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'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 scent does William Sonoma use? ›
Welcome guests to your home with the fragrant aromas of rosemary, vanilla and lemon with this easy simmer pot.
Who makes peppermint bark for Williams Sonoma? ›
Williams-Sonoma doesn't use any old cocoa to create its bark. The company worked with Guittard to create a proprietary blend of dark chocolate (and another for white chocolate) that only it can use.
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.
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? ›
While peppermint candy is a good snack in small amounts, it can add more calories to your daily diet if you eat it in large quantities. Consuming 20 candies in a single sitting is equivalent to 400 calories; eating them multiple times a week can quickly add up to 3,500 calories, resulting in a pound of fat in a month.
Is Williams Sonoma better than peppermint bark at Costco? ›
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.
A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year. Thank you for your feedback!
What country invented peppermint candy? ›
According to The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets, a local choirmaster in Cologne, Germany, sometime around 1670, was looking for a way to keep rowdy young people quiet while they were watching the live Nativity, and asked a local confectioner to create a special hard candy for the kids to keep busy on for a while.
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.
How long is peppermint bark good for? ›
Frequently Asked Questions. How long is peppermint bark good for? Peppermint bark will last at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.
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.
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? ›
Tins or treat bags of homemade peppermint bark make such a lovely holiday gift. Pair with Christmas cookies in a jar or homemade vanilla sugar for a sweet homemade treat anyone would love to receive!
What does peppermint bark taste like? ›
A seasonal favorite with flavors of rich white chocolate and cool peppermint.
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Molly Allen for Taste of Home