These 25 easy peppermint treats are perfect for holiday cookie trays, edible gifts, Christmas parties, and cozy evenings at home. The roundup includes peppermint bark, truffles, brownies, cookies, fudge, cheesecake bites, popcorn, cupcakes, and other festive dessert ideas, with classic peppermint bark serving as the fully detailed representative recipe.
For the featured bark, you need 12 ounces of finely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, 12 ounces of finely chopped white chocolate, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and about 1 cup of crushed peppermint candy from 8 candy canes. Prep takes about 20 minutes, there is no traditional cook time, and the chocolate needs 1 to 2 hours to chill and set.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love These Peppermint Treats
Peppermint desserts bring together cool, refreshing candy flavor and the rich sweetness of chocolate, vanilla, cream cheese, and buttery cookie dough. Their red-and-white color makes even a simple dessert look ready for a holiday celebration.
This collection is designed for different baking moods. Some ideas are no-bake and quick, while others are suited to a cookie exchange, a dessert buffet, or a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Bright peppermint flavor without complicated decorating.
- Many options for make-ahead holiday planning.
- Easy sweets for cookie tins, party platters, and gift boxes.
- A mix of chocolate, cookies, bars, candies, and chilled desserts.
For a savory companion to a holiday gathering, pair your dessert table with these holiday side dish ideas when planning the full menu.
25 Easy Peppermint Treat Ideas
The following list gives you 25 festive directions for a peppermint dessert spread. Because this is a roundup rather than one single recipe, ingredient amounts and baking times will vary by treat; the fully measured recipe below is the classic peppermint bark.
- Classic two-layer peppermint bark.
- Peppermint chocolate truffles.
- Chocolate peppermint brownies.
- Peppermint brownie bites.
- White chocolate peppermint fudge.
- Peppermint cheesecake bars.
- Mini peppermint cheesecake cups.
- Peppermint sugar cookies.
- Chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies.
- Peppermint shortbread cookies.
- Peppermint sandwich cookies.
- Peppermint chocolate chip cookies.
- Chocolate-dipped peppermint biscotti.
- Peppermint marshmallow squares.
- Peppermint rice cereal treats.
- Peppermint popcorn with chocolate drizzle.
- White chocolate peppermint pretzel clusters.
- Peppermint caramel popcorn balls.
- Peppermint chocolate-covered Oreos.
- Peppermint cupcake bites.
- Chocolate cupcakes with peppermint frosting.
- Peppermint icebox cake.
- Frozen peppermint pie.
- Peppermint mousse cups.
- Hot cocoa cookies with peppermint topping.
For more make-ahead inspiration, browse these freezable cookie recipes and choose a few that can be prepared before the busiest holiday week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The featured peppermint bark uses a short ingredient list, but quality and preparation matter. Choose semisweet or bittersweet chocolate for the bottom layer, finely chop both chocolates, and use candy canes that crush into a mixture of small crumbs and slightly larger pieces.
- 12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped.
- 12 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.
- 8 peppermint candy canes, crushed, approximately 1 cup.
- Parchment paper for lining the baking sheet.
Peppermint extract is added to the white chocolate after melting, which keeps the flavor distinct and evenly distributed. Keep the extract and all other liquids away from the dark chocolate while it melts.
If you enjoy preparing homemade pantry gifts and dessert starters, you can also find useful inspiration in these easy mix recipes.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it on a level work surface. Make sure the bowl, spatula, baking sheet, and parchment are dry, since moisture can cause melted chocolate to seize.
Step 2: Melt the semisweet or bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, or in short microwave intervals. Stir frequently and use gentle heat until the chocolate becomes smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the parchment and spread it into an even layer. Chill for about 20 to 30 minutes, checking that it is firm before adding the white chocolate.
Step 4: Melt the white chocolate carefully and slowly. White chocolate scorches more easily than dark chocolate, so stop heating when a few small pieces remain and let stirring and residual heat finish the job.
