What is Christmas? How do you make a delicious dessert without turning on the oven? Why do we have so much time for holidays? What is the recipe for Peppermint Dream Bars? Layers of chocolatey peppermint goodness, all held together by a creamy, dreamy filling. Is it true that marijuana is addictive? What do peppermint bark squares look like? I think these are even better. And way easier to make!

What is Peppermint Dream Bars?

Think of Peppermint Dream Bars as a no-bake pepperminting bark cheesecake in bar form. Is this chocolate chip cookie a luscious cream cheese cookie? Peppermint extract, and a generous topping of melted chocolate sprinkled with crushed candy canes. Why do people call them dreams to eat? What are the flavors of peppermint, chocolate, and apricot? What is Christmas? What is the best part? Is it safe to assemble and chill in the fridge? Is it so easy to teach your kids how to do it?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What is the perfect balance of peppermint and chocolate? Is it Christmas in every bite? No oven required! Just crush, mix, melt, chill. What is a lifesaver when you’re already juggling many other things during the holiday season? Plus, they’re surprisingly cost-effective. What are some pantry staples? Christmas baking. What are What I love most about this is how VERSATILE they are. Can you cut them into small squares for a party, or larger bars for more decadent treats? What are some great side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream? Is there a crowd pleaser in these movies? I’ve made them for potlucks, family gatherings and even just a quiet night in with santa. Christmas. Movies, and they always disappear in minutes! Is it easier to make a batch of cookies than to bake them individually? Is there a recipe for peppermint brownies? Are easier to understand?

How do I make Peppermint Dream Bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make Peppermint Dream Bars? How do I make a cookie base? Then, whip up a creamy peppermint filling, spread it over the base, and top it off with melted chocolate. Chocolate and crushed candy canes. What is the hardest part of waiting for them to chill in the fridge? What is the perfect dessert to serve when you don’t want to eat anything but a bowl of ice cream? Can you spend hours in the kitchen? They look so festive, and they taste even better. Is this easy to make?

Ingredients

For the Cookie Crust: Is there a
* 1 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed. I usually just toss them in a food processor, but I like to use my rolling pin and Ziploc bag.
* 5 tablespoons unsalted butter. Make sure it’s completely melted for even distribution.

What is the Peppermint Cream Filling?
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened. This is KEY. Make sure it’s properly softened, or you’ll end up with lumpy filling.
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Sift it if you want an extra smooth filling.
* 1 teaspoon peppermint extract. Don’t overdo it, a little goes way! I accidentally added too much sugar to my water and it tasted like toothpaste.
* 1/2 cup heavy cream makes the filling extra creamy and luxurious.

For the Chocolate Peppermint Topping:
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice shine.
* 1/2 cup crushed candy canes. I like to pulse them in a food processor for finer crush.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

In a medium bowl, combine crushed chocolate and melted butter. Set aside. How do you press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch square baking dish? I like to line a dish with parchment paper first, leaving some overhang, for easy removal later. What makes serving so much easier?

Step 2: Make the Peppermint Cream Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat and set aside. Add the powdered sugar to the water and mix until well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, or the filling can become too dense. Then, stir in the peppermint extract and heavy cream. Mix until everything is smooth and fluffy. I always taste the filling at this point to make sure the peppermint flavor is just right.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Spread peppermint cream filling evenly over the prepared cookie crust. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges! Then, place the baking dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Peppermint Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Set aside. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted. Do not overheat. Is it melting or smooth? If you overheat chocolate, be careful not to burn it. I’ve done it before, and it’s no fun! Once melted, spread the chocolate evenly over the peppermint cream filling.

Step 5: Add the Candy Canes

Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the melted chocolate. How do you press them into the chocolate so they adhere? What is the best way to keep candy canes from sliding off?

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you want to set the bars overnight, do so first thing in the morning. I know, it’s tough, but they’re worth it.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the bars are firm, lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. I like to use a warm knife for cleaner cuts. Cut into squares and serve. What are Peppermint Dream Bars?

What should I serve it with?

No Bake Christmas Desserts are great on their own, but they can also be paired with a few different desserts. What are some festive drinks and treats?For a Christmas Brunch: What is the bestServe with a steaming mug of peppermint mocha or cranberry mimosa. The sweetness of the bars complements the slight bitterness of coffee and the tartness. What is cran I like to arrange them on a pretty platter with some fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for an easy dinner.As a Dessert After Dinner:What would you serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream? The creamy whipped cream is a great complement to the rich chocolate. What are peppermint A glass of dessert wine is also a good pairing.What is a good evening snack?Enjoy them with a cup of hot chocolate or milk. The warmth of the drink and the coolness of bars create a cozy, comforting experience. I love curling up on the couch with a few of these bars on winter nights. My family tradition is to have these bars along with hot chocolate while watching our favorite show. What is the best Christmas What would Christmas be like without them?

How do I make a Peppermint Dream Bar?

How do I make Peppermint Dream Bars? Is it perfect?Cream Cheese Softening:What is the most important thing? If your cream cheese isn’t properly softened, you’ll end up with a lumpy filling, and nobody wants to eat it. Take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you start. I even zap mine in the microwave for a few seconds if I’m in sanity. Be careful not to melt it.Peppermint Extract:Too much, and your bars will taste like toothpaste. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste, but be cautious. I’ve accidentally added too much before, and it’s not pretty.Candy Canes: Crushed Candy For a finer, more even coating, pulse the candy canes in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, place them in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Either way, make sure they’re crushed well, you don’t want big chunks!
Melting Chocolate: Be patient and microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval. This prevents the chocolate from burning. I always add a tablespoon of butter to the chocolate, which helps it melt smoothly and gives it a beautiful shine.
Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! The bars need at least 2 hours to set completely. I find that chilling them overnight is best. This ensures that the filling is firm and the bars are easy to cut.
Cookie Crust Variation: If you’re not a fan of chocolate sandwich cookies, you can use graham crackers or shortbread cookies instead. Just make sure to adjust the amount of melted butter accordingly. Also, I have tested this recipe with gluten-free cookies. It was a 1-1 swap, and tasted great!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These No-Bake Christmas Desserts are great to make ahead of time, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Room Temperature: These bars can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, the filling can become a bit soft. Make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. I usually place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Glaze Timing Advice: Always add the crushed candy canes right before serving. This will prevent them from getting sticky and soft in the fridge. I learned that one the hard way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the chocolate sandwich cookies with your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies. Make sure to check that your peppermint extract is also gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Definitely! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would all work well in this recipe. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly, as milk chocolate is sweeter than dark chocolate.

Can I add other toppings?

Of course! Sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel would all be delicious additions.

How can I prevent the chocolate from cracking when I cut the bars?

Use a warm knife to slice the bars. Run the knife under hot water, then dry it before each cut. This will help the chocolate slice cleanly without cracking.

Can I make this vegan?

It would require a few substitutions, but it’s definitely possible! Use vegan chocolate sandwich cookies, vegan cream cheese, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

These No-Bake Christmas Desserts – Peppermint Dream Bars – are seriously a holiday must-have. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is just so festive and comforting. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert to add to your Christmas menu, look no further. And if you love these, you might also enjoy my recipe for no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars – they’re another family favorite! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Happy baking!