If you’re on the lookout for a festive treat that brings holiday magic to every bite, this Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Imagine crunchy pretzels, colorful M&M’s, and classic Oreos all wrapped up in luscious white chocolate with a peppermint twist—it’s a sensational celebration of flavors and textures that will fill your kitchen with the cozy spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re gifting it or saving it all for yourself (no judgment here), this bark is as fun to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each component plays a special role: the Oreos add chocolaty crunch, pretzels bring salty snap, peppermint chips offer refreshing zing, and the M&M’s introduce festive color and sweetness. Plus, the creamy white chocolate ties everything together beautifully.
- 7 red holiday Oreos (79g, broken into pieces): Adds a festive, chocolaty crunch that’s perfect for the holidays.
- 7 cool mint Oreos (79g, broken into pieces): Brings a refreshing minty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peppermint chips.
- 1½ cups stick pretzels (60g): Offers a salty contrast and fun texture to balance the sweetness.
- ½ cup peppermint baking chips (85g): The star of minty flavor; using Andes chips elevates that cool peppermint taste.
- ½ cup mint M&M’s (85g, divided): Adds bursts of bright color and chocolatey crunch throughout the bark.
- ½ cup peanut M&M’s (85g, divided): Introduces a nutty flavor and extra crunch, making every bite complex and satisfying.
- 1 lb. white chocolate baking bars (454g): Acts as the creamy, sweet canvas that holds all the goodies together—Ghirardelli is my favorite for smooth melting.
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles (24g): A final festive flourish that makes this bark visually irresistible.
How to Make Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by lining a large baking sheet with wax paper—this is key to making sure your Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe releases easily once set. If you don’t have wax paper, parchment paper sprayed lightly with nonstick spray will do in a pinch. This foundation ensures your creation won’t stick and keeps everything neat.
Step 2: Arrange the Mix-Ins
Spread the broken pieces of both kinds of Oreos, pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about three-quarters of the mint and peanut M&M’s evenly across the prepared baking sheet. This base layer is where all the delicious textures come together, with a gorgeous palette of colors and flavors ready to be enveloped by white chocolate.
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 and microwave again for another minute or until completely melted and silky smooth. The key here is to watch carefully so the chocolate doesn’t burn—stirring helps distribute heat evenly for that perfect melt.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Chocolate
Drizzle the luscious, melted white chocolate evenly over your cookie and candy mixture on the tray. Using a spatula can help spread it out to coat everything thoroughly, ensuring each bite of your Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe includes a bit of that creamy sweetness alongside the crunchy bits.
Step 5: Add Remaining Toppings
While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the rest of the mint and peanut M&M’s along with the festive red and green sprinkles over the top. This final touch not only amps up the holiday vibe but also adds an extra pop of flavor and crunch. Timing is important—sprinkle before the chocolate hardens for the best adhesion.
Step 6: Chill and Break into Pieces
Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for about one hour until the bark is completely set and firm. Once ready, gently break your Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe into 16 or more delightful pieces. The mixture of vibrant colors and textures will be a joy to behold and even more fun to eat.
How to Serve Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe
Garnishes
While this bark already looks stunning, adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving elevates its festive charm. These little details can make your Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe feel even more special, perfect for a holiday party centerpiece or gift.
Side Dishes
This bark pairs perfectly with warm drinks like hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or even a frothy eggnog. The warm, rich beverages complement the mint and white chocolate beautifully, creating a cozy holiday experience for your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider packaging your Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons as delightful homemade gifts. Alternatively, arrange the pieces on a festive platter with holly leaves or pine sprigs for a stunning holiday dessert display that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping it away from heat is crucial to prevent the white chocolate from melting or sweating, which could affect texture and appearance.
Freezing
If you want to keep this festive treat for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap and then place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain its freshness for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
This bark is best enjoyed as is—no reheating needed! If the chocolate has become too firm, simply let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften. Avoid microwaving, which can cause the chocolate to seize or lose its beautiful texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! While white chocolate provides the signature creamy, sweet base for this Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe, substituting with dark or milk chocolate can add a richer, more intense cocoa flavor that some may prefer.
What if I can’t find peppermint baking chips?
No worries! You can substitute crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to bring that festive minty crunch. Just sprinkle them over the bark as it sets to maintain that perfect peppermint taste.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the peanut M&M’s and replace them with an extra half-cup of mint M&M’s or any other nut-free festive candies to keep the texture and color balanced.
How thick should I spread the bark on the baking sheet?
About a quarter-inch thickness works perfectly—it provides enough sturdiness so the bark breaks into neat pieces, but it’s still thin enough to enjoy a mix of chocolate and toppings in every bite.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
Definitely! Just remember to use a larger baking sheet or two, and melt the white chocolate in batches if needed. The Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe is perfect for sharing, so making extra is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making a treat that combines nostalgic favorites like Oreos and pretzels with holiday cheer in every bite. This Christmas Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe brings together so many delightful flavors and festive colors—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser you’ll want to whip up year after year. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that same joyful feeling with your family and friends!
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 recipe combines holiday-themed Oreos, pretzels, peppermint chips, and colorful M&M’s, all enveloped in smooth white chocolate for a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 7 red holiday Oreos (79g, broken into pieces, any variety works)
- 7 cool mint Oreos (79g, broken into pieces)
- 1½ cups stick pretzels (60g)
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 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)
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles (24g)
Chocolate
- 1 lb. white chocolate baking bars (454g, Ghirardelli recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Cover a large baking sheet with wax paper, or alternatively parchment paper sprayed with nonstick spray, to prevent the bark from sticking.
- Arrange the Base Ingredients: Spread the broken Oreo pieces, stick pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about three-quarters of the combined mint and peanut M&M’s evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate baking bars into a microwave-safe container. Microwave on medium power for 1½ minutes, then stir. Microwave for an additional 1 minute or until fully melted and smooth, taking care not to burn the chocolate.
- Coat the Mixture with Chocolate: Pour the melted white chocolate over the ingredients on the baking sheet, spreading with a spatula if necessary to ensure everything is well coated.
- Add Remaining Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and red and green sprinkles over the still-wet chocolate surface to create a festive look. This step should be done before the chocolate hardens.
- Chill and Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill until the bark is set and firm, about 1 hour. Once set, remove from the fridge and gently break the bark into 16 small pieces for serving.
Notes
- Use wax paper or parchment with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of bark.
- Monitor the white chocolate carefully while microwaving to prevent burning.
- Ensure toppings are added before the chocolate hardens for best adherence.
- You can substitute mint M&M’s with any similar chocolate candy as desired.
- Store the finished bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
