If you are looking for a festive treat that perfectly combines crunchy, sweet, and minty flavors, you are going to adore this Christmas Bark Recipe. This dessert is a fun, colorful concoction that blends holiday Oreos, pretzels, peppermint chips, and M&M’s all coated in smooth white chocolate. It’s the kind of treat that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any holiday dessert table. Whether you’re gifting it or enjoying it by the fireside, this Christmas Bark Recipe is sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Bark Recipe lies in its simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each add something special to the final result. The crunch of pretzels, the burst of minty flavor from the Oreos and peppermint chips, and the colorful pop of M&M’s and sprinkles all come together to create a symphony of taste, texture, and festive cheer.
- Red holiday Oreos (79g, broken into pieces): These bring a festive look and a delicious, minty cookie crunch.
- Cool mint Oreos (79g, broken into pieces): Adds minty freshness to balance the sweetness and enhance the holiday spirit.
- Stick pretzels (60g): Provide a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet elements.
- Peppermint baking chips (85g): The Andes baking chips melt into the bark, infusing it with smooth, cool mint flavor.
- Mint M&M’s (85g, divided): A vibrant addition that adds color and a satisfying chocolate crunch.
- Peanut M&M’s (85g, divided): Offers an unexpected nutty twist and additional texture.
- White chocolate baking bars (454g): This creamy base ties all the ingredients together in a rich, silky coat.
- Red and green sprinkles (24g): For that final touch of festive color and sparkle.
How to Make Christmas Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by covering a large baking sheet with wax paper; this will prevent the bark from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have wax paper, parchment paper sprayed lightly with nonstick spray will do just fine. Setting things up well here ensures your Christmas Bark will release easily once set.
Step 2: Layer the Mix-Ins
Next, evenly spread the broken red holiday Oreos, cool mint Oreos, stick pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about three-quarters of both varieties of M&M’s across the prepared baking sheet. This colorful mosaic of goodies promises a different delightful bite every time.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate baking bars in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 1½ minutes. Stir well to smooth out any unmelted pieces, then microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted, being mindful not to overheat or burn the chocolate. A smooth, silky melting process is key to a flawless coating.
Step 4: Coat the Mix-Ins
Pour the melted white chocolate over the spread cookie and candy mixture. Use a spatula to gently spread and coat everything evenly with luscious white chocolate, ensuring your Christmas Bark Recipe will hold together beautifully once set.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and the festive red and green sprinkles over the top. This step not only adds a pop of holiday color but also gives the bark an inviting, cheerful presentation that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Chill and Break
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the bark chill for about an hour, or until it’s completely firm. Once set, gently break it into 16 to 16 pieces. The irregular shapes add to the homemade charm and make this Christmas Bark Recipe perfect for sharing.
How to Serve Christmas Bark Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra crushed peppermint candies or a dusting of powdered sugar on serving plates to complement the Christmas Bark Recipe. Fresh mint leaves can add an elegant touch and enhance the mint flavor. These small additions elevate the presentation and make any gathering feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet and crunchy bark with hot cocoa or a warm cup of coffee to balance the richness. For a party, serving alongside fresh fruit platters or bubbly champagne makes for a lovely contrast and keeps the palate refreshed between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap pieces individually in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbons for gift-giving or party favors. Alternatively, arrange shards in a decorative holiday tin or stack in a glass jar layered with colorful layers of M&M’s for a visually delightful surprise at any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas Bark Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps the chocolate from sweating and preserves the crunch of the pretzels and Oreos.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Place the bark in a freezer-safe container and layer parchment paper between to prevent sticking. It will keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat Christmas bark; it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to keep the chocolate firm and crunchy. If the bark softens too much, just place it in the fridge for a short time to restore its perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for this Christmas Bark Recipe?
Absolutely! While white chocolate is traditional here, you can swap in milk or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Just make sure to choose high-quality baking bars for the best melting results.
What can I use instead of Oreos if someone has allergies?
You can substitute with allergy-friendly cookies like gluten-free chocolate wafers or crushed graham crackers. Just be mindful of texture contrasts to keep that delightful crunch.
Is it necessary to use peppermint baking chips?
The peppermint chips add a refreshing mint flavor that pairs beautifully with the Oreos and M&M’s, but if you’re not a fan, you can omit them or replace them with white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts make a delicious addition and add more texture. Just sprinkle them with the M&M’s for a layered effect.
How long does this Christmas Bark Recipe last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this bark will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature and up to three months if frozen. Always keep it away from humidity to prevent melting or softening.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Bark Recipe is an absolute joy to make and share, spreading holiday cheer with its colorful, festive look and joyous flavor combination. It’s simple enough for a quick treat but special enough to become a holiday tradition. I encourage you to try it this season—you’ll find it’s not just a dessert but a celebration in every bite!
Print
Christmas 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 recipe combines crunchy pretzels, colorful Oreos, peppermint and peanut M&M’s, and smooth white chocolate for a delightful holiday treat. Easy to prepare without baking, this sweet and salty bark is perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties.
Ingredients
Cookies and Candy
- 7 red holiday Oreos (79g, broken into pieces, any variety works)
- 7 cool mint Oreos (79g, broken into pieces)
- 1½ cups stick pretzels (60g)
- ½ cup peppermint baking chips (85g, recommend using the Andes baking chips)
- ½ cup mint M&M’s (85g, divided, any variety works)
- ½ cup peanut M&M’s (85g, divided)
Chocolate
- 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 or parchment paper sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Ingredients. Spread the broken Oreos, pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about ¾ of the M&M’s evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt the White Chocolate. Place the white chocolate baking bars in a microwave-safe container and microwave on medium power for 1½ minutes. Stir the chocolate, then microwave for an additional 1 minute until fully melted and smooth, careful not to burn.
- Coat the Mixture. Pour the melted white chocolate over the cookie and candy mixture on the baking sheet, using a spatula to spread evenly and completely coat all pieces.
- Garnish. Immediately sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and red and green sprinkles over the wet chocolate to decorate before it hardens.
- Chill and Set. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the bark is firm and set. Once hardened, gently break the bark into 16 small pieces for serving or gifting.
Notes
- Use wax paper to easily lift the bark once set; parchment paper with nonstick spray also works.
- Watch the white chocolate carefully when melting to prevent burning; stirring helps ensure even melting.
- Distribute the M&M’s and sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet, so they adhere properly.
- The bark can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Feel free to customize the candy mix with your favorite holiday treats.
