If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that combines crunchy, sweet, and minty flavors all in one, this Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture crunchy pretzels and colorful M&M’s mingling with peppermint baking chips, all crowned with luscious white chocolate and festive sprinkles. It’s a stunning and delicious celebration of the holidays that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re gifting it or indulging yourself, this peppermint bark brings that joyful Christmas sparkle to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe lies in its approachable ingredients, each adding something special to the texture, flavor, or festive look. From the salty crunch of pretzels to the vibrant pops of color from M&M’s, these essentials come together for a crowd-pleasing holiday treat.
- Red holiday Oreos (7, broken into pieces): Using colorful Oreos amps up the holiday spirit and adds chocolatey cookie goodness.
- Cool mint Oreos (7, broken into pieces): Minty freshness balances the sweetness and enhances the peppermint theme.
- Stick pretzels (1½ cups): Adds delightful crunch and a touch of saltiness to cut through the sweetness.
- Peppermint baking chips (½ cup): These Andes baking chips bring concentrated mint magic and melt beautifully.
- Mint M&M’s (½ cup, divided): Adds color and an extra minty pop for fun texture.
- Peanut M&M’s (½ cup, divided): Offers a nutty twist and more variety in bite-sized bursts.
- White chocolate baking bars (1 lb.): The silky base that binds everything and delivers creamy sweetness.
- Red and green sprinkles (2 tbsp): For that final festive flourish that makes your bark instantly holiday-ready.
How to Make Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by covering a large baking sheet with wax paper. Wax paper is ideal because it lets you easily lift the bark once it sets, but if you don’t have it on hand, lightly greased parchment paper will do in a pinch. This sets the stage for a mess-free creation process.
Step 2: Spread Out Your Mix-Ins
Scatter the broken pieces of red and cool mint Oreos, the pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about three-quarters of both the mint and peanut M&M’s across your prepared sheet. This even distribution makes sure every piece of bark will have a lively mix of textures and flavors.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Place your white chocolate baking bars into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 1½ minutes, then give the chocolate a good stir. Microwave again for another minute, watching closely to avoid burning. You want the chocolate smooth and fully melted—this luscious backdrop is what pulls the whole bark together.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Chocolate
Carefully pour the melted white chocolate over the cookie and candy mixture on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure all those tasty morsels get coated. This step is where your Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe really starts to come alive in that glossy, creamy layer.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle the reserved M&M’s and the red and green sprinkles atop the wet bark. This pops of color and crunch will make your bark irresistible and perfectly festive. Timing here is everything—you want to catch that chocolate still soft enough to hold all these beautiful toppings.
Step 6: Chill and Break into Pieces
Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge and chill for about 1 hour, or until the bark is completely firm. Once set, break the bark into bite-sized pieces with your hands. The randomness of breaks adds charm, making each piece unique and fun to share.
How to Serve Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant twist, serve your peppermint bark pieces on a festive platter lined with fresh evergreen sprigs or holly. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect that ramps up the holiday vibe.
Side Dishes
While Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe stands as a showstopper on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a rich hot chocolate or creamy eggnog. These complementary drinks balance the sweet and minty profile and create a cozy holiday treat spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbon as delightful edible gifts. Or layer chunks in a clear jar between sprinkles and cookie crumbs for a colorful, reusable gift jar that invites recipients to indulge whenever the mood strikes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if your home is warm. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or nibbling by the fireside.
Freezing
If you want to prepare well in advance, this bark freezes beautifully. Just place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy that festive flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary with this treat, but if your bark softens too much, simply pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up again. This keeps it crisp and snap-ready without losing any of its minty charm.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! While white chocolate gives that classic peppermint bark look, milk or even dark chocolate add a richer flavor that some people prefer. Just choose a high-quality baking chocolate for the best melt and finish.
Do I need special peppermint baking chips?
They help keep that mint flavor vibrant and make for neat melting, but if you can’t find them, finely chopped candy canes or peppermint candies work well as a substitute.
Can I make the bark dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free or vegan white chocolate alternatives and check that your mix-ins are free from animal products. This recipe’s flexibility means you can easily tailor it to fit different diets.
How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning?
Microwave in short bursts with stirring in between. Using medium power rather than high helps the chocolate melt gently and prevents scorching.
What’s the best way to break the bark into pieces?
Once fully chilled, use your hands to gently snap the bark into irregular pieces. This creates a rustic look and varies sizes, perfect for sharing or snacking.
Final Thoughts
What’s not to love about this Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe? It’s colorful, crunchy, creamy, and bursting with festive flavors that bring holiday cheer to every occasion. Whether you’re making it for your own holiday enjoyment or gifting it to loved ones, this bark is a joyful celebration in every bite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create a signature treat that will brighten the season and fill your kitchen with warmth and cheer.
Print
Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Bark features a delightful mix of red holiday Oreos, cool mint Oreos, pretzels, peppermint baking chips, M&M’s, and creamy white chocolate. It’s an easy, no-bake treat perfect for holiday gatherings, combining crunchy, sweet, and minty flavors for a colorful and crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Cookies and Candy Mix
- 7 red holiday Oreos (79g), broken into pieces
- 7 cool mint Oreos (79g), broken into pieces
- 1½ cups stick pretzels (60g)
- ½ cup peppermint baking chips (85g), recommend using Andes baking chips
- ½ cup mint M&M’s (85g), divided
- ½ cup peanut M&M’s (85g), divided
White Chocolate Coating
- 1 lb white chocolate baking bars (454g), Ghirardelli recommended
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles (24g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Cover a large baking sheet with wax paper for easy cleanup. If wax paper is unavailable, parchment paper sprayed with nonstick spray can be used as an alternative.
- Assemble Ingredients on Sheet: Evenly spread broken Oreo pieces, pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about three-quarters of the mint and peanut M&M’s onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate bars in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on medium power for 1½ minutes, then stir. Microwave for another 1 minute until fully melted and smooth, being careful to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Coat the Mixture with Chocolate: Pour the melted white chocolate over the assembled cookie and candy mixture. Use a spatula to spread and fully coat the ingredients evenly.
- Add Final Toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and the red and green sprinkles over the top to decorate and add extra texture.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the fridge and chill for about 1 hour until the bark is firm and set.
- Break into Pieces: Once set, remove from the refrigerator and gently break the bark into approximately 16 small, bite-sized pieces ready for serving.
Notes
- Use wax paper for easiest removal, but parchment paper with nonstick spray can work as a substitute.
- Be sure to melt the white chocolate on medium power and stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle the remaining toppings while chocolate is still wet to ensure they stick well.
- Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- This bark can be customized with different types of chocolate or candies depending on your preference.
- Breaking the bark gently helps retain large chunks for a rustic look and texture.
