Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Wedges

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

This dessert features tender, buttery shortbread wedges subtly infused with cool peppermint extract. After baking until golden, the wedges are cooled and drizzled with melted semi-sweet chocolate, then sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies for added texture and flavor. The combination delivers a festive balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, perfect for holiday gatherings. Simple preparation and easy ingredients make it an accessible treat to enjoy anytime.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:07:00 GMT
Warm, golden chocolate peppermint shortbread wedges drizzled with melted chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. Save
Warm, golden chocolate peppermint shortbread wedges drizzled with melted chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. | epicurestates.com

Buttery, tender shortbread wedges infused with cool peppermint and drizzled with rich chocolate. This festive treat is perfect for the holidays and makes any dessert table extra special.

I always make these shortbread wedges as part of our holiday baking traditions. Whenever I bring them to gatherings, friends always ask for the recipe because the chocolate and peppermint combo is irresistible.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup (225 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Peppermint extract: 1/2 teaspoon
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Semi-sweet chocolate (chopped): 3 oz (85 g)
  • Coconut oil or vegetable oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: 2 tablespoons

Instructions

Prepare the pan:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the peppermint extract.
Make the dough:
Add flour and salt, mixing until combined and a soft dough forms.
Shape and prick:
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a fork to prick evenly over the surface.
Bake and cool:
Bake for 23–25 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Cut wedges:
While still warm, cut into 8 wedges using a sharp knife. Let cool completely in the pan.
Prepare chocolate topping:
Melt chocolate and oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle and decorate:
Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled shortbread wedges and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
Let set:
Let set until chocolate is firm before serving.
A close-up of delicious chocolate peppermint shortbread, a holiday dessert with a buttery, crumbly texture. Save
A close-up of delicious chocolate peppermint shortbread, a holiday dessert with a buttery, crumbly texture. | epicurestates.com

Our family loves sharing these wedges together while decorating the tree. They are the first treat gone from the cookie tin every year.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, 9-inch round cake pan, parchment paper, microwave-safe bowl, and sharp knife.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, possibly soy (in chocolate). May contain traces of nuts and other allergens, so check ingredient labels for specifics.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 330 calories, 20 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Irresistible chocolate peppermint shortbread wedges arranged on a plate—perfect for a festive Christmas treat. Save
Irresistible chocolate peppermint shortbread wedges arranged on a plate—perfect for a festive Christmas treat. | epicurestates.com

Enjoy these chocolate peppermint shortbread wedges with hot cocoa or give them as homemade gifts. Their festive look always brightens holiday celebrations.

Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Wedges

Tender shortbread infused with peppermint and finished with a rich chocolate drizzle for a festive treat.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
45 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Shortbread

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
04 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Topping

01 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
02 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
03 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.

Phase 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add peppermint extract and combine.

Phase 03

Form Dough: Incorporate flour and salt into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

Phase 04

Shape Shortbread: Press dough evenly into prepared pan and prick surface uniformly with a fork.

Phase 05

Bake: Bake for 23 to 25 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.

Phase 06

Cut Wedges: While warm, slice into 8 wedges using a sharp knife. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Phase 07

Melt Chocolate: Combine chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Phase 08

Decorate: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled wedges and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.

Phase 09

Set Chocolate: Let chocolate firm up completely before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Sharp knife

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and possibly soy (in chocolate).
  • May contain traces of nuts and other allergens; verify ingredient labels.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 330
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein: 3 g