A huge fan of Williams Sonoma peppermint bark? Learn how to make this coveted holiday treat at home with just four ingredients.
No flavor says “Merry Christmas” like peppermint. It’s a fact—and during the holidays, we’re loving peppermint in everything from Starbucks holiday drinks to decadent cheesecake. But it wouldn’t be the holiday season without a tin of Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark!
Williams Sonoma debuted its popular treat in 1998 and hasn’t changed the peppermint bark recipe since. The bark features two layers of chocolate and plenty of peppermint flavor; it’s dressed up for the season with crushed peppermint candies on top. And while you can certainly go out and find the original at Williams Sonoma, there’s also the option to make a delicious homemade version. You need only four ingredients and a bit of patience to make this copycat Williams Sonoma peppermint bark!
Key Peppermint Bark Ingredients
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Williams Sonoma has been slinging peppermint bark for more than 20 years, so they’ve got it down to a science. One of the most important keys to replicating that same taste is to be sure you’re using excellent chocolate. Your peppermint bark will only be as good as the chocolate you use to make it. It’s important to look for good-quality bars, and that applies to both the semi-sweet layer and the white chocolate layer.
- Semisweet chocolate: To set the ideal base for this peppermint bark, choose good-quality semisweet chocolate. Williams Sonoma uses Guittard chocolate for their coveted recipe, so if you can get your hands on a few bars, go for that. Other great options include Ghirardelli or Scharffen Berger.
- White chocolate: White chocolate is the key ingredient for the top layer of this peppermint bark. Use bars of good-quality white chocolate such as Guittard, Ghirardelli or Scharffen Berger. It’s best to avoid using white chocolate chips unless they’re made by one of these brands.
- Peppermint candy: This recipe is a great way to use up candy canes. Crush the candy canes or round peppermint candies for the topping.
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark Copycat Recipe
This peppermint bark tastes exactly like the Williams Sonoma recipe, with plenty of flavor throughout. The addition of pure peppermint extract mimics the peppermint oil added to the store-bought version, and it’s dotted with crushed peppermint candies for added flavor, a bit of crunch and a pop of color. Enjoy this festive treat all holiday season long! The recipe below, created by recipe developer Molly Allen serves 16 people—perfect for sharing at a holiday party.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 12 ounces good-quality white chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the chocolate layer
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Start by lining a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Melt the semisweet chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave according to the directions on the packaging. Pour the chocolate into the prepared pan, smooth it with a spatula and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
Editor’s Tip: If you’re new to working with chocolate, this guide on how to melt chocolate is a must-read.
Step 2: Add the white chocolate
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Melt the white chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave according to the directions on the packaging. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour the white chocolate over the prepared chocolate layer. Gently spread the white chocolate with a spatula.
Step 3: Top with peppermint candy
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Sprinkle the white chocolate layer with crushed peppermint candies. Press the candies into the chocolate gently. Allow the peppermint bark to harden at room temperature for at least an hour. Once set, break the bark into pieces with your hands or cut with a knife and store in an airtight container.
Editor’s Tip: To crush the peppermint candies, put them in a heavy-duty zip-top bag. Use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to break them up into small pieces.
Peppermint Bark Variations
- Dark chocolate: Create a batch with the robust flavor of dark chocolate. Use an even swap in place of the semisweet chocolate.
- Sprinkles: Make this treat even more festive by adding red and green sprinkles to the mix. Sprinkle them on top when you add the crushed peppermint candy.
How to Store Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark should be stored in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to four days, or leave it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
FAQs
The origins of peppermint bark are unclear. Williams Sonoma introduced its version and popularized it in 1998, though the confection existed as early as 1966 in the United States.
Why is peppermint bark so good? ›
The cooling, refreshing taste pairs perfectly in nearly every wintertime treat: cookies, co*cktails, and even cheesecake. Most of us can agree, however, that peppermint bark is the best minty dessert of all time. What's not to like? It's chocolatey, crisp, crunchy, and super festive.
How do you keep peppermint bark layers from separating? ›
Tips for Making the Best Peppermint Bark
You can also pick up the baking pan and tip it to help the chocolate slide around. Why are my layers separating? You may have chilled the layers for too long. Only refrigerate the bottom and middle layer for 10–15 minutes before spreading the next layer on top.
Does Williams Sonoma peppermint bark expire? ›
A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year. Thank you for your feedback!
What company makes peppermint bark? ›
www.williams-sonoma.com/peppermintbark. Since its founding by Chuck Williams in 1956, the Williams Sonoma brand has been bringing people together around food.
Who makes Costco's peppermint bark? ›
In a past Reddit thread, one user said, “The Kirkland brand peppermint bark in the bakery is absolutely fire… way better than the individually wrapped Ghirardelli peppermint bark.” Others said it's “the best part of the holidays!” We have to agree with the positive reviews.
How long can you store peppermint bark? ›
Homemade peppermint bark will last about 2 weeks in an airtight container on the counter. In the fridge, it will last up to 3 weeks, although the candy cane pieces on top can become a bit sticky. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it in foil first.
Does peppermint bark go bad? ›
Unlike many other Christmas confections like cookies or gingerbread, peppermint bark actually has a pretty long shelf life. Most store-bought peppermint bark will last a year or more — even when it doesn't contain any preservatives — so you can enjoy it long after the other Christmas treats have disappeared.
How do you get peppermint bark to stick together? ›
The trick for chocolate peppermint bark layers that stick together is to add the white chocolate layer before the semisweet layer is completely set.
Why is it called peppermint bark? ›
The name "bark" or "candy bark" doesn't exactly explain itself, does it? Barks like this peppermint bark are called that because of the way the chocolate candy breaks into craggy pieces that resemble the layers and borders of tree bark. Also, many barks are made with dark chocolates, so the color is similar, too.
You'll need parchment paper to make the recipe work properly; don't try to replace it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. The bark looks attractive either cut or broken into ragged pieces. I pllace in cookie boxes lined with red cellophane. Keep refrigerated for freshness.
Where do you store peppermint bark? ›
Remove the Peppermint Bark from the pan by lifting the edges of the aluminum foil. Peel back the foil and break, or cut, the bark into small irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Why is my peppermint bark soft? ›
If you leave your bark out at room temperature the peppermint bark will tend to be soft. Place back in the refrigerator to harden it back up.
Does Costco sell peppermint bark? ›
Discovered by Laura Lamb at Costco Hot Finds, the Kirkland Signature Peppermint Bark has made its triumphant return to the bakery department and fans have been sounding the alarm upon its arrival.
Who invented the peppermint candy cane? ›
The first documented case of candy canes occurred in 1847 when a German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgard of Wooster, Ohio, decorated a small blue spruce tree with the candy.
Who invented peppermint? ›
Peppermint dates back to at least 1500 B.C. Many experts believe ancient people first began cultivating the leafy green for use in foods and as herbal remedies. Thought to have originated in Northern Africa or the Mediterranean, peppermint gets its name from Greek mythology.
Who originally made York Peppermint Patties? ›
In 1940, YORK Peppermint Patties were introduced by Henry Kessler, the owner of the York Cone Company. The YORK Peppermint Pattie was acquired by The Hershey Company in 1988.
What is the origin of peppermint candy canes? ›
According to folklore, in 1670, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, was searching for a way in which to quiet restless children during his Christmas Eve mass. He asked a local candy maker to create what were then referred to as “sugar sticks” to eat during the service to keep them occupied.
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home