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
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 did the layers of 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.
What company makes peppermint bark? ›
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.
Does Costco sell peppermint bark? ›
Costco's peppermint bark has a distinctive snap. And paired with the healthy sprinkling of candy canes, the crisp and crunchy texture makes for an exciting bite.
Does Williams Sonoma peppermint bark expire? ›
A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year. Thank you for your feedback!
What is the shelf life of William Sonoma peppermint bark? ›
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.
Does peppermint bark go bad? ›
Does peppermint bark go bad? Yes, peppermint bark will go bad if not stored properly and/or consumed within a few weeks. It's very important that you store the peppermint bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Why is my peppermint bark sticky? ›
No, peppermint bark doesn't need to be refrigerated. In fact, keeping it in the fridge can cause it to get sticky as moisture collects on the peppermint candy. Remember, this is just candy. You don't normally keep your candy in the fridge, so no need to do it here.
Where is 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.
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.
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.
Does Sam's Club have peppermint bark? ›
Peppermint bark is one of those treats that the holidays are known for. It's a gourmet food gift to send, and a wonderful old-fashioned treat for your own household. This will quickly become a favorite among candy gifts this season. This product is covered by the Sam's Club Member Satisfaction Guarantee.
What are the ingredients in Costco peppermint bark? ›
INGREDIENTS: SUGAR, COCOA BUTTER, WHOLE MILK POWDER, UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE, NONFAT DRY MILK, SOY LECITHIN - AN EMULSIFIER, FLAKED CORN, YELLOW CORN FLOUR, NATURAL PEPPERMINT FLAVOR, PALM OIL, VANILLA, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, CORNSTARCH, RED #40 LAKE.
What are the ingredients in Kirkland peppermint bark? ›
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. INGREDIENTS: sugar, palm kernel oil, cocoa processed with alkali, milk, nonfat milk, corn syrup, contains 2% or less of the following: lactose, whey, palm oil, soy lecithin, natural flavors, artificial color (fd&c red #40).
Who invented the peppermint candy cane? ›
Just about everyone agrees that today's candy cane appeared in the U.S. around 1847 in Wooster Ohio, made by August Imgard, a German-Swedish immigrant. I've read different accounts–that the “J” shape stands for Jesus, that they were made to look like a shepherds crook.
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 1920, Henry Kessler opened the York Cone Company in York, Pennsylvania. It wasn't until 1940 that Peppermint Patties came into the picture. The York Cone Company merged with The Hershey Company in 1988, and today, YORK Peppermint Patties are synonymous with dark chocolate and peppermint.
Who invented peppermint patties? ›
The history of this cool treat goes back all the way to 1920 when Henry Kessler opened the York Cone Company, right in York, Pennsylvania. About 20 years later, the peppermint patty was introduced.
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home