Peppermint Bark

Peppermint hot chocolate, peppermint mochas, and peppermint bark are undeniably some of our favorite holiday treats. Sometimes these holiday treats can be a bit costly if you enjoy them as much as we do.

My solution was to figure out how to make my own peppermint bark ;-).

The nice thing about making your own batches is that you can make as gifts, enjoy with your family, and keep some hidden for Santa’s late night treat cravings. Making peppermint bark at home can also be a memorable time with kids. What kid would say no if they were asked to help crush candy canes with a mallet? LOL

Peppermint Bark

1 12 ounce bag semi sweet chips
1 12 ounce bag white chocolate chips
8-10 candy canes crushed
peppermint extract (optional)

Directions:

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Unwrap candy canes and place into a gallon sized ziplock bag. Using a mallet or rolling pin crush candy canes until all pieces are broken up into small pieces. Next you will need to separate the smaller pieces from the larger pieces. I use the lid on a gravy separator I have because the holes are just the right size to separate the candy cane powder and very tiny pieces from the larger pieces that you will want to use on the top of your bark. You don’t have to do it this way. You can really crush the candy canes any way you desire ;-). I like to add the candy can powder/tiny pieces right into the melted white chocolate along with a dash of peppermint extract. Then I use the larger pieces to press into the top of the bark after spreading the white chocolate over the dark chocolate.

After preparing the candy canes you will want to get started on melting your chocolate. Grab two medium sized microwavable bowls and in one place your semi sweet chips and in the other place your white chocolate chips. You will want to start with the semi sweet first. Melt in microwave by checking after 30 second intervals. Mine took 1 1/2 minutes to melt. Pour chocolate onto parchment lined cookie tray and spread with an offset spatula. Place in freezer to harden.

Next you will want to microwave your white chocolate chips. Once they are melted stir in the candy cane powder/small pieces. Add peppermint extract if desired. Spread over hardened dark chocolate. Be careful with this step. You’ll want to work fast but gentle because sometimes the dark chocolate may melt and swirl into your white chocolate. Next add the larger pieces to the top of your bark. Place in freezer for about 5-10 minutes until the top layer has hardened. You can now cut your bark ;-)! After cutting keep the bark refrigerated until you serve.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy!

Note: I used Trader Joe’s morsels.