Name: Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (any brand); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 tsp peppermint extract; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

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Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies are one of my favorite holiday treats — easy, festive, and full of that classic chocolate-peppermint flavor. I love how soft and chewy they turn out, with just enough crunch from crushed candy canes and a drizzle of white and dark chocolate to tie it all together. It’s the kind of shortcut recipe I can count on when I want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it starts with a box of cake mix, which makes it super quick and consistent every time. The combination of peppermint and chocolate is one of my favorite holiday flavor pairings, and these cookies have the perfect balance of sweet, minty, and rich. Plus, decorating them with crushed candy canes and chocolate drizzle makes them look like something from a bakery — with very little effort on my part.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chocolate cake mix (any brand works)
eggs
vegetable oil or melted butter
peppermint extract
white chocolate chips
semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and peppermint extract until a soft, thick dough forms.
I scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart.
I bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, just until they’re set but still soft in the center.
I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once cooled, I melt the white and dark chocolate in separate bowls.
I drizzle both chocolates over the cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
While the chocolate is still wet, I sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
I let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate sets.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes me 10 minutes to prep, about 10 minutes to bake, and 10 more to decorate — so they’re done in roughly 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use vanilla cake mix with red food coloring for a red velvet twist. I’ve also added mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness. For a simpler version, I skip the drizzle and just mix crushed peppermint directly into the dough. And when I want to make cookie sandwiches, I spread peppermint buttercream between two cookies for a fun treat.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, I add a slice of bread to the container. If I need to stack them, I separate layers with wax paper to prevent the chocolate drizzle from sticking. These cookies also freeze well (before or after decorating) for up to a month.

FAQs

Can I use any flavor of cake mix?

Yes, I’ve tried this with chocolate fudge, devil’s food, and even vanilla cake mix — they all work great.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

I don’t overbake them and I store them with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.

Can I use peppermint bark instead of candy canes?

Yes, I crush the peppermint bark into small pieces and sprinkle it on top after the drizzle.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. I refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze cookie dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate for drizzling?

I microwave it in short bursts, stirring every 20 seconds, or melt it gently over a double boiler to prevent burning.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Peppermint Bark Cookies are one of my favorite quick holiday recipes — festive, flavorful, and foolproof. I love the rich chocolate base, the refreshing hit of peppermint, and the playful crunch of candy cane on top. Whether I’m baking for a cookie exchange or just to get into the holiday spirit, these cookies never fail to impress — and they disappear fast.