Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites

Easy Peppermint Bark Pretzels: Your Ultimate 3-Ingredient Holiday Treat

Are you searching for a holiday treat that’s both incredibly simple to make and bursting with festive flavor? Look no further than these irresistible Peppermint Bark Pretzels. Imagine the classic taste of peppermint bark but transformed into a crunchy, utterly addictive bite-sized snack. These treats combine crisp pretzels, creamy, mint-infused white chocolate, and a delightful pop of milk chocolate, making them a sensational addition to any holiday spread, gift basket, or a simple cozy evening indulgence.

Forget the complexities of traditional peppermint bark; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute holiday preparations, a fun activity with kids, or simply when you crave something sweet and seasonal without spending hours in the kitchen. In just a few easy steps, you’ll create a batch of festive goodies that taste just like your favorite holiday confection, but are so much quicker to assemble. Ready to dive into the magic of peppermint and chocolate?

If you adore the vibrant taste of peppermint bark as much as we do, be sure to explore our homemade peppermint bark recipe for a traditional approach, or try these delightful peppermint bark brownie cookies for another festive twist!

Delicious Peppermint Bark Pretzels, fresh out of the oven, topped with vibrant crushed peppermint candy. — A delightful close-up of our freshly baked Peppermint Bark Pretzels, featuring their appealing white and red topping, ready to be enjoyed.

Contents

Unveiling the Magic of Peppermint Bark Pretzels

The inspiration for these delightful Peppermint Bark Pretzels came from a simple moment of creativity and a desire to use up some leftover ingredients after crafting a batch of Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats. With a handful of candy cane kisses remaining, a new, even quicker, and equally delicious treat was born. Instead of letting them linger in the pantry, these kisses found their perfect home atop crunchy pretzels, creating an instant holiday sensation.

These pretzel bites truly capture the essence of traditional peppermint bark, but with an unparalleled ease of preparation. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors: the satisfying crunch from the pretzel base, the smooth and refreshing peppermint white chocolate provided by the melted kisses, and a delightful touch of classic milk chocolate from the M&M’s. It’s a symphony of sweet and salty, crisp and creamy, all wrapped up in a festive package.

For those who crave an even more intense burst of minty freshness, a generous sprinkle of crushed candy cane on top before the chocolate sets will elevate these treats to another level. This simple addition not only enhances the peppermint flavor but also adds a beautiful, sparkling visual appeal, making them even more inviting for your holiday gatherings.

The three essential ingredients – pretzels, M&Ms, and peppermint chocolate kisses – are neatly arranged, showcasing the simplicity of this holiday treat recipe. — A clear presentation of the minimal ingredients needed for these quick and delicious Peppermint Bark Pretzels.

Essential Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Pretzels

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its incredible simplicity, requiring just three core ingredients, plus an optional fourth for an extra festive touch. Quality ingredients make all the difference, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and minty goodness.

Snap Pretzels: The foundation of our treats! Snap pretzels are highly recommended due to their flat, sturdy shape, which provides an ideal surface for holding the melted chocolate and M&M’s. Their robust structure ensures they won’t crumble under the weight of the toppings and delivers that satisfying crunch. While other pretzel shapes can work, snaps offer the best stability. It’s crucial to avoid butter-flavored pretzels, as their savory, buttery notes tend to clash rather unpleasantly with the bright, cool flavor of peppermint. Stick to classic, plain salted pretzels for the best results.
Candy Cane Kisses: These delightful Hershey’s Kisses are the heart of the peppermint flavor. They feature a smooth, creamy white creme infused with tiny, crunchy bits of peppermint candy cane, offering a dual texture and a burst of mint. Unwrapped, they melt beautifully into a luscious peppermint white chocolate coating. If candy cane kisses are unavailable, you can substitute with regular white chocolate chips or melts, and then add a drop or two of food-grade peppermint extract (start with a tiny amount and taste!) and plenty of finely crushed candy canes.
M&Ms: These colorful candies add a delightful milk chocolate layer and a beautiful visual pop to your pretzels. You can use standard M&Ms for a classic look, or opt for holiday-colored M&Ms (red and green) to enhance the festive theme. I typically choose red M&Ms for a bold, classic Christmas aesthetic, but green can be added for extra holiday cheer. Feel free to mix and match or use your favorite solid color.
Optional: Crushed Peppermint or Candy Canes: For an ultimate peppermint experience, a sprinkle of finely crushed peppermint or candy cane pieces over the warm chocolate is highly recommended. This not only intensifies the minty flavor but also adds a beautiful, sparkling finish and an extra layer of crunch. It makes the treats look even more professional and appealing, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season.

