Peppermint Bark Pretzels Recipe

Joyful Peppermint Bark Pretzels Recipe: A Holiday Treat Magic

Sweet and salty peppermint bark pretzels dance between indulgence and playful snacking.

Crisp pretzel twists become magical canvases for rich chocolate and cool mint.

Chocolate melts smoothly, creating a delectable winter treat that sparks joy.

Candy cane fragments add delightful crunch and festive sparkle to each bite.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Simple steps guarantee success for anyone wanting a quick dessert.

You’ll adore how quickly these delectable morsels come together for holiday celebrations.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds celebrate!

How to Make Peppermint Bark Pretzels in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to create a smooth workspace for your chocolate-covered pretzels.

Step 2: Create Dark Chocolate Coating

Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir frequently during heating to achieve a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Dip Pretzels in Chocolate

Submerge each pretzel twist completely in the melted dark chocolate. Gently tap the pretzel to remove excess chocolate.

Step 4: Arrange Chocolate-Coated Pretzels

Place the chocolate-covered pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each piece.

Step 5: Chill First Chocolate Layer

Refrigerate the pretzels for 10-15 minutes until the dark chocolate becomes firm and completely set.

Step 6: Prepare Peppermint White Chocolate

Melt white chocolate chips in a clean microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring until completely smooth.

Step 7: Add Peppermint Flavor

Stir peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate, creating a fragrant and vibrant mixture.

Step 8: Drizzle White Chocolate

Create artistic zigzag patterns by drizzling the peppermint-infused white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate pretzels.

Step 9: Add Candy Cane Topping

Sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over the white chocolate layer, ensuring a festive peppermint crunch.

Step 10: Final Chilling

Return the pretzels to the refrigerator for 10 minutes to solidify the white chocolate and set the candy cane topping.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the refrigerator and let the peppermint bark pretzels sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving or packaging.

Snappy Tips for Bark Pretzel Bliss

  • Prep Like a Pro: Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy chocolate coating and cleanup.
  • Chocolate Melting Magic: Use short microwave intervals and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing.
  • Perfect Dipping Technique: Tap pretzels gently on bowl's edge to remove excess chocolate, creating a smooth, even coating.
  • Chill for Crisp Perfection: Refrigerate pretzels between chocolate layers to ensure quick setting and professional-looking finish.
  • Flavor Boost Hack: Add peppermint extract sparingly to white chocolate for intense, balanced minty taste without overwhelming sweetness.

Bark Pretzel Flavor Ideas That Go Beyond Basic

  • Salted Caramel Version: Replace peppermint extract with caramel sauce, sprinkle sea salt flakes instead of candy canes for a rich, sweet-salty combination.
  • Dark Chocolate Nutty Variation: Add chopped roasted almonds or pecans on top of the chocolate coating for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pretzels and ensure all chocolate chips are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Holiday Spice Remix: Mix ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the white chocolate drizzle for a warm, festive seasonal flavor profile.

Best Bites to Pair with Peppermint Bark Pretzels

  • Boost Espresso Pairing: Rich, bold espresso cuts through the sweet chocolate, creating a perfect balance of bitter and sweet notes that enhance the pretzel's complexity.
  • Match Holiday Spirits: Creamy bourbon or peppermint schnapps amplifies the festive peppermint flavor, providing a warming complement to the cool chocolate treat.
  • Create Dessert Wine Magic: Late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti offers a delightful sweet counterpoint, highlighting the chocolate and peppermint's delicate nuances.
  • Elevate Milk Companion: Cold, fresh whole milk provides a smooth, creamy backdrop that softens the chocolate's intensity and refreshes the palate between bites.

How to Keep Bark Pretzels Crunchy and Fresh

  • Store chocolate-dipped pretzels in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 weeks. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain crisp texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
  • Carefully stack pretzels in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to preserve chocolate's smooth consistency.
  • Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight in a sealed container. Best consumed within 5-7 days for optimal taste and crunchiness. Avoid humid environments that might cause chocolate to bloom or become soft.

