Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Peppermint Dream Bars

Teresa Ambra

These Peppermint Dream Bars are awesome. If you’re a peppermint lover you will love these blondie-type bars. The shortbread-type bar has triple peppermint flavor. First, there’s peppermint extract in the dough, then there’s Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips in the dough and on the top of the bar. Finally, there’s peppermint extract in the icing too. The heavenly aroma of peppermint penetrated my house for hours. It was wonderful.

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I was trying to find a way to use up a lot of extra baking ingredients leftover from Christmas baking and that’s when I came up with this delightful recipes. I decided to recycle the Paradise Bakery and Cafe  recipe for sugar cookies with a few additions. I added a bag of Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips, and a luscious peppermint icing on top.

The result was simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! As a result of making this recipe I was able to finish off one of my tins of Crisco, a box of cake flour, and another package of the peppermint baking chips. I have a long way to go to get rid of all my excess baking ingredients, though, so I will be making lots of cookies over the next few months trying to use up all my excess stuff. Hopefully, you, my readers, will enjoy each and every one of them!

If you’re looking for a Christmas or Valentine’s Day cookie, or a beautiful one just for special occasions, consider these elegant Peppermint Dream Bars. They’re so pretty and taste divine! They’re also a great goody to take to friends who need a meal–not to mention your co-workers would love to get dibs on some of these  fabulous Peppermint Dream Bars. Go ahead, indulge!

When I initially made these in February 2013, it was before I started using my Canon camera. The pictures were taken with an iPhone so they were not very sharp and the lighting was poor. I recently remade these blondies (December 2016) for our Christmas Cookie Extravaganza this year.

Instead of white icing, I added red food coloring so the icing is pink. Additionally, I spread a lot more icing on the bars than in the original recipe. Either way works fine for this recipe.

Andes Peppermint Baking Chips are not the easiest to locate. I found several bags at Cost Plus World Markets. John actually picked these up in Atlanta while traveling, although they have a Dallas location as well. You can also purchase them on Amazon, but they were only about $2.99 per bag at World Market and about $7.00 per bag on Amazon the last time I checked.

In the past, I’ve always been able to get these baking chips at Wal-Mart during the holidays. Unfortunately, no store in the Dallas Metroplex was carrying these amazing baking chips this year. These cookies are truly a dream if you enjoy a peppermint explosion in every bite. 🙂

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Aren’t Peppermint Dream Bars beautiful? Don’t these cookies just make you drool? These mouthwatering goodies are a delightful treat for Christmas and other special occasions. These bars are so impressive. If you want an over-the-top peppermint treat, consider making these spectacular bars.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

These tasty treats are like a peppermint-flavored sugar cookie–shortbread style–with peppermint baking chips and peppermint icing on top.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

These beautiful bars are a great Valentine’s Day option, too–such beautiful Valentine colors. This dense, decadent dessert bar is full of peppermint flavor. So yummy! If you enjoy peppermint flavor you ought to consider giving these great bars a try.

Here’s what I did.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

I used these ingredients.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Place Crisco shortening in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, powdered sugar, peppermint flavoring, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Mix all the ingredients together with an electric mixer.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Add cake flour and Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Stir with a wooden spoon to combine. Mixing with an electric mixer overmixes the dough and toughens the batter.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert
Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Spray a 10×15″ glass baking dish with cooking spray. Press dough down to fit pan.

Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before adding icing.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

I used these ingredients plus water to make the icing.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

While bars are baking, make icing: Place powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Add peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring. Add water – a tablespoon at a time until you get to spreading consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons and mix with a whisk as well as you can. Then add an additional tablespoon or two. Do NOT add too much water or your icing will be too thin. I used between 2-3 tablespoons of water.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Spoon icing into a plastic bag. Cut off one of the corners and pipe icing in diagonal or swirling patterns on top of the bars. Or drizzle icing over top with a spoon. Allow icing to dry before cutting into bars.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

These exquisite dessert bars are great for office parties, baby showers, brunches, or other special occasions. They’re lovely for holiday baking too.

