these taste like christmas in august

Yum ho ho. That is what you'd say if you bit into one of these Chocopeppermint Bars. :) That's because they pretty much taste like Christmas. I came up with this recipe on my own, altering my all-time-fav chocolate chip cookie recipe...yes, the one from that infamous high school chemistry class. Anyway, to infuse them with the Christmas Spirit, peppermint extract replaces your traditional vanilla, and chopped peppermint candies are sprinkled on top.


But really, who needs the Christmas season in order to enjoy these yummy treats? I mean, holiday cheer is always a plus, but these taste delicious anytime of the year. :)

Anyway, I really love these cookies because you can alter the recipe to make them more cake-like or decadently dense. These bars are the decadently dense version, but feel free to take out a stick of the butter and, voila! Cake-like cookie bars are yours!


Chocopeppermint Bars

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 sticks butter
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. peppermint extract
2 eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peppermint candies, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.

In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In large bowl, beat butter, sugars, and peppermint extract until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips. Spread dough into prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and peppermint candy chunks over dough.

Bake in preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until cookie is golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares, and serve.