Peppermint Bark Pretzel FAQs That Save the Day

  • What chocolate works best for this recipe?

Dark chocolate chips with high cocoa content provide the richest flavor and smoothest texture for coating pretzels.

  • How do I prevent chocolate from seizing?

Always use dry utensils and avoid water contact. Melt chocolate slowly in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain smooth consistency.

  • Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate works as an alternative, but dark chocolate provides deeper flavor and better coating quality for these peppermint bark pretzels.

  • How can I get a neat chocolate drizzle?

Use a spoon or piping bag with a small tip to create clean, controlled zigzag patterns across the chocolate-coated pretzels.

Why Peppermint Bark Pretzels Are a Holiday Must

  • Quickest Holiday Treat: Craft these peppermint bark pretzels in mere minutes with minimal kitchen equipment and simple ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic sweet and salty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap out toppings or experiment with different chocolate varieties to create your unique version of this festive snack.
  • No Baking Required: Prepare these delightful treats without turning on the oven, using just a microwave and refrigerator for a stress-free cooking experience.

Sweet & Salty Ingredients Behind the Bark Pretzels

For the Chocolate and Coating:
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Rich and smooth chocolate that provides a deep, indulgent base layer for the pretzels.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Creamy chocolate that creates a sweet and decorative top layer with a beautiful contrast.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps melt and smooth the dark chocolate for easy coating and a glossy finish.
For the Flavoring:
  • Peppermint Extract: Adds a cool, refreshing mint flavor that enhances the holiday spirit of the treat.
For the Topping and Garnish:
  • Candy Canes, Pretzels: Provide a festive crunch and decorative element that complements the chocolate layers. Candy canes add a peppermint flavor and crisp texture, while pretzels offer a salty base for the sweet chocolate coating.
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Peppermint Bark Pretzels Recipe

Peppermint Bark Pretzels Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Peppermint Bark Pretzels deliver holiday magic with crisp salty pretzels coated in rich chocolate and sprinkled with cool crushed candy canes. Sweet and salty lovers will adore this simple yet elegant seasonal treat that brings cheerful winter spirit to snack time.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base:

  • 12 oz dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Peppermint Topping:

  • 8 oz white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Pretzels:

  • 2530 pretzel twists
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your pretzel creation.
  2. Melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until perfectly smooth and glossy.
  3. Dip each pretzel twist into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring complete coverage, and gently tap off excess chocolate.
  4. Carefully place chocolate-coated pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining a slight separation between each piece.
  5. Refrigerate the chocolate-dipped pretzels for 10-15 minutes until the dark chocolate sets completely and becomes firm.
  6. Melt white chocolate chips in a clean microwave-safe bowl, heating in short intervals and stirring until completely liquid and smooth.
  7. Stir peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate, creating a vibrant and fragrant mixture.
  8. Drizzle the peppermint-infused white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate pretzels, creating artistic zigzag patterns.
  9. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over the white chocolate layer, ensuring even distribution of the festive peppermint crunch.
  10. Return the pretzels to the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes to solidify the white chocolate and set the candy cane topping.
  11. Remove from the refrigerator and let the peppermint bark pretzels sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving or packaging.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality dark and white chocolate for the most luxurious flavor and smooth melting texture.
  • Use room temperature pretzels to prevent rapid chocolate cooling and ensure even coating.
  • Control chocolate temperature by microwaving in short 15-second bursts to avoid burning or seizing.
  • Crush candy canes immediately before sprinkling for maximum freshness and vibrant peppermint flavor.
  • Store pretzels in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to maintain crisp texture.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzel twists without compromising taste.
  • Create gift-worthy treats by packaging in clear cellophane bags with festive holiday ribbons.
  • Experiment with different extract intensities to customize peppermint strength according to personal preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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