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I first made these cookie bars last year around Christmas time. My family went completely bonkers for them. My friend Erin’s eyes completely lit up as she tasted one. Kevin says they are the best thing I’ve ever made. As I cut them into squares, I couldn’t stop “tasting” the crumbs.
They are downright addicting.
I made these stuffed cookie bars again this past weekend for three reasons. First… look at them. The drippy sweet peppermint goo is an obvious excuse to make them again and again.
Second, I went a little crazy buying Halloween candy this year and have been on the prowl for recipes to use up all my extras. I don’t get any trick-or-treaters at my apartment. Wah.
Third, the pictures I posted of these last year are terrible! I took the photos with my iPhone before I had a DSLR. Needless to say, I’m sure you would have glanced right over these bad boys and they are just too good for you to miss.
Soooo here they are again. Looking pretty. 
To start, mix up a quick chocolate chip cookie dough recipe. While it’s a pretty fool-proof and basic recipe, you could always use store-bought cookie dough instead. I definitely prefer the homemade recipe below – it’s chewy, soft, and just tastes better. ;)
Doesn’t everything taste better homemade?
I only used 1 and 1/4 cups of mini chocolate chips in the cookie dough because there is extra chocolate going into the middle layer with the peppermint patties. I didn’t want the chocolate to overpower the mint OR the cookie dough base itself.
Layer half of the cookie dough into the baking pan and arrange the peppermint patties on top. I layered in as many peppermint patties as humanly possible – I didn’t want a single bite to be without! The middle layer equaled about 26 peppermint patties – the amount in your typical 11-ounce bag. You could always use Junior Mints in this recipe as well. Been there, done that. Just as tasty.
Top the peppermint patty layer with the rest of the cookie dough and press down evenly. For a visual, see this post. We’re not talking rocket science here – setting them up is pretty self explanatory.
While the cookie bars bake, the peppermint patties melt all over inside the two cookie layers.
Melty peppermint patties. Does it get any better?!
Bake for 38-40 minutes and allow to cool COMPLETELY before cutting into squares. Waiting is the hardest part! Smelling the finished cookie bars and waiting for them to completely cool before digging in… pure torture.
Consider yourself warned: things will get messy if you cut the bars while they’re still warm.
I have the patience of a three year old, so I put the pan in the refrigerator to cool things down quickly. After I neatly cut myself a square, I warmed it back up in the microwave.
Serving suggestion – cut the bars while they’re cold, eat the bars warm!
With all the melty chocolate and drippy peppermint goo, I was not able to stop at one square. That says a lot coming from a gal who has dessert A.D.D. I’m usually eager for the next dessert recipe. But with these? No! I never wanted the pan to end. 
Look! ↓
…
OMG.
I can’t even handle all the goo!
…
What may just be the simplest recipe idea ever – stuffing peppermint patties inside cookies – has proven to be one of the best desserts I’ve EVER made.
With an archive FULL of cookies/brownies/bars/cupcakes… that’s impressive!
You’re welcome.
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makes 24 bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature (if using salted butter, omit added salt below)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (or dark brown)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 11 ounce bag York Peppermint Patties (about 26)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 11x7 baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric or stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients slowly to the wet ingredients. By hand, fold in the chocolate chips until fully combined. Do not overmix.
- Press down 1/2 of the cookie dough into prepared baking pan. Place unwrapped peppermint patties over the bottom dough layer. Top the remaining half of cookie dough over the peppermint patties, pressing to evenly flatten down. Bake for 38-40 minutes or until baked through and the edges are brown. (Mine took exactly 38 minutes.)
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely (about 1 hour) before cutting into squares. Bars keep well in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Notes
adapted from Picky Palate
© Sally’s Baking Addiction. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or link back to this post for the recipe.
If you like melty Peppermint Patties as much as I do, you’ll flip for my York Peppermint Patty Fudge Cookies!
I prefer baking cookie bars over cookies because bars take such little effort. One pan and you’re done!
Here are some more of my favorite cookie bar recipes:
Snickerdoodle White Chocolate Chip Blondies
Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars with White Chocolate Streusel
{ 69 comments… read them below or add one }
Time to pick up some York Peppermint Patties!! This is a must make!!!
LOL! Yes, a must make for sure – it’s the kind of dessert that EVERYONE loves. So sweet, melty, and chocolate-y
Sooooo I hace chocolate mint cupcakes cooling right now- Lloyd’s bday tomorrow and that combo is his fav! (One of mine, too!!) He is going to die when I make these. DIE!
I know some huge peppermint patty fans that would go crazy over these!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..3 Ingredient Homemade Butterfingers
If you make them, send some to me b/c the whole pan is gone!
