Peppermint Bark Pretzels Recipe

The Magic of Peppermint Bark Pretzels: A Sweet-Salty Recipe

Sweet and salty cravings collide in these delightful peppermint bark pretzels that promise a festive twist.

Crisp pretzel sticks get dressed up with luxurious melted chocolate and crushed candy canes.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of creamy chocolate and minty crunch.

Candy lovers will adore how simple ingredients create such a magical treat.

North American holiday traditions shine through this easy dessert that takes minimal effort.

Chocolate drizzles and peppermint sprinkles make these pretzels look professionally crafted.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing snack in just minutes, impressing everyone at your next gathering.

Why Peppermint Bark Pretzels Are So Addicting

  • Capture Holiday Magic: Transform simple pretzels into festive treats that burst with peppermint and chocolate flavors, perfect for celebrating winter moments.
  • Customize with Ease: Mix and match chocolate types, experiment with different candy toppings, and create personalized gifts that wow friends and family.
  • Quick Chocolate Craft: Melt, dip, drizzle, and sprinkle your way to delicious homemade candies without requiring advanced baking skills or professional equipment.
  • Sensory Delight: Enjoy the delightful crunch of pretzels, rich dark chocolate, smooth white chocolate, and refreshing peppermint in every single bite.

Grab These Ingredients For Peppermint Bark Pretzels

For the Pretzels:
  • Pretzel Twists: A classic snack base that provides a crunchy and salty foundation for the chocolate coating.
For the Chocolate Coating:
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Rich chocolate that creates a smooth, luxurious first layer on the pretzels.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Creamy chocolate that adds a sweet and contrasting second layer to the pretzels.
For the Flavoring and Topping:
  • Peppermint Extract: A concentrated flavoring that infuses the white chocolate with a cool, refreshing mint taste.
  • Candy Canes: Classic holiday candy that provides a festive crunch and peppermint flavor as a decorative topping.
For the Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that helps prevent the pretzels from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Rolling Pin or Food Processor: Kitchen tools used to crush the candy canes into fine, delicate fragments.

How To Make Peppermint Bark Pretzels Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

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

Step 2: Melt Dark Chocolate

Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Coat Pretzels

Dip each pretzel twist into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring complete coverage, and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Chill First Chocolate Layer

Refrigerate the chocolate-coated pretzels for 10 minutes to help the dark chocolate set firmly.

Step 5: Crush Candy Canes

Break candy canes into fine fragments using a rolling pin or food processor for a delightful peppermint crunch.

Step 6: Melt White Chocolate

Melt white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, stirring at 30-second intervals until completely liquefied.

Step 7: Create Peppermint Mixture

Stir peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate, creating an aromatic and vibrant blend.

Step 8: Drizzle White Chocolate

Drizzle the white chocolate-peppermint mixture over the chilled dark chocolate pretzels in elegant, zigzag patterns.

Step 9: Add Candy Cane Topping

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate layer, ensuring even distribution of peppermint pieces.

Step 10: Final Chilling

Return the pretzels to the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes until completely hardened and crisp.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the refrigerator and break into individual servings, revealing the beautiful layered chocolate and peppermint design.

Tips To Perfect Your Peppermint Bark Pretzels

  • Prep Like a Pro: Line baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth, easy chocolate coating and removal.
  • Chocolate Melting Magic: Microwave chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to prevent burning and achieve silky smooth texture.
  • Dipping Technique: Use gentle, steady motions when coating pretzels to ensure even, complete chocolate coverage without creating messy drips.
  • Peppermint Power: Crush candy canes finely using a rolling pin or food processor for consistent, delicate texture that distributes evenly across chocolate surface.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate pretzels between chocolate layers to help set quickly and create clean, crisp layers with professional-looking finish.

Tasty Twists On Peppermint Bark Pretzels

  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Replace candy canes with chopped caramel pieces and sea salt for a rich, buttery flavor profile.
  • Nutty Holiday Treat: Swap white chocolate with milk chocolate and sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans instead of candy canes for added texture.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Pretzel: Use gluten-free pretzels and ensure all chocolate brands are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Dark Chocolate Orange: Substitute peppermint extract with orange zest and replace candy canes with candied orange peel for a citrusy winter variation.

Best Pairings For Peppermint Bark Pretzels

  • Pair Festive Chocolate with Chilled Peppermint Martini: A smooth, vodka-based cocktail with peppermint schnapps perfectly complements the dark and white chocolate pretzel's minty flavors.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, cold dessert contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pretzels, enhancing the chocolate and peppermint notes.
  • Match with Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows: A warm, rich drink that echoes the chocolate theme and provides a cozy counterpoint to the crisp pretzel texture.
  • Enjoy with Sparkling White Wine: A light, bubbly wine cuts through the sweetness and provides a sophisticated pairing for these elegant chocolate treats.

How To Store Peppermint Bark Pretzels With Ease

  • Place chocolate-peppermint pretzels in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, maintaining their crisp texture and flavor.
  • Carefully stack pretzels in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.
  • Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep in a cool, dry place for 3-5 days, preserving their crunchy chocolate coating.
  • Remove frozen pretzels from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy them as they gradually return to their original crisp texture.

Peppermint Bark Pretzels FAQs In One Spot

  • What are candy canes made of?

Candy canes are traditionally made from sugar, corn syrup, water, peppermint oil, and food coloring, creating their iconic red and white striped appearance.

  • How do I prevent chocolate from seizing when melting?

Always melt chocolate slowly using short intervals, stirring frequently, and avoid introducing any water or moisture to the melting process.

  • Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate works perfectly for this recipe and provides a sweeter flavor profile compared to dark chocolate.

  • How long will these chocolate-covered pretzels stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these pretzels will remain fresh and crisp for up to 7-10 days.

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Peppermint Bark Pretzels Recipe

Peppermint Bark Pretzels Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Festive peppermint bark pretzels bring holiday cheer with their irresistible blend of salty crunch and sweet chocolate. Crisp pretzels coated in melted chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes create a delightful treat that sparkles with seasonal magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Pretzels:

  • 2 cups pretzel twists

Chocolate:

  • 8 oz dark chocolate chips
  • 8 oz white chocolate chips

Peppermint:

  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth, flat surface for the pretzels.
  2. Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and glossy.
  3. Gently dip each pretzel twist into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring full coverage, and carefully place on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Refrigerate the chocolate-coated pretzels for 10 minutes to allow the dark chocolate to set firmly.
  5. Meanwhile, crush candy canes into fine, delicate fragments using a rolling pin or food processor.
  6. Melt white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, stirring at 30-second intervals until completely liquefied.
  7. Stir peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate, creating an aromatic and vibrant mixture.
  8. Drizzle the white chocolate-peppermint blend over the chilled dark chocolate pretzels in elegant, zigzag patterns.
  9. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate layer, ensuring even distribution.
  10. Return the pretzels to the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes until completely hardened and crisp.
  11. Remove from the refrigerator and break into individual servings, revealing the layered chocolate and peppermint design.

Notes

  • Chocolate Temperature Matters: Keep chocolate smooth by melting slowly and avoiding direct high heat to prevent seizing or burning.
  • Crushing Candy Technique: Create uniform candy cane pieces by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and gently rolling with a rolling pin for consistent texture.
  • Storage Hack: Store these pretzels in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to maintain crispness and prevent sticking.
  • Dietary Modifications: Swap regular chocolate for dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free pretzels to accommodate various dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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