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
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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
Add chocolate chips to a medium-sized bowl then microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between increments, until the chocolate is smooth - 1:30 - 2 minutes. Add crushed candy canes and peppermint extract, if using, then stir to incorporate. Pour mixture onto prepared sheet pan then spread into an even layer.
Is William Sonoma peppermint bark worth it? ›
So what's the overall verdict? It depends on your preference! If you really love mint, want your peppermint bark to have some heft, or plan to gift it to loved ones, Williams Sonoma is your best bet. If texture or price are the most important factors for you, Costco wins by a landslide.
What is the original peppermint bark? ›
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.
Who makes Costco's 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.
What are the ingredients in peppermint? ›
Chemical constituents
Peppermint has a high menthol content. The essential oil also contains menthone and carboxyl esters, particularly menthyl acetate.
What are the ingredients in Palmer peppermint bark? ›
INGREDIENTS: SUGAR, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL (PALM KERNEL, COCONUT, AND/OR PALM), SKIM MILK, WHEY, CORN SYRUP, PEPPERMINT OIL, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SOY LECITHIN (EMULSIFIER), SALT, VANILLIN (ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR), U.S. CERTIFIED COLOR (FD&C RED #40).
Why is William Sonoma peppermint bark so good? ›
The signature recipe for Williams Sonoma's iconic Peppermint Bark combines a custom blend of light and dark Guittard chocolate layered with triple-distilled peppermint oil, to create a seasonal confection that is often replicated, but never matched in quality or flavor to the Williams Sonoma standard.
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.
How long is William Sonoma peppermint bark good for? ›
A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year. Thank you for your feedback!
Did WIlliams Sonoma invent peppermint bark? ›
In the United States, it wasn't widely popularized until the late 1990s, when the kitchen supply chain WIlliams Sonoma made it a seasonal specialty. Peppermint bark wasn't a new invention at that point, but its actual origins are too hazy to pin down.
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.
Why does my peppermint bark separate? ›
The main reason that peppermint bark layers can separate is it you try to layer a white chocolate made with palm oil over a dark chocolate that's made with cocoa butter. The palm oil can prevent the two layers from sticking together. Be sure to let the bark chill until it's completely set.
How much is peppermint bark at Costco? ›
Just as the holiday season officially began, Costco brought back its Kirkland Signature Peppermint Bark, a fan favorite for many shoppers, including us. 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.
Is Ghirardelli peppermint bark good? ›
These are great clogged chocolates to have around the holidays or really anytime. Although I particularly like them during Christmas because the minty flavor feels seasonal. The brand is our family favorite. Especially, Peppermint is perfect for holidays.
What is the difference between peppermint mocha and peppermint bark? ›
At first glance, the Peppermint Bark Mocha may seem like a carbon copy of the regular Peppermint Mocha, but there's one clear difference: You ask for the Frappuccino with half mocha sauce, half white mocha sauce.
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.
How long is peppermint bark good for? ›
A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year.
Is peppermint bark safe for dogs? ›
Candy canes, starlight mints, peppermint bark... Peppermint is practically everywhere once the winter months roll around. But is peppermint safe for dogs? Quite the opposite: Peppermint is extremely dangerous for your pet.
What is peppermint bark tea good for? ›
Peppermint may help improve digestion, freshen your breath, and improve concentration. Additionally, this mint has antibacterial properties and may improve allergy symptoms, headaches, and clogged airways.
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home