Chocolate Peppermint Macadamia Cookie Bars with a Fudgy Center and Buttery Crunch
Chocolate Peppermint Macadamia Cookie Bars are rich and indulgent dessert bars with a fudgy chocolate center, studded with crunchy macadamia nuts and topped with peppermint candy for a festive flair. Perfectly balanced between soft and crisp, these bars are a holiday favorite.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and macadamia nuts.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep the center fudgy.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate peppermint bars, macadamia cookie bars, fudgy holiday dessert, peppermint chocolate squares, Christmas cookie bars