Package cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a delightful gift option.
4. Decorative Touches: Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
5. Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a decorating station with various toppings and icing for a fun activity with family and friends.
By putting thought into how you serve your Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark, you will create a memorable experience for everyone enjoying this wonderful holiday treat.

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, ensure your spices are fresh. Ground spices lose potency over time.
– Experiment with Icing: Try different royal icing colors to match your holiday decor or theme.
– Add Citrus Zest: A touch of orange or lemon zest can elevate the flavor profile, adding a refreshing twist.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations to try:
1. Chocolate Gingerbread: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey version.
2. Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
3. Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
– Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Special Equipment

To create these gingerbread cookies successfully, you will need:
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or hand whisk
– Rolling pin
– Cookie cutters in festive shapes
– Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
– Wire racks for cooling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought peppermint bark?
Yes, store-bought peppermint bark is a great option if you’re short on time.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be firm, and the centers will look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I decorate the cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and decorate the cookies a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of molasses?
You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will differ slightly.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Aim for about ¼-inch thickness for the best results.

Conclusion

Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark are a delightful and festive treat that will surely become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. With their warm spices and charming peppermint topping, these cookies not only taste delicious but also bring joy to your celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them yourself, they embody the spirit of the season. Happy baking!

Print