Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipes

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Tip: to keep the paper from moving on the baking sheet, dot a bit of the melted chocolate in each corner of the baking sheet to secure the paper.
• Place the chocolate chips in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate chips on High in increments of about 20 seconds, stirring well in between microwave sessions. Keep stirring until all the chocolate chips are melted and smooth. Don't overheat the chocolate.
• Pour and then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the parchment paper. Chill the chocolate layer in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
• Place the white chocolate and optional peppermint extract in a large microwave safe bowl. Repeat the same melting procedure for the white chocolate (again make sure to stir well in-between microwave sessions and being careful not to overheat the white chocolate). When white chocolate is melted, pour and gently spread it over the chocolate mixture and then immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top. Gently press the peppermint candy into the white chocolate.
• Return the pan to the fridge and chill for another 30 minutes, or until the bark is completely solid.
• Gently loosen the peppermint bark from the parchment and allow the bark to come to room temperature. Break the barck into large pieces. Allowing the bark to come to room temperature before breaking ensures that the layers to bond together better so that when you break the bark, the two layers don't separate.enjoy!

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• In a microwave, melt white chocolate at 70% power; stir until smooth. Stir in 1/3 cup crushed candies. Repeat with chocolate chips and an additional 1/3 cup candies. Alternately drop spoonfuls of chocolate and white chocolate mixtures onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet., Using a metal spatula, cut through candy to swirl and spread to 1/4-in. thickness. Sprinkle with remaining crushed candies., Refrigerate until firm. Break into pieces. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK - CHRISTMAS

Steps:

• Line a 9x12 pan with parchment paper.
• Melt the dark chocolate (use the method you prefer, either double boiler, or microwave - cook 30 seconds in a heat-proof bowl, stir and repeat until you have a smooth consistency.
• Pour the melted dark chocolate on the parchment paper, spread the chocolate out until it is about 1/3" thick. You can do this by hitting the pan on the countertop repeatedly, or maybe you could use a spatula to spread the chocolate.
• Melt the white chocolate, using the steps above. After the chocolate is smooth, pour it on top of the dark chocolate - trying to make the layers the same thickness. (it's best to do this step while the white chocolate is still very soft -- I've had them separate when I broke them into pieces, I think the layers "stick" together better if the white chocolate has not hardened).
• Unwrap the starlite mints, or peppermints of your choice and put them into a heavy duty ziplock bag. Using a hammer or meat tenderizer - crush the mints then, while the white chocolate is still melted sprinkle on top.
• Let the chocolates harden in the refrigerator for 2 hours, then break the candy into pieces. This needs to be stored in the refrgerator if you live in a warm/humid climate.

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Spread 1/3 of the peppermint candy over a 9x13-inch baking pan lined with wax paper.
• Melt the milk chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, just until melted. Pour the melted chocolate over peppermint candy in the prepared pan. Sprinkle another 1/3 of the candy on top of the milk chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes.
• Melt the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Stir in the oil-based peppermint flavoring. Pour the white chocolate over the milk chocolate, then spread the remaining 1/3 peppermint candy on top.
• Refrigerate until the white chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes. Cut or break into pieces to serve.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl until combined.
• Combine butter, brown sugar, and white sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract and mix until thoroughly combined. Mix in half of the dry ingredients until just combined. Mix in remaining dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in peppermint bark pieces, pecans, and crushed candy cane pieces.
• Place 1 tablespoon-sized balls of dough 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake in the preheated oven until tops of cookies just begin to set, 10 to 15 minutes. Allow cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheets before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.