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Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is an easy Christmas candy to make! Use white chocolate chips, peppermint extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes to make this festive holiday treat.

Create a beautiful no bake Christmas bark to include on your cookie platters and cookie tins! Easily double or triple the recipe for a larger batch. It never lasts long!

What is it about bark and toffee that is so addicting?

I’ll have a little piece here, and another there.. and before long I’ve eaten the whole pan. Ever found yourself in that situation?

I do have one tip for you about this bark. After you crush the candy canes, don’t leave them out in the open in a bowl where your cat could knock them all over the kitchen. It could become a sticky mess. Not that this ever happened to me, ha!

When we assemble cookie tins, we always include homemade peppermint bark because it’s easy to make and it’s a traditional Christmas treat that so many enjoy this time of year!

This holiday treat is made with melted chocolate chips, melted white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, that’s it, very simple ingredients!

Why You’ll Love It

This Christmas treat is the perfect thing to add to cookie plates. If you’re looking for more edible holiday gifts, try turtle barkchocolate cherry cookies, and oreo fudge.

Ingredients

For the full recipe including instructions, see the recipe card below.

  • semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • white chocolate chips
  • vegetable or coconut oil
  • peppermint extract
  • peppermint candy canes

How to crush candy canes

There are a few ways you can crush candy canes for peppermint bark.

If you want smaller pieces, that aren’t super crunchy, I would suggest using a blender or food processor.

If you’re okay with larger candy cane pieces, you can break them up by using my favorite method – the rolling pin or meat mallet!

Place the unwrapped candy canes into a ziplock bag, zip it closed, cover the bag with a towel (to help contain any flying pieces) and whack the candy canes with the rolling pin or mallet. Magic. And a great way to get some of that holiday stress out!

How to melt chocolate in the microwave

Use a microwave safe bowl – I like to use a medium sized glass bowl.

Microwave on 50% power to ensure that the chocolate doesn’t scorch.

Stir the chocolate after each minute to ensure the chocolate doesn’t scorch.

Do not over microwave. It’s best to stop microwaving when some of the chocolate chips still have their shape. Stirring the mixture together will help melt the remaining chips. 

How long does peppermint bark take to set

At room temperature, the peppermint bark will take 2-3 hours to set. To speed up the process, you can put the bark in the fridge and it will set within an hour.

If you live in a cold climate, you can place the peppermint bark inside your garage if you’re running out of fridge space! 

You know you’re from the midwest when you use the garage as a second fridge during the winter. 

How to break peppermint bark

Once the peppermint bark is set and hard, you can break the bark into pieces with your hands or you can use a sharp knife to cut the bark into pieces.

Variations

Chocolate chips. Use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips in place of the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Sprinkles. Add holiday sprinkles to the bark.

Skip the candy canes. You can skip the candy canes and just use peppermint extract to bring in the mint flavor.

Keep the layers separate. Instead of swirling the chocolates together, you can layer them on top of one another. Be sure to allow one layer to set before adding the next.

Tips for Success

Line the cookie sheet with a silicone mat, parchment paper or wax paper.

Use a blender or the rolling pin method to crush the candy canes.

Sprinkle the top of the bark with additional candy cane pieces for a pretty presentation.

Don’t have peppermint extract on hand? You can crush more candy canes and mix those in with the melted white chocolate instead.

FAQS

How to store peppermint bark?

This easy peppermint bark recipe can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 weeks.

Can peppermint bark be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze peppermint bark for up to 3 months. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Christmas Recipes

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Peppermint Bark

By: Beth
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 25 + pieces
Peppermint bark is an easy Christmas candy to make! Use white chocolate chips, peppermint extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes to make this festive holiday treat.

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
  • 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips, or high quality white chocolate bar chopped
  • ½ tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
  • ¼ tsp peppermint extract
  • 5 peppermint candy canes, crushed

Instructions 

  • Use a blender or the rolling pin method to crush the candy canes. Place the unwrapped candy canes into a ziplock bag, zip it closed, cover the bag with the towel (to help contain any flying pieces) and whack the candy canes with the rolling pin. 
  • Cover a 10 x 15 inch baking sheet (or any size) with parchment paper or aluminum foil. 

Microwave melting instructions:

  • Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute 30 seconds. Check the mixture and stir. Continue to microwave on 50% power at 1 minute intervals until it’s melted, be sure to stir frequently. 
  • Place the white chocolate chips and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute 30 seconds. Check the mixture and stir. Continue to microwave on 50% power at 1 minute intervals until it’s melted, be sure to stir frequently. Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in the peppermint extract. 

Stove top melting instructions:

  • Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and oil in a pot over low heat on the stove. Occasionally stir with a spatula until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
  • In a separate pot, combine the white chocolate chips and oil over low heat on the stove. Occasionally stir with a spatula until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in the peppermint extract. 

Making the bark:

  • Add the melted chocolate to the lined baking sheet. You can put all of one chocolate on the pan first and swirl in the other one. Or you could put a mix of both chocolates on the pan and then go back and swirl in the rest. Swirl the chocolates using a butter knife or small metal spatula. Add the crushed candy canes pieces. 
  • Refrigerate the bark for 45-60 minutes or until the chocolate no longer feels soft when you press your finger on it.
  • Break the bark into smaller pieces with your hands or cut into pieces using a sharp knife. 
  • Store in a container or plastic bag on the counter. 

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
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