Step 5: Stir 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate. Spread this layer over the chilled dark chocolate, taking care not to drag up too much of the bottom layer.
Step 6: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate immediately. Press the pieces lightly into the surface so the candy remains attached when the bark is broken.
Step 7: Refrigerate until the entire slab is completely firm, generally 1 to 2 hours. Break or cut it into attractive pieces and arrange them on a platter, in a tin, or in small gift bags.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Bark
The most important rule is to keep moisture away from the chocolate. A damp spoon, a bit of steam, or condensation from a lid can change smooth melted chocolate into a thick, grainy mixture.
White chocolate deserves special attention. It should be melted gently and removed from heat while a few small pieces are still visible; stirring allows the remaining pieces to dissolve without excessive heat.
- Use barely simmering water rather than a vigorous boil when using a double-boiler method.
- Stir often so the chocolate melts evenly.
- Spread each layer to a similar thickness for balanced bites.
- Crush the candy canes inside a sturdy bag to contain crumbs.
- Add the candy topping before the white chocolate begins to set.
- Chill the bark on a flat shelf so the layers remain even.
For a larger holiday appetizer menu, consider serving a warm dip before dessert, such as this easy cheeseburger dip. The contrast between a savory starter and crisp peppermint bark makes the dessert course feel especially festive.
Storage, Gifting, and Serving
Once completely firm, store peppermint bark in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool place or in the refrigerator, especially if the room is warm or the bark will be transported.
Layer the pieces between sheets of parchment to prevent them from sticking together. A small holiday tin, clear treat bag, or paper candy box turns the bark into a simple homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
Serve the bark in irregular pieces for a handmade appearance, or cut it into neat squares for a more polished dessert tray. It is delicious beside coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Build a Holiday Peppermint Dessert Tray
Start with one chocolate-forward centerpiece, such as peppermint bark or brownies. Add contrasting textures with shortbread, truffles, popcorn clusters, or crisp biscotti, then include one creamy choice such as cheesecake bars or mousse cups.
Use peppermint candy sparingly as a garnish when several treats share the same platter. A few crushed candy pieces, chocolate drizzles, and red-and-white sprinkles can visually connect the desserts without making every bite taste identical.
If you need a fruit-forward option to balance the chocolate, add this easy mandarin orange dessert to the menu. Its bright citrus character provides a refreshing finish after rich peppermint sweets.
Classic Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure the surface is completely dry. Have all ingredients measured before melting the chocolate because the layers set quickly once spread.
- Melt the semisweet or bittersweet chocolate gently in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water, or use short microwave intervals. Stir frequently and stop heating as soon as the chocolate is smooth.
- Spread the melted dark chocolate into an even layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill it for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the surface is firm enough to support the next layer.
- Melt the white chocolate carefully using the same gentle method, remembering that white chocolate scorches more easily. Stop while a few small pieces remain and stir until residual heat finishes melting them.
- Stir the peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate. Spread it over the firm dark-chocolate layer, working gently so the lower layer stays intact.
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate. Press the pieces lightly into the surface so the peppermint topping holds after the bark sets.
- Refrigerate the bark until completely firm, usually 1 to 2 hours total depending on the thickness of the layers. Break or cut it into pieces, then store it airtight in a cool place or in the refrigerator.
Notes
Final Thoughts
These 25 easy peppermint treats make holiday baking feel flexible rather than overwhelming. Choose a few no-bake ideas for quick gifting, add a cookie or bar for texture, and finish with classic peppermint bark for a festive centerpiece.
The bark itself is wonderfully simple: two carefully melted chocolate layers, a small amount of peppermint extract, and about 1 cup of crushed candy canes. Give it enough time to chill completely, protect the chocolate from moisture, and store the finished pieces airtight for a crisp, giftable holiday dessert.
Whether you prepare one treat or fill an entire cookie tray, peppermint brings the unmistakable taste of the season to every bite. Keep this roundup handy when you need an easy Christmas dessert with plenty of color, crunch, and chocolate flavor.