If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines crunchy, sweet, and minty all in one delightful bite, this Christmas Bark Recipe is your new holiday hero. It’s a dazzling blend of red holiday Oreos, cool mint flavors, peppermint chips, pretzels for that irresistible crunch, and festive candies all coated in smooth, creamy white chocolate. Whether you’re making this for a party, a gift, or just to indulge yourself, this Christmas Bark Recipe brings together flavors and textures that scream joy and celebration in every piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Bark Recipe comes from a handful of simple but perfectly chosen ingredients. Each one adds its own special touch—colorful, crunchy, minty, and sweet—that makes every bite a festive celebration.
- 7 red holiday Oreos (79g, broken into pieces): Adds a chewy chocolate burst with a splash of bright red festive color.
- 7 cool mint Oreos (79g, broken into pieces): Offers that refreshing minty twist to balance the sweetness.
- 1½ cups stick pretzels (60g): Brings a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- ½ cup peppermint baking chips (85g): Infuses each bite with classic holiday peppermint flavor, especially when using Andes chips.
- ½ cup mint M&M’s (85g, divided): Adds vibrant color and a minty chocolate surprise.
- ½ cup peanut M&M’s (85g, divided): Introduces a nutty crunch and a little extra indulgence.
- 1 lb. white chocolate baking bars (454g): The luscious canvas that holds all the mix-ins together with creamy sweetness. Ghirardelli is highly recommended for its smooth melt.
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles (24g): A festive finish that makes the bark look as cheerful as it tastes.
How to Make Christmas Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a large baking sheet with wax paper. This is the easiest way to make sure your Christmas Bark lifts off smoothly once it’s set. Parchment paper sprayed with nonstick spray can work if wax paper isn’t available, but wax paper is the golden ticket here.
Step 2: Layer the Mix-Ins
Spread out the broken red holiday Oreos, cool mint Oreos, stick pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about three-quarters of your M&M’s evenly across the baking sheet. This gives you a gorgeous, textured base full of flavor and crunch before the chocolate even enters the scene.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate baking bars in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on medium power for 1½ minutes, then take a break to stir. Microwave an additional minute until the chocolate is glossy and smooth—watch closely so it doesn’t scorch because perfection is key here.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Chocolate
Pour the melted white chocolate over your mixture on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. This chocolate layer is what holds the whole Christmas Bark Recipe together, so take your time to get it right.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and the red and green sprinkles over the top. This step creates a festive look and adds a little extra crunch and color that will wow anyone lucky enough to try it.
Step 6: Chill and Break
Place your tray in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set firmly. Once the bark is hardened, gently break it into small pieces. These chunks are perfect for snacking or gift-giving.
How to Serve Christmas Bark Recipe
Garnishes
While the Christmas Bark Recipe itself is colorful and festive, adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or more red and green sprinkles on top before serving can elevate the look and give a fresh peppermint burst. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy finish for holiday parties.
Side Dishes
This bark pairs wonderfully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or peppermint-spiked coffee, making it a perfect holiday pairing. It also serves well alongside simple finger sandwiches or a cheese board for a well-rounded holiday snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, wrap broken pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons or place them in decorative tins. Serving them on a colorful holiday platter or nesting them in cupcake liners adds a charming touch sure to impress guests at your celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, which might be unlikely because this bark is seriously addictive, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and fresh for up to two weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze Christmas bark to extend its shelf life. Just place the pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers in between to prevent sticking. When wrapped well, it stays fresh for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Since this bark is a cold treat, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow the bark to come to room temperature if it has been chilled or frozen to enjoy the perfect bite without melting or losing its crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate?
Absolutely! While this Christmas Bark Recipe shines with creamy white chocolate, dark or milk chocolate work beautifully if that’s your preference. Just be aware the flavor profile and look will change slightly but still delicious.
What if I don’t have peppermint baking chips?
If peppermint baking chips aren’t on hand, you can use crushed peppermint candies or candy canes as an alternative. They add that minty pop and a lovely crunch to the bark.
Is it necessary to use Oreo cookies?
The Oreos add a great flavor and texture contrast, but if you want to try different cookies, feel free to. Just opt for sturdy, crunchy cookies that won’t get soggy under the chocolate.
How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning?
Microwave in short intervals on medium power and stir frequently. Melting chocolate gently and slowly is the secret to a smooth, glossy finish without burning.
Can I add nuts to this Christmas Bark Recipe?
Yes! Nuts like chopped almonds, pecans, or pistachios can add an extra layer of flavor and crunch, making this holiday treat even more irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Bark Recipe is such a joyful and easy way to bring holiday cheer into your kitchen. Between the crunch, the minty freshness, and the creamy white chocolate, it feels like a celebration with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making it for yourself and see how it becomes an instant favorite among your festive treats.
Print
Christmas Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Bark combines crunchy pretzels, holiday-themed Oreos, peppermint baking chips, and colorful M&M’s all enveloped in rich white chocolate. It’s a perfect sweet and salty treat that’s easy to prepare without baking, making it an ideal holiday dessert or gift.
Ingredients
Cookies and Candy Mix
- 7 red holiday Oreos (79g, broken into pieces, any variety works)
- 7 cool mint Oreos (79g, broken into pieces)
- 1½ cups stick pretzels (60g)
- ½ cup peppermint baking chips (85g, recommend using the Andes baking chips)
- ½ cup mint M&M’s (85g, divided, any variety works)
- ½ cup peanut M&M’s (85g, divided)
Chocolate and Decorations
- 1 lb. white chocolate baking bars (454g, Ghirardelli recommended)
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles (24g)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Cover a large baking sheet with wax paper. If wax paper is unavailable, use parchment paper sprayed lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the mix-ins: Evenly spread the broken red holiday Oreos, cool mint Oreos, stick pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about ¾ of the combined mint and peanut M&M’s over the lined baking sheet.
- Melt the white chocolate: Place the white chocolate baking bars in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on medium power for 1½ minutes, then stir. Continue microwaving for another 1 minute or until the chocolate is melted smoothly. Be vigilant to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Combine chocolate and mix-ins: Pour the melted white chocolate evenly over the prepared cookie and candy mixture. Use a spatula to spread and coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Add toppings: Immediately sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and the red and green sprinkles over the wet chocolate to create a festive appearance. This step must be done before the chocolate hardens.
- Chill the bark: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
- Break into pieces: Once set, gently remove the bark from the tray and break it into small, bite-sized pieces for serving or gifting.
Notes
- Use wax paper for easiest removal, but parchment with nonstick spray works as an alternative.
- Watch the chocolate carefully while microwaving to prevent burning.
- Ensure the chocolate is still wet when sprinkling the toppings for best adhesion.
- This recipe requires no baking, making it quick and easy for last-minute holiday treats.
- Store the bark in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator to maintain freshness.
