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The Best New Years Chocolate Bark Cookies

The Best New Years Chocolate Bark Cookies
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The Best New Years Chocolate Bark Cookies are a festive and easy-to-make treat combining a buttery sugar cookie base with a rich melted chocolate bark topped with colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, nuts, and dried fruits. Perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or sharing, these bite-sized cookies offer a delightful balance of crispy and chewy textures with customizable toppings to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Bark

  • 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (or white chocolate for variation)
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for shine)

Festive Toppings

  • Colorful sprinkles
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
  • Dried fruit bits (such as cranberries or cherries)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Base: Cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Roll out the dough evenly on a baking sheet creating a flat base to support the chocolate bark topping.
  2. Bake the Cookie Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolled dough for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before adding toppings to prevent melting the chocolate.
  3. Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. Optionally, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter for extra shine and smoothness.
  4. Spread the Chocolate Over the Cookie Base: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled cookie base. Use an offset spatula to spread into a thin, uniform layer, covering every edge.
  5. Add Festive Toppings: Immediately sprinkle your choice of festive toppings such as colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or dried fruit over the melted chocolate while still warm.
  6. Chill to Set: Transfer the cookie sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour until the chocolate is fully hardened. Break into bite-sized pieces and enjoy.

Notes

  • Roll the cookie dough evenly for a uniform bake and sturdy base.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor and texture.
  • Prepare all toppings in advance to work quickly with melted chocolate.
  • Spread chocolate and add toppings swiftly as chocolate sets fast.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch and prevent chocolate bloom.
  • For nut-free options, substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  • To make vegan, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil instead of butter.
  • To add warmth, include cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger in the cookie dough.
  • Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to three months.
  • Thaw at room temperature before serving; avoid microwaving to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: New Years, chocolate bark, cookies, festive treats, holiday cookies, bite-sized desserts, customizable toppings, gluten-free option, vegan option

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/the-best-new-years-chocolate-bark-cookies/