This Peppermint Bark is a staple during the holiday season!

Background: This Peppermint Bark is always a crowd pleaser during the holidays. It looks stunning on your cookie platters and dessert displays. Elisabet der Nederlanden’s recipe is very simple to make and is a staple in our house every Christmas. She has so many excellent holiday dessert options in her book, Holiday Cookies. The book was gifted to me a few years ago and now I gift it at Christmas time to friends who love to bake.

• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup hard peppermint candies, coarsely chopped

1. Lightly brush the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet (quarter sheet pan) with the coconut oil. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper, pressing to adhere it to the pan.
2. Place the bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not touching) gently simmering water in a saucepan. Heat, stirring often, until melted. Stir in the peppermint extract and salt and remove from the heat.
3. Spoon the melted chocolate onto the prepared pan, then, using an offset spatula, spread it evenly to cover the entire pan.
4. Place the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not touching) the water in the saucepan. Return the water to a gentle simmer, and heat, stirring often, until melted.
5. Drizzle the white chocolate evenly over the bittersweet chocolate and spread it gently into an even layer, trying to keep it in one clean layer. Then, using the handle of a spoon or similar tool, start swirling the dark and white chocolate together, making as few or as many swirls as you like. Shake the pan back and forth a little to smooth out the top. When finished, sprinkle the peppermint candies evenly on top. Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until firm.
6. Break the bark into shards. Arrange the shards in an airtight container in layers, separated by sheets of parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

For other holiday treats, check out our Christmas Cookie Bars and 7 Layer Bars!

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