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

My house was saturated with a delicious peppermint fragrance for quite some time especially after I cut into the bars. Wow! It was marvelous. Peppermint Dream Bars are really not very difficult to make. They’re easier than cookies because you can just press all the dough into a pan instead of having to roll the dough into balls.

Here’s the recipe.

PEPPERMINT DREAM BARS

(Recipe inspired from World Famous Paradise Café Sugar Cookies published in the Arizona Republic, July 31, 2001, via Food.com)

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Peppermint Dream Bars

Teresa Ambra
Peppermint Dream Bars are wonderful shortbread-type cookies. They are doubly delicious Sugar Cookies with Andes Peppermint Baking Chips in the batter and a peppermint powdered sugar glaze. Terrific for holiday baking, Christmas Cookie Exchanges and Valentine's Day.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 48
Calories 196 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 10x15" glass baking dish
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 2 wooden spoons
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 pastry/piping bag or zip lock bag (without the bottom)
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

PEPPERMINT DREAM BARS:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups Crisco shortening no substitutes
  • 1 1/2 tsp. mint and peppermint extract
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 4 1/3 cups cake flour NOT all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 10 oz. pkg. Andes peppermint crunch baking chips

PEPPERMINT ICING:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. mint and peppermint extract
  • 2-3 tbsp. water or more as needed
  • 2-3 drops red food coloring

Instructions
 

PEPPERMINT DREAM BARS:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In large mixing bowl mix sugars, shortening, vanilla, egg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Mix with electric mixer until well mixed.
  • Add cake flour and 10-oz. bag Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips.
  • Stir together very well with a wooden spoon until mixture is thoroughly mixed and no longer crumbly.
  • Using an electric mixer at this point toughens cookies.
  • Spread mixture in greased 10x15” glass baking dish.
  • Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes.
  • Remove from oven; cool completely.
  • Add icing.

PEPPERMINT ICING:

  • Whisk sugar, peppermint extract, red food coloring and water to a good spreading consistency.
  • Drizzle over bars or transfer icing mixture to a sandwich bag.
  • Cut off tip and pipe onto bars in whatever design you desire.
  • Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

NOTE: This recipe has a delightful peppermint flavor. But if you want to tone down the mint flavor a little, you can substitute vanilla for peppermint extract in the cookie dough and the icing.
Recipe inspired from Paradise Cafe's World Famous Sugar Cookies via Arizona Central.
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 66mgPotassium: 15mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 11IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword Andes peppermint baking chips, cookies, peppermint, shortbread cookies
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Peppermint Dream Bars[/b]
 
Recipe Type: Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra inspired from [url href=”http://www.paradisebakery.com/” target=”_blank” title=”paradise cafe”]World Famous Paradise Cafe Sugar Cookies[/url] as published in [url href=”http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/recipes/articles/0131cornerrec231-CR.html” target=”_blank” title=”paradise cafe world famous sugar cookie”]Arizona Republic[/url]; via [url href=”http://www.food.com/recipe/world-famous-paradise-bakery-sugar-cookies-150131″ target=”_blank” title=”paradise cafe sugar cookie”]Food.com[/url]
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 48
Double delicious sugar cookie with [url href=”http://www.tootsie.com/candy/andes-baking-chips” target=”_blank” title=”andes peppermint baking chips”]Andes[/url] peppermint baking chips in the batter and a peppermint powdered sugar glaze.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups Crisco shortening
  • 1 ½ tsp. mint and peppermint extract
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 4 1/3 cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 10-oz. pkg. [url href=”http://www.tootsie.com/candy/andes-baking-chips” target=”_blank” title=”andes peppermint baking chips”]Andes[/url] Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
  • ½ of a 10-oz. pkg. [url href=”http://www.tootsie.com/candy/andes-baking-chips” target=”_blank” title=”andes peppermint baking chips”]Andes[/url] Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. I
  2. n large mixing bowl mix sugars, shortening, vanilla, egg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Mix with electric mixer until well mixed.
  4. Add cake flour and 10-oz. bag Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips.
  5. Stir together with a wooden spoon.
  6. Using an electric mixer at this point toughens cookies.
  7. Spread mixture in greased 10×15” jelly roll pan.
  8. Top with remaining half bag of Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips.
  9. Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven, cool.
  11. Add icing.
[b]Peppermint Icing[/b]
 
