“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children they are all 30 feet tall.” -Larry Wilde
Before I tie on my apron and crack the first egg, I usually take the time to plan out my cookie tray. Big, small, how much, too much, too little, what will be on it, how should it look?
And then it goes something like this:
Peppermint bark…must have peppermint bark. How much peppermint bark should I put on the tray?
I’m convinced everyone loves peppermint bark as much as I do, and if it were an entire tray of just peppermint bark, I wouldn’t need anything else. So I kind of take the approach that anything else on the tray is just a bonus in my mind. And what I have come to realize is that anything else on the tray is a just a bonus in my recipients eyes also. They are excited to get the gift no matter what is on the tray. It doesn’t matter how small or how large it is. Nor does it matter what it looks like. They are just like the excited child that doesn’t care how big the tree is. In their eyes, they are all 30 feet tall. And in my recipients excited eyes, it doesn’t matter if there is 1 cookie or 100 cookies. Which is what I love, and probably why I keep giving food gifts.
Now back to the peppermint bark! I have been addicted to Williams Sonoma peppermint bark most of my life. The months of November and December are the hardest months for me to go into that store. I could leave with hundreds of dollars in peppermint bark just for me. So to deal with this pricey addiction, I thought I should just figure it out and make the bark myself. Which is what I did, and I love it just as much.
This recipe is super easy to make. And for this recipe, you can pretty much use your favorite chocolate and still have an outstanding product. Spending so much time with chocolate, I went a little fancy with my product this year. For the dark chocolate I used Valrhona Manjari 64% , and for the white chocolate, I stayed with Valrhona.
But again, just go with your favorite, and you will end up with a great product. This recipe makes a jelly roll pan size of bark. Which can fill up quite a few tins or cookie trays. I usually double the recipe, just so I can keep a tray for myself.
I hope you enjoy the peppermint bark recipe as much as I do and don’t forget to save some for yourself.
And if you have missed days 1 through 3 on our 12 days of Christmas baking, here is where you can find the recipes for Special K Bars, Rocky Road Bark, and Mexican Wedding Cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 64% semisweet chocolate
- 1 pound white chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Line a jelly roll pan with waxed paper.
- Melt semisweet chocolate in a double boiler. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
- Spread chocolate over the waxed paper to about a 1/4 inch thickness.
- Place pan in refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set for about 30 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate in double boiler and stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
- Spread the white chocolate over the semisweet chocolate.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate. Gently press candies into the chocolate.
- Allow the chocolate to set fully. Once set, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
34 comments… add one
Jessica Joachim December 13, 2017, 6:48 am
This looks so good! I am having a day of baking with my mom this weekend so this would be something fun to add to our list! I have actually never made bark so it will be fun!
serena December 13, 2017, 8:10 pm
It’s super easy. Give it a try and enjoy 🙂
Rebecca Bryant December 13, 2017, 6:54 am
The perfect holiday treats and gift. We love making peppermint bark at Christmas and really anytime. Peppermint is a delicious flavor.
serena December 13, 2017, 8:09 pm
Thanks!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh December 13, 2017, 7:05 am
Out of all the tasty Christmas goodies, I have never, ever made peppermint bark! I have no excuse why either…because it’s so easy. I think I’m gonna make some this weekend. I have everything in the pantry to do it.
serena December 13, 2017, 8:11 pm
Enjoy!
Taylor Aube December 13, 2017, 9:18 am
I love making this during Christmas time! It’s one of my husband’s favorite treats for the holidays. Such a great recipe too!
serena December 13, 2017, 8:11 pm
Thanks so much!
Melissa Chapman December 13, 2017, 12:09 pm
I know why you could be addicted to chocolate bark it looks so good. You make it seem so easy to make so I will try to make some during these holidays.
serena December 13, 2017, 8:11 pm
Thanks so much and enjoy 🙂
Krystal Butherus December 13, 2017, 1:26 pm
I love peppermint bark! It’s an annual snack we have for our family holiday get together.
serena December 13, 2017, 8:11 pm
It’s one of my favorites. So great for get togethers.
Amber Florek December 13, 2017, 2:48 pm
Homemade gifts are my favorite, and ESPECIALLY edible ones! The best recipe always seem to be the least complicated with only a few high quality ingredients. This looks like a winner!
serena December 13, 2017, 8:09 pm
Thanks so much!
Keki Cannon December 13, 2017, 2:59 pm
I love peppermint bark. I have never made it myself so I will for sure pin this and give it a try this holiday season
serena December 13, 2017, 8:12 pm
Enjoy!
Jen Giambalvo December 13, 2017, 3:34 pm
I LOVE peppermint bark! It is my favorite this time of year! I am going to have to try that chocolate you suggested. I bet it makes the bark that much yummier!!
serena December 13, 2017, 8:09 pm
Quality chocolate always makes the bark so much better. Enjoy 🙂
Laura @ MommyDearest December 13, 2017, 4:26 pm
This is my best friends favourite treat we always make it together every year. I can’t wait for next week when we get to bake together.
serena December 13, 2017, 8:12 pm
Sounds like a fun time! Enjoy 🙂
Melissa @Primpandprimebeauty December 13, 2017, 6:16 pm
I have a serious obsession with peppermint. I think it’s so refreshing and absolutely perfect when paired with chocolate. The perfect Holiday treat!
serena December 13, 2017, 8:08 pm
I’m right there with you regarding that peppermint obsession
Kayvona December 13, 2017, 7:08 pm
OMG yes pepperment bark is soooo amazing lol definitely one of my favorite things to eat during the holidays! I’ve never made it on my own but I actually think I might attempt to make some for my christmas party!
serena December 13, 2017, 8:07 pm
Its super easy. Give it a try!
Reesa Lewandowski December 13, 2017, 8:18 pm
This is one of my favorite holiday treats! And it’s so easy too! I love to include it in my cookie trays!
Rachel December 13, 2017, 8:30 pm
This is one of my favorite things to nibble on at Christmas. It looks like an easy enough recipe. Thanks for sharing.
serena December 13, 2017, 8:34 pm
Thanks so much!
Andrea @ Mama in the City December 13, 2017, 10:09 pm
I just love that quote by Larry Wilde! Creating traditions with my kids feels so extra special this time of the year. We are doing some baking this coming weekend and this recipe looks perfect.
serena December 13, 2017, 10:54 pm
Awe I love that! Enjoy your baking weekend 🙂
Hirra Pervaiz December 13, 2017, 11:21 pm
I’ve always wanted to try chocolate bark and the peppermint and chocolate combo sounds just perfect. Gives those holiday feels. I’m definitely going try out this recipe.
serena December 14, 2017, 7:28 am
It’s super simple to make. Enjoy 🙂
AnnMarie John December 14, 2017, 6:38 am
I love making bark recipes because they’re the easiest to make and they’re always a hit with the kids! This is a classic and it’s definitely worth making!
Cindy Ingalls December 14, 2017, 2:33 pm
I’ve buy peppermint bark every holiday season, yet I’ve never made it. Now I have the perfect excuse to make some for myself and maybe for others as gifts, if I don’t eat it all.
Heather December 15, 2017, 2:50 pm
What an awesome holiday gift! I have so many friends on my list that would appreciate this. And I think I need someone to send it to me too!