This Peppermint Bark recipe only requires six ingredients and it’s incredibly simple to prepare (no fancy equipment required)! Featuring thick, decadent layers of salty pretzels, rich toffee, sweet white chocolate and festive crushed peppermint, this Christmas candy is insanely addictive and always a crowd favorite! This pretzel bark is perfect for homemade gift giving and cookie exchanges, or it makes a beautiful addition to your holiday dessert table!
Fast and full of flavor, this white chocolate peppermint bark recipe is incredibly versatile – it’s perfect for teacher appreciation gifts, last minute holiday gatherings and spur of the moment holiday gifts! Or, you can make it the star of your entertaining dessert spread and serve it with hot cocoa, white Russians or a dessert holiday cocktail! Continue to read on to learn all the tips and tricks for making white chocolate peppermint bark pretzels at home!
Update: This post was originally published in December 2018. I’ve made updates to include more information about Christmas Candy. Plus, I’ve included detailed step-by-step photos to show you how quick and easy this peppermint bark recipe is to make!
Hi, friends!! Today we are making some crazy easy, super simple, utterly delicious and addictive holiday candy!
However, while we are making candy to celebrate the holidays, we also happen to be celebrating something else as well – a new addition to my family: a teeny-tiny, fur-baby girl named Jameson Lilly. She’s absolutely adorable, out-of-control rambunctious, highly lovable and extremely mischievous. Basically, she fits into our family like a champ and we couldn’t be more smitten!
So, to celebrate both the holiday season and our growing brood it’s only right we feast upon ALL the homemade candy humanly possible. Who’s game?!
Pretzel Peppermint Bark
This Christmas candy bark recipe is the perfect balance of salty, savory and sweet! With a base of toffee pretzels smothered with white chocolate and covered with crushed candy canes and red sprinkles, this bark is irresistibly delicious and highly addictive!
Basically, it’s white chocolate covered pretzels kicked up a billion notches! It’s crunchy, slightly creamy, sweet, salty, chocolatey and pepperminty. Basically, it’s everything a confection should be and it’s definitely Christmas candy perfection!!
But, to make things even better, this peppermint bark recipe is crazy easy to make! It only requires 6 ingredients and 15 minutes on hands on cook time – making it perfect for gifting, serving at holiday parties or hoarding to yourself for snack time and dessert (because, ’tis the season for all the candy!)!
Why you’ll love this bark recipe
- Thick layers of pretzels, toffee, chocolate and candy canes!
- It’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty and pepperminty!
- Insanely easy to prepare and ready in 30 minutes!
- Only requires six ingredients, plus sprinkles if you are feeling fancy!
- Perfect for parties, last minute entertaining and holiday gift giving!
What is peppermint bark?
Peppermint bark, also known as Christmas candy, is a layered holiday confection featuring a sheet of chocolate (either semisweet, dark or white) covered with peppermint candy pieces, such as crushed candy canes. Since ‘bark’ refers to any chocolate confection with peppermint pieces it can also include layers of pretzels, nuts, toffee, caramel or dried fruits (to name a few).
What do I need to make bark?
This peppermint bark recipe is rich, addictive and always a crowd favorite! This homemade bark recipe only requires six ingredients to create a crunchy, festive candy you and your will love!
Below are the ingredients I typically use. However, this recipe is very flexible and easy to adapt to your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand! Be sure to see below for tips on customizing this bark! (And, don’t forget to scroll down for detailed measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)
Ingredients you need for homemade Christmas bark
- Pretzels: I like to use mini pretzels or pretzel snaps (squares); however pretzel pieces and twists work as well! I recommend using salted pretzels for the best, addictive flavor!
- Butter: You need one cup of unsalted butter for making the toffee. You can use salted butter if you prefer a saltier candy!
- Brown Sugar: One cup of light brown sugar is also needed for the homemade toffee layer.
- Chocolate: I prefer to use white chocolate to keep things super festive – snowy white chocolate forms the perfect backdrop for peppermints!
- Peppermint Extract: Peppermint extract gives this bark that signature holiday flavor!
- Candy Canes: One cup of crushed candy canes are the pièce de résistance of this holiday bark! If you can’t find candy canes, you can use peppermint candies instead! (See below for various topping ideas if you want to substitute the candy canes.)
Variations
Want to make a few changes to this pretzel peppermint bark recipe? Fantastic! Get creative – add or substitute your favorite mix-ins to create homemade candy you and your family will love! You can use as many mix-ins as you like! For this recipe, you will need approximately 1 cup of toppings. Below are a few ideas to get you started.
How to customize this recipe
- Chocolate: Not a fan of white chocolate? No worries! Try using semi-sweet, milk or dark chocolate instead!
