Peppermint White Chocolate Bars

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A holiday classic, this peppermint white chocolate bar recipe is a must-try. Your whole family will love the chewy dessert bar and fluffy peppermint frosting! 

The combination of chocolate and peppermint is everywhere during the holiday season and I am not complaining one bit! I love these bars because they call for both white chocolate and milk chocolate chips. The combo isn’t overly sweet, which makes for a great bite alongside each bite of peppermint frosting. 

What is a peppermint white chocolate bar?

Dessert bars are neither a brownie or a cookie – but they are all delicious! I love a bar, and I have plenty of favorites here (check the end of this post for a few I want to share). These are found all over the world, with thousands of variations, but the idea is thought to have come out of the U.S. and gained popularity through Betty Crocker’s dessert bar mixes. 

I always prefer home made and this peppermint white chocolate bar is great for everything from holiday parties to on-the-go snacking since they are hand-held and won’t fall apart! This version is great for gifting and can be stored in the freezer for many months. 

Ingredients //

We have ingredients for both the bar and the frosting, and I have separated them that way 

For the bar (photo on the left) you will need basics like eggs, flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.

You will also need chopped white chocolate; I recommend finding a brand that does not use palm oil, as it can create a greasy texture. Finally, mini chocolate chips and peppermint extract  round out this portion. 

The peppermint frosting (photo on the right) is made with more white chocolate as well as vanilla and peppermint extract. It also calls for butter, powdered sugar, sour cream, salt, and some peppermint candies we will crush. 

How to // The Steps 

• Begin by melting the white chocolate and butter over a double boiler.
• Once melted, take off the heat and whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract until smooth.
• Add the flour and mix completely.

• Prep a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick spray or butter. 
• Pour batter into your pan and bake for 28 to 30 minutes.
• Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle on chocolate chips and let them cool. 

• While those cool, melt the next portion of white chocolate for your frosting. Set it aside. 
• Next, cream together butter powdered sugar. 
• Beat in sour cream, vanilla, peppermint extract and salt on low until combined. After that, pour in the white chocolate and beat until smooth. 
• Then, add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until combined.

• Spread the white chocolate peppermint frosting over the bars, and sprinkle on your crushed peppermints. 

What makes this peppermint white chocolate bar so good? // 

I love these because of their flavor combo, and the incredible smell they make in the oven – but also: 

• These freeze really well, making them great to make ahead 
• The peppermint flavor can be toned down easily to adjust for taste buds! 
• You don’t have to choose between a cookie or a brownie! With this bar, you can have both! 

Serving Suggestions // 

I like to slice these small to start, since they are so rich! Of course a glass of milk or a cup of coffee goes really well with these. 

Storing and Gifting your Peppermint White Chocolate Bars // 

The peppermint flavor is usually associated with the holidays, but these are great year-round and they’re easy to pull from the fridge when you get a hankering in March! 

To eat within the week: Cut the pan into squares. Line the base of an air-tight container with parchment paper and start adding the bars. You will want to keep parchment between each layer; they will hold up in the fridge for about five days before starting to dry. 

To enjoy these later, start out by putting the sliced peppermint white chocolate bars on a cookie sheet. Line them with 1-2 inches between each piece and freeze for an hour. After that, line an air-tight container with parchment paper and stack the bars with more parchment between each. 

If gifting these, it’s important to note that the frosting is best when it has been chilled. Wrapping them in parchment paper and then plastic wrap, will keep them cooler and fresher for longer! Throw a little bow on, and these are a hit! 

More dessert bar recipes //

• Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 
• Reese’s Cheesecake Bars 
• Pumpkin Butter Bars 
• Marshmallow Pretzel Bars 
• Caramel Commotion Bars 

Originally published in November 2012, updated December 2020 with updated images and updated recipe card.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know how it goes! Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, too!