Name: Christmas Chocolate Bark: Crush Holiday Blues in 15 Mins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch

Jump to Recipe

Is it even the holidays if you’re not elbow-deep in powdered sugar and sprinkles? I don’t think so! For me, the season is all about traditions, and one of my absolute favorites is whipping up a batch (or three!) of Christmas Chocolate Bark. But not just any bark – oh no, we’re talking Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch!

Seriously, this stuff is addictive. It’s the perfect blend of rich chocolate and that cool, refreshing peppermint zing. Plus, it’s so ridiculously easy to make that even my little nephew can get in on the action (though, fair warning, things can get a *little* messy!). I remember one year, we tried to make a “fancy” swirled design and ended up with more chocolate on our faces than on the bark. Good times!

If you’re looking for a quick, festive dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further. This Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch is your answer. Trust me, it’ll become a holiday tradition in your house, too!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch

Okay, so why *this* Christmas Chocolate Bark recipe? Let me tell you, there are a million reasons! But here are a few of my personal faves:

Quick and Easy Christmas Chocolate Bark

Seriously, you can whip this up in, like, 10 minutes! Okay, maybe 15 if you’re like me and tend to sample the chocolate a *little* too much. The point is, it’s FAST!

Festive Flavors for Christmas Chocolate Bark

Chocolate and peppermint? Come ON! It’s the ultimate holiday power couple. That cool, minty crunch with the rich, smooth chocolate… *swoon*. My favorite part is how the peppermint just makes it scream “CHRISTMAS!”

Perfect for Gifting Christmas Chocolate Bark

Need a last-minute gift? Bam! Christmas Chocolate Bark to the rescue. Wrap it up in some cute cellophane with a ribbon, and you’re golden. Everyone loves getting homemade goodies, right?

Customizable Christmas Chocolate Bark Recipe

Don’t like peppermint (gasp!)? No problem! Throw on some nuts, pretzels, dried cranberries… whatever your heart desires! This Christmas Chocolate Bark is your blank canvas. Go wild!

Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You really don’t need much to make this amazing Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch. Keep in mind, the better the chocolate, the better the bark! I’m just sayin’!

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: I like to use a good quality chocolate bar and chop it myself, but chocolate chips work in a pinch.
6 ounces white chocolate, chopped: Again, quality matters! You want that smooth, creamy melt.
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: You can buy these already crushed (score!), or just throw some peppermints in a baggie and whack ’em with a rolling pin. It’s kinda therapeutic, actually!

That’s it! See? Told ya it was easy! Now, let’s get to the fun part!

Equipment You’ll Need for Christmas Chocolate Bark

Okay, before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got all your gear! You don’t need anything fancy-schmancy for this Christmas Chocolate Bark, just a few essentials. Trust me, having everything ready makes life SO much easier.

Baking sheet: Any size will do, really. Just needs to be big enough to spread your chocolate on!
Parchment paper: This is a MUST. Trust me on this one – it makes clean-up a breeze and prevents sticking.
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate. I usually use the microwave (because, let’s be honest, I’m impatient!), but a double boiler works great too for more even melting.

How to Make Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t be intimidated – this Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch is seriously foolproof. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be swimming in pepperminty chocolate goodness in no time!

Melting the Chocolate for Christmas Chocolate Bark

First things first, we gotta melt that chocolate! Now, you’ve got options here. If you’re fancy, use a double boiler. Just put some water in the bottom pot, bring it to a simmer, and then melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the top pot, stirring until smooth. But, let’s be real, I usually nuke it in the microwave. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s all melty and gorgeous. Be careful not to burn it! Burnt chocolate is a sad, sad thing.

Do the same with the white chocolate in a separate bowl. Remember, white chocolate burns even faster, so keep a close eye on it!

Spreading and Swirling Christmas Chocolate Bark

Alright, grab your baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour that melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the parchment and spread it out evenly with a spatula. You want a nice, thin layer – about 1/4 inch thick is perfect. Now, take your melted white chocolate and drizzle it all over the semi-sweet chocolate. Get creative! Swirl it with a knife or toothpick for a fancy effect. Or just go wild – it’ll taste amazing either way!

Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch - detail 1

Adding the Peppermint Crunch to Christmas Chocolate Bark

This is the fun part! Sprinkle those crushed peppermint candies all over the chocolate. Don’t be shy! Gently press them into the chocolate with your fingers so they stick. This is important, otherwise, you’ll have a peppermint avalanche later!

Setting and Breaking Christmas Chocolate Bark

Pop that baking sheet into the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. Once it’s solid, take it out and break it into pieces. You can use a knife to make clean cuts, or just go for it and snap it into rustic-looking chunks. I usually opt for the latter – less fuss, more fun! And there you have it – gorgeous, delicious Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch! Time to dig in!

Tips for the Best Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch

Want to take your Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years!

Use good chocolate! Seriously, it makes a HUGE difference. Don’t skimp on the cheap stuff.
Crush your peppermint candies finely. Big chunks are hard to bite and can make the bark uneven. I like to use a food processor for this, but a rolling pin works just fine!
Don’t let your chocolate bloom! This happens when the chocolate gets too warm and then cools down too quickly. You’ll see a white-ish coating on the surface. It’s still safe to eat, but it doesn’t look as pretty. To avoid blooming, melt your chocolate slowly and evenly, and don’t put the bark in the freezer to speed up the setting process. Patience, my friend!

Christmas Chocolate Bark Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch? Awesome! Now it’s time to get a little crazy! The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

Other Chocolate Chips for Christmas Chocolate Bark

Not a fan of semi-sweet? No problem! Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even those fancy flavored chocolate chips like peanut butter or salted caramel. Ooh, or what about mixing a couple different kinds? Now *that’s* what I’m talking about!

Nutty Christmas Chocolate Bark

Want a little extra crunch? Throw on some chopped nuts! Almonds, pecans, walnuts… they all work great. Toasting them beforehand brings out even more flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch - detail 2

Salty Christmas Chocolate Bark

Sweet and salty is my JAM! Sprinkle some pretzels, sea salt, or even potato chips (yes, really!) on your Christmas Chocolate Bark for a seriously addictive treat. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

Storing Your Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch

So, you’ve made a batch of Christmas Chocolate Bark… and somehow haven’t eaten it all in one sitting (I’m impressed!). To keep those leftovers fresh and delicious, just pop them into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. It’ll last for a good week or two… if it lasts that long, that is!

Christmas Chocolate Bark Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers, but with a HUGE disclaimer: these are just estimates! The nutritional info for this Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint Crunch can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use and how heavy-handed you are with the peppermint (guilty!). So, take this with a grain of salt (or a sprinkle of sea salt, if you’re feeling fancy!). I can’t provide exact numbers, but I can tell you it’s probably not health food… but hey, it’s Christmas! Enjoy!

Questions About Christmas Chocolate Bark

Got questions about making this Christmas Chocolate Bark? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:

Can I use milk chocolate for Christmas Chocolate Bark?

Absolutely! While I personally prefer semi-sweet chocolate for that richer, less-sweet flavor, milk chocolate works just fine. It’ll give you a sweeter, creamier bark. Just be mindful that it melts a little faster, so keep a close eye on it!

How long does Christmas Chocolate Bark last?

If you store your Christmas Chocolate Bark properly in an airtight container (and in the fridge!), it should last for about two weeks. But let’s be real, it’s usually gone way before then at my house!

Can I freeze Christmas Chocolate Bark?

Yep! If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can totally freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then pop it into a freezer bag. It’ll last for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat it, just let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. It might not be *quite* as shiny as it was before freezing, but it’ll still taste amazing!

Make Your Christmas Chocolate Bark Today!

So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and whip up a batch of this Christmas Chocolate Bark! It’s the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer (and satisfy your sweet tooth!). And hey, if you try it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Or even better, give the recipe a rating! Happy baking!