Sooooo I have mint chocolate cupcakes cooling right now- Lloyd’s bday tomorrow and that combo is his fav! (One of mine, too!!) He is going to die when I make these. DIE!
These look awesome!
i love mint & chocolate together!! honestly, i even like it more than pb & chocolate – *sometimes*!!!
Pretty sure I could eat the whole pan!
Jenna@littlekitchenbigflavors recently posted..Super Snackin’ Sunday: Spicy White Pizza Dip
takes LOTS of self control to not eat the whole pan. lol!
Oh I have to make this for my kiddies, they will go crazy to bite into a cookie and have peppermint pattie inside! Thanks so much for sharing!
Pamela recently posted..Guest Post – Dalayna from Pointing Up
so glad to hear that! it’s a fun little hidden surprise inside, you’re right – kids will love them
I love peppermint and tis the season to bring it on! I have yet to make something peppermint…I have cranberry, caramel, molasses, gingerbread covered but I think mint is next. Thanks for the inspiration! They look gooey and dense and really satisfying. I love thick, chewy, big dense bars like these!
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..South Beach Bars Sampler Pack Giveaway
all of that ingredient listing just got me SO EXCITED for Xmas baking Averie!
Oh. My. LOVE!!!! Sally, these are amazing!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Whatever Friday
Holy cow, Sally! After seeing the sneak peek on Facebook, I’ve been thinking about these bad boys! The York peppermint patties is so unexpected with the chocolate chip cookie dough for me, and I’m intrigued by it! I am totally drooling over that thick layer of pepperminty goo. *swoon*! I love these!!
Hayley recently posted..Oatmeal Scotchie Pecan Pookies
that’s one of the perks of being friends on FB – sneak peeks! Thanks Hayley!
Ahhh Sally these look so freaking amazing. I love york peppermint patties, but have never added them to chocolate chip cookie dough (just brownies…definitely recommend!). And I’m right there with you on the patience factor. Everything goes into the freezer because I.just.can’t.wait!
And I love the addition of your name on the pictures…and how it’s color coordinated with the york peppermint patty wrapper.
Elaine recently posted..Spaghetti Lasagna Pie
thank you Elaine! I figured it was about time to copyright my images. I’ve had a few stolen from me on the internet. I like to match everything in my wardrobe, so matching the font color with the photo just kinda happened.
Mmmmm those look fab with the melty peppermint! I don’t know if I’d be able to wait for them to cool to cut, but it sounds like you might have been speaking from experience when you said it’s messy
Laura Dembowski recently posted..Iced Hermits
I cut into one row WAY too early. What a mess!
Oh gosh, I guess I need to go out and buy some peppermint patties, because these cookie bars look way to good not to make! I never would have even thought peppermint patties would get so gooey if you baked them. Imagine them in brownies!
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) recently posted..Pumpkin Pomegranate Couscous
Brownies! YES. I knwo what I’m doing with my other bag of them. haha!
Sally, you’re KILLING me with these!!! Like, I might just go into the kitchen with the ingredients, and never come out until I’ve eaten myself into a peppermint patty cookie coma. I’m a little obsessed right now.
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted..Skinnified Sunday: Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins
Awesome idea to layer the patties into your cookies. I bet other candies would work well too! Oh the possibilities!!!
luv what you do recently posted..Another 11 Hours
I can’t wait to try other candy bars
Oh my goodness, I want to dive into these ooey-gooey minty cookie bars, then lick my plate (and fingers!) clean. I never would have considered this combo. I’d polish them all off too!
Stay safe with the hurricane too!!!
Erin | The Law Student’s Wife recently posted..Pumpkin Apricot Oatmeal Cookies
Thank you Erin! You stay safe as well!
oh my gosh i’m drooling!!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy recently posted..Hurricane Sandy & Veg ‘N Rice “Croquettes!”
Never before has goo looked so appetizing!
Karly recently posted..Apple Crisp {Baked in a Cast Iron Skillet}
Keep the mint-chocolate desserts coming! I love the combo, and love the idea of putting it in a cookie BAR! Yum!
Jess recently posted..The Little Things: Around Town
Hi Jess! I know, I’m loving the minty chocolate combo right now – more than ever!
Sally, you know I love a gooey dessert. These look positively dreamy!
Back For Seconds recently posted..PB&J Choco Krispies
So when can you come over my house to make these for Christmas?
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Baked Chicken Parmesan
I know! I want a big plateful of these after we pig out on your healthy veggie fried rice!
I am loving that ooey gooey peppermint layer surrounded by the yummy chocolate chip cookie! Thanks for the heads up to cut cold and then heat back up! Warm melty cookie treats are the best!!!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted..Creepy Crawly Brownie Pizzas
WANT WANT WANT! These look so yummy!
Way to start the sugar coma right away Monday morning! Wow is all I can say…
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen recently posted..Chicken Fajita Nachos
is there a better way to start a monday?!
