A thick, buttery, chewy cookie bar studded with white chocolate chips, crunchy pretzel pieces, and crushed candy canes—these White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Cookie Bars are an irresistible holiday treat. If you enjoy white chocolate and peppermint combinations, these bars deliver the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.
I often choose bars over individual cookies because they’re quicker to prepare and just as satisfying. This recipe is adapted from a favorite white chocolate peppermint cookie recipe and works with either crushed candy canes or round peppermint candies. While they’re especially festive at Christmas, the peppermint-and-pretzel combination is delicious any time of year.
More Cookie Bars Perfect for Christmastime
- Monster Cookie Bars
- Salted Caramel Crush Bars
- Carmelitas
- Funfetti Swig Cookie Bars (use seasonal sprinkles for a holiday touch)
- Chocolate Caramel Slice
- Hello Dolly Bars
Step-by-Step Photos for How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Cookie Bars
Frequently Asked Questions about White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Cookie Bars
Frequently Asked Questions about White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Cookie BarsHow many candy canes equals 1/2 cup crushed?
About 20 mini candy canes or 8 regular-sized candy canes will yield roughly 1/2 cup crushed. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, and note that some stores sell pre-crushed peppermint candy during the holidays.
Can I use the round peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
Yes. Round peppermint candies work well, though they can be slightly harder to crush. They’re a great year-round alternative if candy canes are unavailable.
What shape of pretzels works best?
Pretzel twists and pretzel sticks both work nicely in this recipe. Pretzel crisps are wider and less ideal for the texture of these bars.
Can I substitute mint extract for peppermint extract?
Can I substitute mint extract for peppermint extract?Mint extract has a different flavor profile, so it’s not a direct substitute for peppermint. These bars already gain a lot of peppermint flavor from the crushed candy canes, so the extract is optional if you don’t have it.
Can I use this recipe to make cookies?
To make cookies instead of bars, use a standard white chocolate peppermint cookie recipe and fold in about 1 cup of crushed pretzels along with the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint before scooping and baking.
How should I store the bars?
Allow the bars to cool completely, then store them covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Baker’s Tools:
Baker’s Tools:- 9×13 baking dish
- Cooking spray
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Goody bags for gifting
For the Peppermint Lovers
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (or two drops peppermint essential oil)
- 2½ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt (if using unsalted butter, add 1 tsp)
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed pretzels, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy canes, plus more for garnish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars for about 1 minute.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract; mix until fully combined, about 20–30 seconds.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and crushed peppermint until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 pan. A sprayed sandwich bag on your hand helps press the dough smoothly.
- Optional: press extra pretzel pieces and crushed candy canes onto the top for garnish.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, or until the edges and top are lightly browned.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
- Enjoy!
White Chocolate and Pretzel Recipes