- Caramel: Caramel sauce is a wonderful pairing for chocolate!
- Nuts: Salted pistachios, peanuts and almonds are a great way to add more salty crunch!
- Candied Nuts: Because, sweet on sweet is always a good idea!! I love adding salted-caramel cashews or bourbon pecans to my bark!
- Dried Fruit: Apricots, strawberries, cranberries and figs are a wonderful way to add a pop of color and chewy flavor!
- Chips: Crushed potato chips are a fun way to add salty flavor!
- Coconut: Coconut flakes are perfect for adding nutty, sweet flavor! I highly recommend you toast your coconut flakes for the best taste.
- Candy: Candy on candy is the ultimate decadence! Try using Snicker’s, Reeses’s, M&M’s, Mounds and Butterfingers!
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows will add a bit of fluffy texture and a provide a fun aesthetic!
- Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles are my favorite addition to chocolate bark! Use your favorite color of sprinkles to really make this bark glisten and shine!
Tip: Make sure you roughly chop or crush any large toppings, such as candy bars and chips.
How do you melt chocolate for bark?
You can melt chocolate for bark in one of two ways – in the microwave or on the stove in a double boiler. If you are using milk, dark or semi-sweet chocolate the microwave is the easiest method for melting. However, white chocolate is not ‘real chocolate’ – it’s a combination of sugar, milk, cocoa butter and fat – and, it has a lower melting point. Therefore, white chocolate is more prone to seizing and it requires a bit more patience and care.
Methods for melting chocolate
- Melting chocolate in the microwave (the easy method): While this method is the easiest, you must be careful! And, never use this method for white chocolate! To melt chocolate, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring well between each interval. Be patient (stir!) and heat until the chocolate is melted through.
- Using a double boiler to melt chocolate (the best method for white chocolate): This method is the most reliable way to melt chocolate. You can use this method for any variety of chocolate, including white chocolate chips or bars! A double-boiler is a special cooking pan made of two components: a small saucepan that holds the water and a metal bowl that fits on top of it. Don’t worry if you don’t own a fancy double boiler though, because it is so easy to make one yourself. (See the tip below.) To melt chocolate, fill the bottom saucepan with approximately 1 to 1 1/2-inches of water – the water must not touch the bowl resting on top. Bring the water to a rapid simmer and immediately lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Add the chocolate to the bowl. Stir the chocolate gently and continuously until only a few lumps of chocolate remain. Make sure you avoid overheating the chocolate or it will seize up on you!! Remove the chocolate from the heat and continue to stir until the chocolate is completely and evenly melted!
Pro-tip: Make sure you use chocolate chips or chop your chocolate into small chunks before melting!
To make a double-boiler at home: Use any medium saucepan and stack a metal or heatproof glass bowl on top of the saucepan. Take care to make sure that the bowl fits snugly on the pan and not touching the bottom of the bowl.
How to make White Chocolate Peppermint Bark?
This peppermint bark recipe is incredibly easy to prepare – there’s no candy thermometer or fancy equipment required!
(Don’t forget to scroll down for the detailed instructions in the complete printable recipe at the bottom of the page.)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 10×15-inch rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Pretzel layer: Spread the pretzel pieces evenly out onto the foil. Set aside.
- Make toffee: Combine the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 ½ -3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add toffee layer: Remove the toffee from the stove and then pour evenly over the pretzels.
- Bake the candy in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Set aside on the counter to cool slightly.
- Make a double boiler: Simmer a 1-2 inches of water medium saucepan. Stack a metal or glass bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure the bowl fits snugly on the pan and the water is NOT touching the bottom of the bowl (DIY Double boiler).
- Melt the white chocolate: Add the chocolate and peppermint extract to the bowl of the double boiler. Cook, stirring constantly until chocolate is just melted.
- Add the chocolate layer: Remove chocolate from heat. Immediately pour the chocolate on top of the pretzel toffee. Use an offset spatula to quickly and evenly spread the chocolate out.
- Add candy canes and sprinkles: Top the white chocolate immediately with the crushed candy canes, pressing them into the chocolate gently, and top with sprinkles.
- Let the candy cool completely. Allow the candy to harden completely – either set at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate the bark for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Lift the foil out of the pan and remove candy from foil. Cut or break into pieces and serve. Enjoy!
How to easily make Christmas candy step by step photos:
Tips for the best homemade Bark recipe:
- Line baking sheet: Do not forget to line your baking sheet with parchment or wax paper before making this bark! There’s nothing worse than a large sheet of candy stuck to a pan!
- White chocolate is more prone to seizing than plain and milk chocolate. To prevent seizing, make sure you melt white chocolate in double boiler until just melted and a couple of small lumps remain. Remove the bowl from the heat and continue to stir. Avoid over-heating your chocolate to reduces the risk of seizing.
