Mint cookie bars are a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and mint in a convenient and easy-to-make bar form. These bars are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The refreshing touch of mint adds a unique twist to the traditional cookie bar, making them a hit with mint and chocolate lovers alike.

The exact origin of mint cookie bars is not well-documented, but the combination of mint and chocolate has been a popular flavor pairing for many years. Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a classic example of this beloved duo, and over time, this delightful combination has found its way into various desserts, including cookies and bars.

The recipe for mint cookie bars likely evolved from the traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe, with the addition of mint extract or mint-flavored chocolate chips to create a refreshing twist. These bars are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a favorite choice for busy bakers who want to whip up a crowd-pleasing treat quickly.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3.5 oz. package vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips (with mint, if you can find)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. PREHEAT OVEN
   • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. PREPARE BAKING SHEET
   • Line a baking sheet with a silicon baking mat or parchment paper. Set it aside.
3. CREAM BUTTER AND SUGARS
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds.
   • Add both granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the butter and continue to cream until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes around 2 minutes.
4. ADD EGG AND VANILLA
   • Mix in the room-temperature large egg and pure vanilla extract on low speed just until they are incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.
5. WHISK TOGETHER DRY INGREDIENTS
   • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt.
6. COMBINE WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS
   • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just a few times to combine.
   • Add 1 and ½ cups of the chocolate chips to the dough, reserving the rest for later. Mix until all the flour mixture is fully incorporated.
7. PRESS DOUGH INTO BAKING SHEET
   • Press the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it covers the entire sheet and has a smooth top.
8. BAKE THE COOKIE BARS
   • Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the top appears set.
9. COOL AND DRIZZLE
   • Transfer the baking sheet onto a cooling rack and allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling.
   • Melt the remaining chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish, then drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookie bars.
   • Sprinkle Christmas funfetti or any desired toppings over the drizzled chocolate.
   • Let the bars sit until the chocolate is fully set.

Now, your delightful mint cookie bars are ready to be enjoyed! Savor the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint in every delicious bite.