Recipe Type: Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra – my own creation
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 48
Double delicious sugar cookie with [url href=”http://www.tootsie.com/candy/andes-baking-chips” target=”_blank” title=”andes peppermint baking chips”]Andes[/url] peppermint baking chips in the batter and a peppermint powdered sugar glaze.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. mint and peppermint extract
  • 5-7 tbsp. water, or more as needed
Instructions
  1. Whisk sugar, peppermint extract and water to a good spreading consistency.
  2. Drizzle over bars or transfer icing mixture to a sandwich bag.
  3. Cut off tip and pipe onto bars in whatever design you desire.
  4. Allow to cool completely.
Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

The peppermint essence in these delicious Peppermint Dream Bars simply rocks!

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

This batch of blondies was whipped up in about 10-15 minutes. 

Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Here’s another close up picture to tantalize you! These bars are first-rate. You ought to consider making these for one of your next parties!

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Peppermint Crunch Chunkies

Peppermint Crunch Chunkies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely oatmeal #cookies are filled with #coconut & #Andes #peppermint baking chips. They make an unbelievably heavenly #Christmas #dessert.

Red Velvet Peppermint Kisses

Red Velvet Peppermint Kisses | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #RedVelvet #cookies are heavenly! #Hershey's peppermint-flavored candy cane kisses are put in the centers adding divine flavor. #chocolate #dessert

Peppermint Chip Meltaways

Peppermint Chip Meltaways | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookies just melt in your mouth--literally! #Andes #peppermint baking chips provide breathtaking flavor. #dessert
Peppermint Dream Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these spectacular #cookies are based on the #ParadiseCafe #sugarcookie recipe. They include #andes #peppermint baking chips for an explosion of flavor. #dessert

Peppermint Dream Bars

Teresa Ambra
Peppermint Dream Bars are wonderful shortbread-type cookies. They are doubly delicious Sugar Cookies with Andes Peppermint Baking Chips in the batter and a peppermint powdered sugar glaze. Terrific for holiday baking, Christmas Cookie Exchanges and Valentine's Day.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 48
Calories 196 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 10×15" glass baking dish
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 2 wooden spoons
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 pastry/piping bag or zip lock bag (without the bottom)
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

PEPPERMINT DREAM BARS:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups Crisco shortening no substitutes
  • 1 1/2 tsp. mint and peppermint extract
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 4 1/3 cups cake flour NOT all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 10 oz. pkg. Andes peppermint crunch baking chips

PEPPERMINT ICING:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. mint and peppermint extract
  • 2-3 tbsp. water or more as needed
  • 2-3 drops red food coloring

Instructions
 

PEPPERMINT DREAM BARS:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In large mixing bowl mix sugars, shortening, vanilla, egg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Mix with electric mixer until well mixed.
  • Add cake flour and 10-oz. bag Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips.
  • Stir together very well with a wooden spoon until mixture is thoroughly mixed and no longer crumbly.
  • Using an electric mixer at this point toughens cookies.
  • Spread mixture in greased 10×15” glass baking dish.
  • Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes.
  • Remove from oven; cool completely.
  • Add icing.

PEPPERMINT ICING:

  • Whisk sugar, peppermint extract, red food coloring and water to a good spreading consistency.
  • Drizzle over bars or transfer icing mixture to a sandwich bag.
  • Cut off tip and pipe onto bars in whatever design you desire.
  • Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

NOTE: This recipe has a delightful peppermint flavor. But if you want to tone down the mint flavor a little, you can substitute vanilla for peppermint extract in the cookie dough and the icing.
Recipe inspired from Paradise Cafe’s World Famous Sugar Cookies via Arizona Central.
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 66mgPotassium: 15mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 11IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword Andes peppermint baking chips, cookies, peppermint, shortbread cookies
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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