- Spread layers evenly: Make sure you spread all the layers out evenly. Use an offset spatula for spreading out the chocolate.
- Work fast: The chocolate will harden quickly, so be fast (yet gentle) when you are adding the crushed peppermints!
- To easily crush candy canes put them in a large zip-closure bag, seal the bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them.
- Gluten-free: Looking to make this pretzel bark gluten free? You can substitute gluten free pretzels for mini pretzels!
How long does bark take to dry or set?
Bark needs to fully set and harden before serving! While the approximate time it takes bark to dry will depend upon the temperature of your house, peppermint bark typically takes a few hours to dry at room temperature.
However, you can speed up the process if you are in a hurry by using the refrigerator! Refrigerated bark will take approximately 15-20 minutes to set.
How to cut peppermint bark?
The entire pan on bark needs to completely harden before you cut (or snap) it into individual servings!
Cutting bark:
- Fully Set: Allow bark to completely harden in the refrigerator or on the counter.
- Remove parchment or aluminum: Once the bark is fully set and hardened, lift the bark up and out of the baking pan. Peel the parchment or aluminum off of the bottom of the bark and discard.
- Cut or Break: Use a sharp Chef’s knife to cut the bark into squares or desired shapes. Alternatively, you can use your hands to break the sheet of bark into large pieces.
Tips for storing and freezing peppermint bark
Want to make this in bark in advance for gift giving, or freeze it to enjoy at a later date? Read below for tips on safely storing and freezing candy bark!
Should peppermint bark be refrigerated?
This Christmas bark recipe does not need to be refrigerated! It will keep perfectly as long as it is properly stored! Store bark in an airtight container with a tight fitting lid – storage containers, glass jars or festive cookie tins are all great – in a cool, dry and dark place!
How long does peppermint bark last?
Properly stored, chocolate bark will stay fresh for 2 weeks at room temperature. Alternatively, you can store the bark in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If storing in the refrigerator, make sure you place it in a small airtight container to prevent moisture from spoiling the chocolate and pretzel!
Can you freeze peppermint bark?
This Christmas peppermint pretzel bark recipe does not freeze well! The moisture in the freezer will absorb into the pretzels and cause them to turn stale.
How to wrap and present Christmas Candy
This peppermint bark recipe makes the perfect gift! Looking to hand out this candy out as a holiday gift, but don’t know where to start? Read below for easy ideas for packaging this bark for gift giving!
- Tins: Reusable or disposable festive holiday tins are an easy vessel for storing (and gifting) bark! Line the tin with pretty holiday tissue paper for added festive flare!
- Candy Boxes: I’m a huge fan of candy boxes with individual compartments of different flavors of candy! Make multiple types of bark (peppermint, chocolate, Oreo, cheesecake, fruit and nut, etc.!) for a fun variety pack of homemade Christmas crunch!!
- Cookie Boxes: Add this holiday bark to your cookie box for a decadent, crunchy sweet treat!
- Bags: Disposable cellophane candy bags are economical and perfect for wrapping bark! Use a fun, glittery bow to make it festive!
Stop paying for overpriced, prepackaged white chocolate covered pretzels at the store and DIY with this easy White Chocolate Peppermint Bark recipe! This is a salty, sweet treat that everyone is sure to love!
Until next week, friends, cheers – to stress-free holiday baking!
XOXO
Cheyanne
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More recipes for holidays!
If you love this easy Christmas Candy, try one of these festive recipes next:
- Chocolate Dessert Sauce (for dipping fruit, cookies, candy and more!)
- Chocolate Cranberry Muffins Recipe (also known as Christmas muffins!)
- Easy Cheese Danish Recipe (Individual easy danishes for a crowd!)
- Pecan Cookies (THE cookie for the holiday!)
- Peppermint Holiday Cocktail Recipe (It’s all in the name!)
More candy recipes!
- Bacon Candy (sweet and crispy bacon with brown sugar and maple syrup!)
- Candy Walnuts (where my obsession with all things candy started!)
The best Peppermint Bark recipe👇
Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe (Christmas Candy!)
Equipment
- Rimmed Cookie Sheet
- Medium Saucepan
- Glass or Metal Bowl
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Mini Pretzels (about 9 ounces)
- 1 1/2 Cups Unsalted Butter (3 sticks)
- 1 1/2 Cups Light Brown Sugar - packed
- 24 ounces White Chocolate Chips - or finely chopped white chocolate bars
- 1 tsp Peppermint Extract (Optional, but highly recommended!)