Pro Tip: Crushing Candy Canes Perfectly

Achieving uniformly crushed candy canes is key for both flavor distribution and aesthetic appeal. The easiest methods involve a mini food processor or a small blender, which will quickly turn candy canes into fine crumbs. If you don’t have these appliances, a low-tech but effective method is to place the candy canes in a sturdy, sealed plastic bag (like a freezer bag) and gently crush them with a rolling pin or a meat mallet. Be careful not to over-crush into a fine powder, as you want some small pieces for texture, but also avoid large, sharp shards.

An assembly line showing pretzels laid on a baking sheet, each topped with a peppermint chocolate kiss, followed by an M&M pressed into the softened chocolate, creating festive peppermint bark pretzels. — The simple process of assembling these holiday treats, from pretzels and kisses to the final M&M topping.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Peppermint Bark Pretzels

Making these delicious holiday treats is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to a gentle 250°F (120°C). While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet (or two smaller ones if needed) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Arrange Pretzels and Kisses: Carefully arrange your snap pretzels in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Then, place one unwrapped Candy Cane Kiss on top of the center of each pretzel. Distribute them evenly to allow for optimal melting.
Gentle Bake for Soft Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on the kisses; you want them to become soft and pliable, just enough to be gently pressed, but not fully melted into a liquid puddle. The chocolate should retain its shape but yield easily to a light touch.
Add Your Toppings Promptly: As soon as you remove the baking sheet from the oven, immediately take an M&M and gently press it into the center of each softened Candy Cane Kiss. Work quickly, as the chocolate will begin to set as it cools. If you plan to add crushed candy cane for an extra flavor boost and festive look, sprinkle it over the warm, soft chocolate and M&Ms right away, before the chocolate hardens.
Cool and Set: Allow the completed Peppermint Bark Pretzels to cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour. This gives the chocolate ample time to firm up, making the treats easy to handle and enjoy. For a faster setting time, especially if you’re in a hurry or prefer a firmer texture, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes until completely firm.

Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Bark Pretzels

Achieving perfect Peppermint Bark Pretzels is easy with a few insider tips. These pointers will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your treats are always a success:

Always Line Your Baking Pan: This tip cannot be stressed enough. Whether you use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, lining your pan is essential. It prevents the melted chocolate from sticking to the pan, ensuring your pretzels lift off cleanly without breaking, and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
Monitor the Kisses Closely in the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so vigilance is key. The goal is to soften the kisses just enough so they can be pressed down, not to completely melt them into a liquid pool. Over-baking can cause the chocolate to seize or harden unevenly, leading to a crumbly texture. Start checking at 2 minutes and remove as soon as they appear glossy and soft. If you notice them beginning to look oily or breaking apart, they are likely overdone.
Embrace the “Imperfect” Spread of White Chocolate: Unlike milk or dark chocolate kisses, white chocolate varieties, especially those infused with candy bits like the Candy Cane Kisses, tend to spread a bit more unevenly when melted. Don’t stress about achieving perfectly smooth, uniform circles. Their rustic, slightly irregular appearance is part of their charm, and more importantly, their taste will be absolutely phenomenal!
Work Quickly While Adding Toppings: As soon as the pretzels come out of the oven, the chocolate immediately begins to cool and firm up. Have your M&Ms and any optional crushed candy canes ready to go. Press the M&Ms into the softened kisses without delay, and sprinkle any additional toppings while the chocolate is still very warm and pliable to ensure they adhere properly.
Consider Your Pretzel Choice: While snap pretzels are recommended for their stability, you can experiment with other flat pretzel shapes. Just ensure they have enough surface area to hold the kiss and M&M. Avoid tiny pretzel sticks or very thin pretzels, as they may become too fragile once topped.
Experiment with Chocolate Variations: While Candy Cane Kisses are central to this recipe, don’t hesitate to experiment. If you love dark chocolate, you could melt a dark chocolate kiss first, press it onto the pretzel, then add a small dollop of melted white chocolate (with peppermint extract) before the M&M.

