Gluten Free Peppermint Christmas Cookies

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Peppermint Christmas Bars:

As the merriment of Christmas rapidly approaches it is a perfect time to put up the tree and shop for Christmas. But don’t forget about the Christmas cookies. These gluten free peppermint cookies bars are a new and refreshing cookie to add to your repertoire. They are full of chocolate, peppermint and yum, ideal for eating and sharing

Especially, nice and golden brown, these bars hold their structure as they boast an unexpected warmth from the peppermint essence and the crushed candy canes that dance along the top. Naturally, chocolate M&Ms not only add a festive pop of color but a delicate crunch. With a chewy center and delectable chocolate you can’t go wrong. Did I mention they are gluten free?

Cooking Time: 22 minutes

Cooking Temp: 350 degrees

Ingredients

8 T softened unsalted butter

½ C packed brown sugar

¼ C granulated sugar

2/8 t peppermint extract*

(* 2/8 t yields a detectable peppermint flavor, ⅛ t will offer a subtle taste of peppermint)

½ t vanilla extract

1 egg

1 ⅓ cup flour (I recommend King Arthur’s Gluten- Free Flour Blend)

½ t baking soda

½ t baking powder

½ C Christmas M&Ms

½ C chocolate chips ( plus additional for decoration)

Optional: 3 crushed candy canes

Instructions:

Preheat Oven and Prepare a 9X9 baking dish with non-stick oil.

First, in the bowl of a stand mixer (fitted with a paddle) or in a bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar together ( about 1 minute), until pale yellow.
Add the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract and mix.
Next, incorporate all of the dry ingredients to the wet: the flour, baking soda and baking powder together. It should look like plain cookie dough at this point.
Stir in the M&M’s, and chocolate chips until just incorporated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread the dough using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed in the dish.
Lastly, sprinkle additional M&Ms and the crushed candy canes over the top.
Bake
Let the bars cool completely before enjoying