- 12 Candy Canes – crushed (about 1 cup) (SEE NOTES)
- Red & White Sprinkles (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 10x15’’ rimmed cookie sheet (jelly roll pan) with parchment paper or aluminum foil, letting the ends overlap the pan so you can easily lift the candy out when set. If using foil, spray the foil lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pretzel Layer: Spread the pretzel pieces evenly out onto the prepared cookie sheet. Set aside.
- Make toffee: Combine the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Toffee Layer: Remove the mixture (toffee) from the stove and then pour evenly over the pretzels. Be careful as the mixture will be very hot!! (Make sure you move quickly as the toffee will harden. Do not worry if there are large holes as the toffee will come together when baking in the next step.)
- Bake the candy in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Set aside on the counter to cool slightly.
- Make a double boiler: Gently simmer a 1-2 inches of water in medium saucepan. Stack a heat proof glass or metal bowl on top of the saucepan - making sure the bowl fits snugly on the pan and the water is NOT touching the bottom of the bowl (DIY Double boiler).
- Melt the chocolate: Add the chocolate and peppermint extract to the bowl of the double boiler. Stir constantly until chocolate is almost fully melted. Avoid over heating the chocolate! Remove the bowl from the double boiler and continue to stir until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Chocolate Layer: Carefully and evenly pour the melted chocolate on top of the pretzel toffee. Use an offset spatula to quickly and evenly spread the chocolate out in an even layer.
- Add candy canes and sprinkles: Top the white chocolate immediately with the crushed candy canes, pressing them into the chocolate gently, and top with sprinkles.
- Let the candy cool completely. Refrigerate the bark for 20 minutes, or let the candy sit at room temperature for a couple hours, until the chocolate is completely set.
- Serve: Lift the foil out of the pan and remove candy from foil. Cut or break into pieces and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten Free: Looking to make this gluten free? Substitute gluten free pretzels for mini pretzels!
- Crushing Candy Canes: To easily crush candy canes put them in a large zip-closure bag, seal the bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them.
- Melting Chocolate: White chocolate to more prone to seizing than plain and milk chocolate. To prevent seizing, make sure you melt white chocolate in double boiler until JUST melted, and a couple of small lumps of un-melted chocolate remain in the bowl. Remove the bowl from the heat and continue to stir. The chocolate will continue to melt and this reduces the risk of overheating the chocolate, causing it to seize.
- Storage: Store bark in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Alternatively, you can store the bark in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If storing in the refrigerator, make sure you place it in a small airtight container to prevent moisture from spoiling the chocolate and pretzel!
Nutrition
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aww…love that you have a new furry addition to the family! I have to know the story behind the name, Jameson Lilly!
Loving everything about this salty sweet peppermint bark. Perfect edible gift if I don’t eat it all myself!
Awww!!! Congrats on your addition! An addition that definitely calls for celebrating with ALL the white chocolate pretzel bark! 7 week old Jameson Lilly must be so darn adorable – hoping y’all enjoy every moment! Back to this bark though – so seriously YUM – that layer of white chocolate is so drolliciously thick!! XOXO
This bark sounds delicious! I’m putting together my list of recipes that I’m making on Christmas Eve + Christmas, and this might need to go on the dessert menu 🙂
Congrats on a new addition to your family, Chey! While I’m more a cat person, spaniels are super cute. And this peppermint bark? That’s a quintessence of an easy yet delicious and nostalgic treat!
I love peppermint bark, Cheyanne – so easy and fun to make – and a great gift. And congratulations on your new little friend! King Charles Cavaliers are charming little dogs – so frisky and fun and sweet. Post a picture soon – I want to see that sweet little face!
Congratulations on your new pup — how fun! I love sweet and salty treats like this and I’d have a hard time walking away from this. This would make a great holiday gift if I could part with it! 🙂
Perfect snack for the sweet tooth and satisfies the salt craving too! Will have to give this one a try!
Congratulations on the new addition to your family and so fitting that you are sharing “bark” 🙂 Love this! The combination of the salty and sweet would be fabulous. Need to add this one to my holiday list!
Congratulations on the new fur baby! I’m so excited for you and I love her name :). Give her some extra cuddles from Cookie and me! As for this bark, I’m not sure how you captured all my favorites in one recipe but you did. Salty, sweet, minty, white chocolate-y–I can’t even take it. This would last approximately half a day in my kitchen. Have a great weekend, Chey!
OMG! A new puppy! Our first dog with our boys when they were little was a King Charles named Piper! OMG! She was the best dog ever! They are such sweet, cuddly dogs! So happy for you and Boy! And what a great treat to celebrate the occasion! This toffee looks holiday perfect Chey! Pinned and can’t wait to give it a try!
They look unbelievably beautiful , festive and tempting!