Peppermint Sheet-Pan Bars

When it comes to holiday baking, these peppermint cookie bars are going to be the MVP of this year's cookie swaps and giftable tins. While peppermint and chocolate (à la classic peppermint bark) is a wonderful pairing, these bars really let the peppermint shine all on its own. They have it all: a tender, almost chewy base that is somewhere between a sugar cookie and a blondie; swoops of minty cream cheese frosting with swirls of candy-cane red and pink; and best of all, the perfect effort-to-yield ratio. These have an extra-festive look, without any special baking or decorating skills required.

Because these are made on a sheet-pan, rather than in a square baking pan like most dessert bars, you get a lot more bang for your baking buck. Cut them into 24 good-sized squares, or make them even more shareable by cutting them into 72 bite-sized treats, perfect for gifting or sharing.