Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark is a well-known holiday treat. This peppermint bark recipe combines both dark chocolate and white chocolate, peppermint candies, and a bit of peppermint extract. It is hard to beat the way this candy tastes.

If you want to go to Williams Sonoma it will cost you a pretty penny. I can show you how to make it for less, much less.

Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (1)

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

What Makes Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark So Good?

This Christmas treat has the perfect blend of dark velvety chocolate and rich white chocolate with just the right touch of peppermint. This bark is topped with crunchy pieces of peppermint candy and has a refreshing, cool taste that no one can resist.

Why you’ll love this easy peppermint bark recipe

If you want to go to Williams Sonoma, this festive peppermint bark candy will cost you a pretty penny. Ican show you how to make it for less – much less – with this easy peppermint bark recipe. Gift-wrapped or in a holiday tin, this bark makes a lovely gift for a friend, neighbor, teacher, etc.

You can make homemade peppermint bark that tastes just like it does when you buy it in the store. I know you are going to love this peppermint bark candy, even more, when you make it at home.

Secrets to Making the Best Peppermint Bark

The real secret to making tasty peppermint bark candy is using good-quality chocolate. Guittard chocolate is closest to Williams Sonoma’s variety, but you can use any other good quality chocolate. I wouldn’t use the inexpensive “chocolate bark” you often find during the holidays.

Another secret to making good-tasting peppermint bark is food-grade peppermint oil because it tastes much better than peppermint extract. If you can’t find the food-grade peppermint oil, it is okay to use the extract. The oil has a smoother flavor.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

  • Semisweet Chocolate, 61% cacao
  • White Chocolate, 31% cacao
  • Food grade peppermint oil
  • Peppermint candies or candy canes
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (2)

What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate?

I suggest using a double boiler to melt the chocolate. Bring a small saucepan of water to a simmer over low heat. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over the simmering water. Stir while the chocolate is melting.

You could also melt it in the microwave by heating the chocolate in 30-second increments in a glass bowl, then taking it out and stirring it each time.

I don’t have the patience to microwave it and prefer using the double boiler. It heats up more quickly, but you must be careful not to accidentally get any water into the chocolate.

CopyKat Tip – be sure to use good quality chocolate like Lindt, Ghiradelli, or other bulk chocolate. Chocolate chips contain stabilizers that keep them from melting perfectly.

How to Make Peppermint Bark

  1. Line a jelly roll pan with waxed or parchment paper.
  2. Meltsemisweet chocolatein adouble boiler. Ormeltin abowlin themicrowave.
  3. Stirinpeppermint oil.
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (3)
  1. Poursemisweet chocolateover the waxed paper with an offset spatula to about ¼ to ⅜-inch thickness.
  2. Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set for 30 minutes.
  3. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler and stir in peppermint oil.
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (4)
  1. Spread white chocolate in an even layer over the dark chocolate layer.
  2. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or crushed candy canes over white chocolate and gently press the candies into the chocolate. You want to press the candies into the chocolate.
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (5)
  1. Allow a couple of hours for the chocolate to set up fully.
  2. Once the chocolate has set, break it into pieces.
  3. Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (6)

How to Prevent the Two Bark Layers Separating

Several readers have mentioned that they had this problem. There are a couple of reasons why this may happen: the kind of chocolate you use and the method of making the bark.

It’s essential to use top-quality chocolate. Avoid using the slabs of chocolate “bark” in the baking aisle or chocolate chips. These often contain palm kernel oil, inhibiting the two layers’ excellent bonding. Chocolate chips also contain stabilizers, so they retain their shape – this means they don’t melt as well.

You must also use white chocolate containing cocoa butter and not palm kernel or coconut oil. These particular fats are not compatible with the cocoa butter found in good quality dark chocolate, and once your two-tone slabs set, the light and dark layers will separate when you break the bark into pieces.

If you have the right chocolate and you still have a separation problem, try tempering both chocolates. Tempering means you set aside some pieces of chopped chocolate and stir them into the main batch of chocolate after it has melted.

  • Comment from a reader: The condensation from the cold chocolate can keep the two chocolates from sticking together. Blotting the dark chocolate before adding the white seems to help.
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (7)

Homemade Peppermint Bark

Now you can make this holiday treat just like Williams Sonoma sells in the stores. It’s easy to do and will cost you a lot less. With this peppermint bark recipe, you can have all the peppermint bark candy you want without taking a huge chunk out of your wallet! And it’s super fun to do with your kid.

I hope you give this recipe a try this holiday season. This peppermint bark is delicious with the dark chocolate layer topped with the white chocolate layer. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (8)

What can you serve peppermint bark with?

You may want to serve this on a cookie tray, or serve this as a dessert selection at a holiday gathering. I love to serve this with Walkers Shortbread Cookies or some White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.

How to store peppermint bark

You will want to place this into an airtight container. This will help prevent the bark from absorbing moisture or orders from other foods. If you are staking the peppermint bark, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to keep pieces from sticking together. Also, store in a cool, dry place, but do not place it in the refrigerator. Refrigeration can cause the chocolate to bloom, affecting the appearance of your peppermint bark.

