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
Flavor. The first thing we noticed about the Williams Sonoma peppermint bark is that the peppermint itself truly shines. It's not just from the candy canes on the surface; it's also infused in both the dark and white chocolate layers.
Why is Ghirardelli peppermint bark so good? ›
The layer of rich dark chocolate and the creamy mint layer with bits of peppermint crunch are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. They're best when kept in the refrigerator as it really helps keeps the mint and chocolate flavors crisp so they stand out more.
Who made the original peppermint bark? ›
After 20 rounds of recipe testing, in 1998, Williams Sonoma founder Chuck Williams and the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen team developed the signature recipe for The Original Peppermint Bark that sparked a food trend that is celebrated by chocolate enthusiasts around the world during the holiday season.
Who makes Costco 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. ♥️🤍 I love this peppermint bark so much!!!
What makes Williams Sonoma smell good? ›
Welcome guests to your home with the fragrant aromas of rosemary, vanilla and lemon with this easy simmer pot.
Does Williams Sonoma peppermint bark expire? ›
A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year.
Is peppermint bark an American thing? ›
Williams Sonoma introduced its version and popularized it in 1998, though the confection existed as early as 1966 in the United States. Peppermint bark is a variation on chocolate bark, which is thought to be derived from traditional French mendiants, though the true origins of this connection have been lost.
Is peppermint candy good or bad for you? ›
Like everything else we consume, it's best to consume them in moderation. Eating enough peppermint candies helps reduce bad breath and relieve indigestion and other stomach problems. However, peppermint candies have a high calorie and sugar content. Eating them in excessive amounts is not good for your overall health.
How long can you store peppermint bark? ›
HOW TO STORE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK. After making the bark, allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the room's temperature. Once you cut your chocolate bark, store it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for about 2 weeks.
How to get free shipping with William Sonoma? ›
To purchase the Reserve Membership, simply add it to your cart. Once the membership is in your cart, you'll be able to complete the purchase. You'll immediately qualify for free standard shipping on all eligible items, which are identified by a Free Shipping indicator that says Reserve Join for Free Shipping.
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.
Why is candy called bark? ›
Once the chocolate has cooled, it's then cut up or broken into smaller pieces. It's easy to see, then, why the most commonly accepted origin of chocolate "bark" comes from the fact that the treat, when finished, resembles the craggy surface of a tree.
How much is the peppermint bark at Costco? ›
Costco's Kirkland Signature Peppermint Bark
The popular holiday bark includes white and dark chocolate coated in crushed peppermint candy for a sweet and minty taste, and the 21-ounce container costs $9.99.
Can you freeze Costco peppermint bark? ›
Adding a small chunk to hot coffee, freezing the package for later, and mixing it into cookie dough were just a few popular recommendations. ♥️ I love this peppermint bark so much!!!
Who makes York peppermint candy? ›
The YORK Peppermint Pattie was acquired by The Hershey Company in 1988. Why are they called YORK Peppermint Patties? Henry Kessler named his new creation the “YORK Peppermint Pattie” after the place it originated - YORK, PA - and the soft and gummy peppermint center - the pattie.
What's the difference between peppermint and peppermint bark? ›
Peppermint bark is a chocolate confection. Generally it consists of peppermint candy pieces, such as candy canes, in white chocolate on top of dark chocolate, but peppermint bark can refer to any chocolate with peppermint candy pieces in it. It is especially popular around the Christmas season.
Is peppermint bark a good gift? ›
Homemade peppermint bark is easy to make and looks great in a pretty holiday tin or gift bag. An easy gift to make Peppermint bark is festive and tasty. The best part is, everyone loves it, and it looks more difficult to create than it actually is.
Is peppermint bark good for dogs? ›
If your dog eats peppermint candy such a candy canes, peppermint bark, or peppermints, it might just cause an upset stomach. But it could also be life-threatening.
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home