Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark (Printable)

Rich dark chocolate layered with crunchy peppermint candy for a festive treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chocolate

01 - 12 oz high-quality dark chocolate, chopped

→ Peppermint

02 - 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
03 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

# Directions:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Gently melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, stirring until smooth; alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted.
03 - Remove melted chocolate from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
04 - Pour chocolate onto prepared sheet and spread evenly to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
05 - Evenly sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the chocolate surface.
06 - Press the peppermint pieces gently into the chocolate using a spatula.
07 - Allow the bark to cool undisturbed at room temperature for 30 minutes.
08 - Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.
09 - Once set, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels impossibly fancy but takes mere minutes to actually make, which is the secret to looking like a kitchen wizard without the stress
  • The contrast between creamy chocolate and crunchy peppermint creates this magical texture that keeps you reaching for one more piece
  • It doubles beautifully as a gift, and people genuinely think you spent hours in the kitchen when really you spent fifteen minutes of actual work
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you think. If your chocolate seizes or becomes grainy, it's because water got into it—never let steam touch the bowl directly. This lesson taught me patience
  • Don't skip the room-temperature cooling step. Rushing straight to the fridge can make the bark cloudy and brittle instead of glossy and snappy
03 -
  • If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate your baking sheet before spreading the chocolate—this helps it set faster and more evenly
  • Taste a piece right after it's cooled, then taste another one the next day. It deepens and improves, which is a metaphor for many good things in life

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