How long does peppermint bark last?

At room temperature, it will last up to two weeks, so plan on consuming this treat quickly.

Love homemade candy? Try these recipes!

  • York Peppermint Patty
  • Homemade Lindor Truffles
  • Rocky Road Candy
  • Chocolate Walnut Fudge
  • Sees Fudge Recipe
  • Old Fashioned Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Favorite Christmas Recipes

  • White Chocolate Covered Oreos
  • Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake
  • McDonald’s Peppermint Mocha
  • White Chocolate Starbucks Drinks
  • Eggnog Latte
  • Chocolate and Pistachio Cake
  • Homemade Red Velvet Cake

Be sure to check out more of my easy candy recipes and the best Christmas dinner recipes to make for your family and friends.

Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark

Make Peppermint Bark just like Williams Sonomasells in the stores.

5 from 16 votes

Print Pin Rate Add to Collection

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas Recipes, Peppermint Bark

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 424kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Guittard Semisweet Chocolate (61% cacao)
  • 1 pound Guittard White Chocolate (31% cacao)
  • 3/8 teaspoon peppermint extract or food grade peppermint oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or food grade peppermint oil
  • ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions

  • Line a jelly roll pan with waxed paper. Melt semisweet chocolate in a double boiler. Stir in 3/8 teaspoon peppermint extract. Spread semisweet chocolate over the waxed paper. Spread the chocolate out to about 1/4 to 3/8 inch thickness.

  • Place pan in the refrigerator and allow chocolate to set for about 30 minutes. The chocolate does not need to be completely firm. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler and stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Spread white chocolate over the semisweet chocolate.

  • Sprinkle over crushed peppermint candies. Gently press candies into the chocolate. You want to press the candies into the chocolate. This will keep the peppermint candies from being easily knocked off when stored. Allow the chocolate to set up fully, this can take up to a couple of hours.

  • Once the chocolate has set break into pieces and store in an air tight container. This can be enjoyed for about two weeks after preparation. They key is not allowing the humidity to make the peppermints soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 1.1mg

Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why is Williams Sonoma peppermint bark so good? ›

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.

How long does store bought peppermint bark last? ›

A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year.

What can I use instead of parchment paper for peppermint bark? ›

You'll need parchment paper to make the recipe work properly; don't try to replace it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. The bark looks attractive either cut or broken into ragged pieces. I pllace in cookie boxes lined with red cellophane.

Is William Sonoma peppermint bark worth it? ›

It's chocolatey, crisp, crunchy, and super festive. Peppermint bark also makes for a great gift, especially if you splurge on a tin of Williams Sonoma's beloved bark. For 25 years, the kitchen supply store has sold its signature recipe in decorative tins around the holidays.

Who makes Costco's peppermint bark? ›

In a past Reddit thread, one user said, “The Kirkland brand peppermint bark in the bakery is absolutely fire… way better than the individually wrapped Ghirardelli peppermint bark.” Others said it's “the best part of the holidays!” We have to agree with the positive reviews.

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.

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.

Why is it called peppermint bark? ›

The name "bark" or "candy bark" doesn't exactly explain itself, does it? Barks like this peppermint bark are called that because of the way the chocolate candy breaks into craggy pieces that resemble the layers and borders of tree bark. Also, many barks are made with dark chocolates, so the color is similar, too.

Does peppermint bark liqueur need to be refrigerated? ›

(2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems. No refrigeration necessary.

Does Costco have peppermint bark? ›

Peppermint bark has officially returned to Costco's bakery section, and loading up on this Kirkland-branded treat is absolutely recommended.

Can you freeze Kirkland peppermint bark? ›

Let the snacking and gifting begin! So delicious and easy to freeze for later in the year.

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.

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.

What not to do with parchment paper? ›

It does need to be said that while parchment paper is heat-resistant, it is not flame-retardant. Which is why you should never let any parchment paper (including ours) come in contact with an electric heating element or be exposed to a direct flame.

What makes Williams Sonoma smell good? ›

Welcome guests to your home with the fragrant aromas of rosemary, vanilla and lemon with this easy simmer pot.

Did Williams Sonoma invent peppermint bark? ›

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.

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!

Do people like peppermint bark? ›

The peppermint shards are plentiful but not stabby or unpleasant to eat. We really liked Choceur's dark chocolate peppermint bark as well, but the white chocolate version stood out as a must-buy product. It's creamy and melts in your mouth. It doesn't just taste like sugar; it tastes like good white chocolate.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. Nancy Dach

Last Updated:

Views: 6280

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. Nancy Dach

Birthday: 1993-08-23

Address: 569 Waelchi Ports, South Blainebury, LA 11589

Phone: +9958996486049

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Web surfing, Scuba diving, Mountaineering, Writing, Sailing, Dance, Blacksmithing

Introduction: My name is Prof. Nancy Dach, I am a lively, joyous, courageous, lovely, tender, charming, open person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.