Wow – this looks so totally delicious and slightly easier clean-up than the cookies, thank you (going to keep my eyes open for post-halloween sales)
Rachel (teacher-chef) recently posted..EASY & Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup
that’s why I LOVE baking cookie bars and the like – MUCH less hassle than baking cookies in batches, chilling the dough, etc.
Not gonna lie, I hate peppermint patties. The goo taste like toothpaste to me but stuffing them in between cookie dough might make them tolerable. In any case, you’re photographing skills have improved dramatically! It gives me hope that one day I’ll be as good as you.
Nicole @ Lapetitebaker recently posted..Cranberry Swirled Apple Muffins
I’m sorry to hear that Nicole, Thank you for the photography compliment!
These have got to be the thickest, gooiest cookie bars I’ve ever seen. Looks so delicious!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League recently posted..Hurricane Sandy to the Rescue
stay safe in the hurricane Meghan! and yes… super gooey! love that. xo
good lord almighty.
Katie @ Oh Shine On recently posted..Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Made the peppermint patty chocolate chip cookie bars tonight. OMG….amazing! Posted a link on our FB page. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Love it! Thanks Michelle – I wish I had some of these bars leftover today
I loooooooove peppermint patties, and that OOZE! I am drooling over these, WOW!!
Anna @ hiddenponies recently posted..SARAH’S SWEET CRESCENT ROLL BUNS
the ooze is like… the best part
Sakes alive on a dessert bar with a cookie on the side and then a Peppermint Pattie to wash it down – these are straight up AMAZING. I just LOVE oooey, gooey desserts like this.
Seriously, Sally, you’ve outDONE yourself!!!
Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes recently posted..Ancho-Glazed Candy Dump Cake
Hi Meagan! Thank you so much – I love all the peppermint goo too.
I want to try this soo badly. Maybe alternating peppermint patties and Reese’s. Mmm thanks for sharing!
Brittany recently posted..meme4u:
http://memeblock.com/
mint chocolate + pb chocolate – i like the sounds of that!
WOW!!! What a host of ideas. I have done the Peppermint Patties in brownies but not cookies. What a great variation! I hope that you will share them at my holiday cookie exchange: http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/2012-cookie-exchange-cookies-and-memories/
Tumbleweed Contessa recently posted..Restaurant Memories
Thank you Krista!
^ this ^ guy has a huge crush on Sally. *Looks into eyes.. drools* .. dat smile
OMG these are just down right delicious!
Hi Travis! I know, they are probably one of my favorite desserts EVER! Thank you and I am glad you made and loved them too.
I made these last weekend for Santacon in San Francisco! Halfway through the day I pulled them out at a bar and they were a HUGE hit with friends and drunken strangers alike! SO good, thanks for sharing the recipe!
Now this is a snack I’d like to eat at the bar lol. I bet everyone around LOVED you! Thanks so much for sharing how much you liked the recipe Carrie, that means a lot to me!
You can make these as cookies as well by essentially following the same concept as the peanut butter Rolo cookies only chocolate chip cookies and Junior Mints instead of Rolos. I made 6 dozen for the holidays and they are amazing.
Hey Mel! Wow I love that idea – the junior mints! I honestly will be trying that this very weekend! Love those peanut butter rolo cookies too.
Happy Holidays and thanks for sharing your genius cookie ideas with me!
This is amazing on so many levels. Want+need.
Kaylie @ Skinny Muffin recently posted..Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti
Hi Sally !
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your website ! If using a 11×7 glass pyrex baking dish, for your peppermint patty chocolate chip cookie bars, would I need to lower the oven temp.? Thanks ! BTW, made your cake batter chocolate chip cookies with jimmies. Over the top, DEEEEELISH !!!!!!!
Hey Nancy! I baked these cokie bars in an 11×7 baking pan actually. So no changes need to be made to the recipe time or oven temperature. I love those cake batter cookies too!
Sally, thank you for this amazing recipe! I made these today and I’m in love with them! My heart is still pounding for how many I ate. Lol. Lots o good sugar.
I’ll be writing a post about them tomorrow on my blog (www.tinaschic.com).
I look forward to the next recipe of yours that I try.
Tina @ Tina’s Chic recently posted..Travel Time: Temptations
Hey Tina! I can’t wait to see your post about them today! I love these cookie bars too.
YOU are a FREAKIN genius and please keep these amazing scrumptious recipes coming. I dont care how many pounds I’m going testing every single recipe on this site. My hubby is going to lose his mind. You need to compile a cook book because these are some of the most original desert recipes I’ve come across in a very long time.
Amy Jo, this comment made my night to read it last night. Thank you so much for the kind words! Let me know which recipes you make. I love these cookie bars!
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