A close-up of the delicious three-ingredient Peppermint Bark Pretzel, held up to highlight its festive colors and appealing texture, ready for a holiday celebration. — Showcasing the delightful simplicity and festive appeal of these homemade Peppermint Bark Pretzels, a perfect treat for any occasion.

Storage Solutions for Freshness

To keep your Peppermint Bark Pretzels fresh and delicious for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their delightful crunch and minty flavor. For those who prefer a slightly firmer chocolate texture or want to extend their shelf life a bit further, storing them in the refrigerator is an excellent option. When chilled, the chocolate becomes crispier, offering a different, yet equally enjoyable, textural experience. Just be sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any moisture from softening the pretzels.

Delightful Holiday Treat Inspiration

The holiday season is a perfect time to indulge in sweet creations and share joy with loved ones. If you’ve enjoyed making these easy Peppermint Bark Pretzels, you might be looking for more festive recipes to add to your repertoire. Here are some other delightful holiday treats that are sure to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth:

Salted Caramel Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: A perfect blend of sweet and salty, these tender cookies topped with a rich cream cheese frosting are utterly irresistible and a sophisticated addition to any cookie platter.
Festive Christmas Snack Mix: Loaded with pretzels, cereals, nuts, and coated with a sweet, savory glaze, then mixed with vibrant Holiday M&Ms, this snack mix is incredibly addictive and a crowd-pleaser for parties and gatherings.
White Chocolate Christmas Popcorn: Light, fluffy popcorn coated in sweet white chocolate and adorned with festive sprinkles. It’s an effortlessly fun and colorful treat that disappears quickly!
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake with a Brownie Crust: A refreshing and decadent dessert that requires no oven time. A creamy, minty cheesecake filling sits atop a rich chocolate brownie crust, making it a show-stopping holiday masterpiece.
Homemade Honeycomb Candy with Chocolate Topping: Light, airy, and delicately crunchy, this classic candy is a marvel to make and even more delightful to eat, especially when drizzled with a rich chocolate topping.

Recipe Card: Peppermint Bark Pretzels

5 from 2 votes

Peppermint Bark Pretzels

By
Chelsea Lords

Peppermint Bark Pretzels are the tastiest holiday snack—crunchy pretzels coated in peppermint white chocolate and topped with a layer of rich chocolate. Easy and festive!

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
4 minutes

Setting up time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 14 minutes

Servings:
30 Peppermint Bark Pretzels (scale up or down to desired preference!)

Equipment

Sheet pan (15″ x 10″) with liner

Ingredients

30 pretzel snaps
30 candy cane kisses (unwrapped; Hershey’s makes these)
30 M&M’s
1 candy cane (finely crushed, optional)

Instructions

Heat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large sheet pan (or 2 smaller sheets) with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Place pretzels in a single layer on the lined sheet. Place 1 unwrapped Candy Cane Kiss on each pretzel.
Bake 2–4 minutes, or until the chocolate is soft but not fully melted (see note 2 in the Recipe Notes section below for tips).
Remove from oven and immediately press an M&M into each softened kiss. If desired, sprinkle crushed candy cane over the chocolate while still warm.
Let the pretzels sit at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm and easy to pick up. For a quicker set, place the tray in the fridge (they taste great chilled!).

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Crushing Candy Canes: To crush candy canes evenly, use a mini food processor or a blender. Alternatively, place the candy cane(s) in a heavy-duty plastic bag, remove the air, and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet until finely crumbled.

Note 2: Baking Time and Texture: If the chocolate crumbles after baking, the oven may be too hot, or the chocolate was baked for too long. To test, it’s recommended to bake one pretzel first. If it crumbles, reduce the baking time for the rest. Avoid using convection settings, which can cause uneven melting.

Storage: Place finished Peppermint Bark Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or keep them in the fridge for a slightly firmer texture and extended freshness.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.