Jolly Peppermint Bark Christmas Candy Recipe for Holiday Fun

Cool winter nights call for a delightful peppermint bark that sparkles with festive cheer.

Sweet chocolate layers meld perfectly with crisp mint flavors.

Crunchy candy cane pieces create a delectable holiday treat everyone adores.

Crafting this dessert takes mere minutes and minimal ingredients.

Home kitchens transform into magical candy workshops with this simple recipe.

Seasonal magic happens when smooth chocolate meets refreshing peppermint crunch.

Unwrap joy and surprise everyone with this mouthwatering Christmas confection.

Why Peppermint Bark Christmas Candy Is a Holiday Favorite

• Festive Fun: Create a delightful holiday treat that brings cheer and excitement to your Christmas celebrations with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Quick Chocolate Magic: Craft a stunning candy in just a few simple steps, using basic melting and spreading techniques that even beginner bakers can master.
• Gift-Worthy Goodness: Transform basic ingredients into a beautiful homemade present that looks professionally made but requires zero advanced culinary expertise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Satisfy sweet tooths with a perfect blend of rich dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy peppermint that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Christmas Candy

• Dark Chocolate Chips: The rich, foundational layer that provides a deep chocolate flavor and solid base for the bark.
• Peppermint Extract: A concentrated flavor enhancer that adds a cool, refreshing mint taste to the dark chocolate layer.

• White Chocolate Chips: A creamy, sweet layer that complements the dark chocolate and creates a classic color contrast.

• Candy Canes: Crisp peppermint candies that add festive color, sweet crunch, and additional mint flavor to the bark.

• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: A non-stick surface that ensures easy removal and clean release of the finished peppermint bark.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Christmas Candy at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, creating a smooth canvas for your delightful Christmas candy.

Step 2: Craft Dark Chocolate Base

• Dark chocolate chips
• Peppermint extract

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until silky smooth.

Gently mix in a touch of peppermint extract for extra holiday flavor. Spread the molten chocolate evenly across the prepared surface, aiming for a thin, uniform layer.

Step 3: Chill Chocolate Layer

Place the chocolate-covered sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to firm up and create a solid foundation for the next delicious layer.

Step 4: Create White Chocolate Topping

• White chocolate chips
• Peppermint extract

Repeat the melting process with white chocolate chips, stirring until completely smooth.

Incorporate the remaining peppermint extract to enhance the festive taste.

Step 5: Layer and Decorate

Pour the white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate layer, spreading it carefully.

Quickly sprinkle crushed candy canes across the surface, gently pressing them into the warm chocolate to ensure they stick.

Step 6: Final Chilling

Refrigerate the bark for 30-60 minutes until completely set and firm to the touch.

Step 7: Break and Serve

Crack the bark into irregular pieces, creating a rustic and inviting look. Share with loved ones or package in festive containers for a heartwarming holiday gift.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Bark Every Holiday Season

• Chill your baking sheet before spreading chocolate for a smoother, more even layer.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips for richer, more decadent peppermint bark flavor.
• Crush candy canes finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large, hard chunks.
• Allow each chocolate layer to set completely before adding the next to prevent mixing.
• Store bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.

Variations to Change Up Peppermint Bark Christmas Candy

• Dark Chocolate Alternative: Replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version of the peppermint bark.
• Vegan Peppermint Bark: Use dairy-free dark chocolate and white chocolate chips made from coconut or almond milk for a plant-based treat.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped almonds or crushed pecans instead of candy canes for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Bark: Ensure all chocolate chips are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free candy canes to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pairings That Complement Peppermint Bark Christmas Candy

• Chocolate Wine Companion: Pair this peppermint bark with a ruby port wine, whose rich sweetness complements the chocolate's depth and balances the mint's coolness.
• Holiday Beverage Match: Serve alongside hot cocoa or a creamy peppermint latte, enhancing the dessert's festive peppermint and chocolate flavors.
• Dessert Plate Partner: Combine with vanilla bean shortbread cookies, creating a delightful texture contrast and extending the sweet holiday experience.
• Refreshing Palette Cleanser: Accompany with a light, crisp sparkling water or champagne to cut through the rich chocolate and refresh the palate between bites.

How to Store Peppermint Bark Christmas Candy Properly

Keep peppermint bark in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 weeks. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve crispness.

Wrap bark pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in a sealed container. Best consumed within 5-7 days for optimal texture and flavor.

Always keep bark away from heat sources and maintain consistent temperature to prevent chocolate from softening or developing white spots.

FAQs

• Can I use chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate?

Yes, chocolate chips work perfectly for this recipe and are easier to melt and handle.

• How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. This keeps the mess contained and creates even-sized pieces.

• What kind of white chocolate should I use?

Choose high-quality white chocolate chips or baking chocolate with a good cocoa butter content for the best flavor and smooth melting.

• Is peppermint extract necessary?

While optional, peppermint extract enhances the candy’s flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip it without compromising the overall taste of the peppermint bark.

Peppermint Bark Christmas Candy Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive peppermint bark brings holiday cheer with its irresistible blend of dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes. Crisp peppermint pieces and smooth chocolate layers create a delightful seasonal treat you cannot resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 ounces (340 grams) white chocolate chips

Flavoring:

• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)

Topping:

• 6 candy canes (crushed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or silicone mat, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for chocolate layering.
2. Carefully melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval until completely smooth and glossy. Incorporate peppermint extract for enhanced flavor.
3. Gently spread the melted dark chocolate across the prepared baking sheet, creating an even layer approximately 1/8-inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate sets and firms up.
4. Using a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with the same careful technique, stirring until achieving a silky consistency. Mix in remaining peppermint extract.
5. Pour the melted white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate layer, spreading uniformly with a spatula to create a seamless surface.
6. Immediately scatter crushed candy canes across the white chocolate layer, pressing them gently to ensure they adhere to the chocolate.
7. Refrigerate the bark for 30-60 minutes until completely solid and firm to the touch.
8. Remove from refrigerator and break into irregular, rustic pieces using hands or a sharp knife.
9. Serve immediately or package in festive containers for a delightful homemade holiday gift.

Notes

• Chill Chocolate Layers Perfectly by ensuring the dark chocolate is slightly set but not completely hardened before adding the white chocolate layer, preventing unwanted mixing.
• Crush Candy Canes Consistently by using a rolling pin or food processor to create uniform, small pieces that distribute evenly across the bark’s surface.
• Control Chocolate Melting Temperature by using low microwave power and stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs by substituting dairy-free chocolate chips and using gluten-free candy canes to make this recipe suitable for various dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Melting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg