If you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to something delightfully festive, this Christmas Oreo Mint Pretzel Bark Recipe is an absolute must-make. Imagine crunchy pretzels mingling with cooling mint Oreo pieces, all enveloped in smooth, creamy white chocolate with bursts of colorful M&M’s and peppermint chips. It’s the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and refreshing mint, and it brings an irresistible festive flair to any holiday gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a holiday tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing something special to this scrumptious bark. From the crunch of pretzels to the cool minty punch of Oreos and peppermint, everything combines to create a symphony of flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Red holiday Oreos (7, 79g, broken into pieces): Adds a festive red color and classic Oreo crunch.
- Cool mint Oreos (7, 79g, broken into pieces): Infuses the bark with refreshing mint flavor that’s holiday-perfect.
- Stick pretzels (1½ cups, 60g): Provide salty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
- Peppermint baking chips (½ cup, 85g): Gives subtle peppermint bursts, ideally Andes brand for the best flavor.
- Mint M&M’s (½ cup, 85g, divided): Adds vibrant color and minty sweetness, plus a candy crunch.
- Peanut M&M’s (½ cup, 85g, divided): Introduces nutty flavor and extra texture for richness.
- White chocolate baking bars (1 lb., 454g): The creamy base that holds everything together, Ghirardelli recommended.
- Red and green sprinkles (2 tbsp, 24g): For that cheerful, holiday visual pop at the end.
How to Make Christmas Oreo Mint Pretzel Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by covering a large baking sheet with wax paper to create a nonstick surface for your bark. If you don’t have wax paper, parchment paper lightly sprayed with nonstick spray will also do the trick. This setup will make it super easy to remove the bark when it’s ready.
Step 2: Layer the Base Ingredients
Next, spread out your broken Oreos, pretzels, peppermint chips, and about three-quarters of the M&M’s evenly across the lined baking sheet. This creates a colorful, textured foundation with bursts of salt, sweetness, and minty coolness ready to be enveloped in white chocolate.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Place your white chocolate bars in a microwave-safe container and microwave on medium power for 1 ½ minutes. Stir the chocolate well, then microwave for an additional minute until it’s perfectly smooth and melted. Keep a watchful eye so it doesn’t scorch, as white chocolate can be a bit delicate.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Chocolate
Pour the molten white chocolate over your cookie, pretzel, and candy mixture on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure all the pieces are coated and embedded in the luscious chocolate.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and festive red and green sprinkles over the top. This is your chance to add those eye-catching pops of holiday color and extra crunch, so don’t delay — the chocolate should still be wet to hold everything in place.
Step 6: Chill and Break into Pieces
Pop your tray into the fridge and chill for about an hour until the bark is firm. Once set, gently break it into about 16 pieces, perfect for sharing or gifting. Each bite will bring a satisfying crunch and sweet burst of holiday cheer.
How to Serve Christmas Oreo Mint Pretzel Bark Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves make beautiful garnishes when serving this bark. They complement the mint flavor and elevate the presentation, making your holiday spread extra special.
Side Dishes
This bark pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint tea. The creamy, minty flavors echo the bark’s profile and create a cozy, comforting experience. It’s also a great sweet treat to serve alongside coffee or holiday cocktails.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bark pieces in a festive tin or decorative glass jar tied with a ribbon for a charming edible gift. Alternatively, arrange pieces atop a holiday dessert platter surrounded by fresh holly or pine sprigs to wow your guests visually and palate-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Oreo Mint Pretzel Bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping it away from heat and moisture preserves that crisp texture and prevents the white chocolate from blooming or softening.
Freezing
You can freeze the bark for up to three months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and it will taste just as fresh as the day you made it.
Reheating
Since this bark is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If it softens too much, simply chill it again until firm to restore that perfect snap and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cookies instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! While the mint Oreos bring a delightful flavor, feel free to experiment with other cookies like chocolate wafers or ginger snaps for a different but delicious twist.
Is there a substitute for white chocolate?
You can swap white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate, but keep in mind that the white chocolate’s sweetness and color contribute significantly to the signature look and taste of this bark.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the peanut M&M’s or replace them with your favorite nut-free candy. Just ensure any candy swaps suit your taste and allergies.
How long does this bark stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the bark stays fresh for about one week. After that, it may start to lose its crunch or develop a slight white coating on the chocolate.
What if I don’t have Andes peppermint baking chips?
No worries! You can substitute with any peppermint-flavored baking chips or even finely crushed peppermint candies for a similar minty kick.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Oreo Mint Pretzel Bark Recipe is one of those joyful holiday treats that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at a party, or sneaking bites yourself while wrapping presents, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, invite some festive tunes, and get ready to create a sweet and minty masterpiece that will bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Oreo Mint Pretzel Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Bark combines crunchy pretzels, holiday-themed Oreos, peppermint chips, and colorful M&M’s all enveloped in rich white chocolate. Perfect for holiday gifting or sharing at parties, this easy no-bake treat delivers a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and minty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookies and Candy
- 7 red holiday Oreos (79g, broken into pieces, any variety works)
- 7 cool mint Oreos (79g, broken into pieces)
- 1½ cups stick pretzels (60g)
- ½ cup peppermint baking chips (85g, recommend using the Andes baking chips)
- ½ cup mint M&M’s (85g, divided, any variety works)
- ½ cup peanut M&M’s (85g, divided)
Chocolate and Decorations
- 1 lb. white chocolate baking bars (454g, Ghirardelli recommended)
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles (24g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Cover a large baking sheet with wax paper to prevent sticking. Alternatively, use parchment paper lightly sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Arrange the Mix-Ins: Evenly spread the broken red holiday Oreos, cool mint Oreos, stick pretzels, peppermint baking chips, and about three-quarters of the combined mint and peanut M&M’s over the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Place white chocolate bars in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on medium power for 1½ minutes, stir, then microwave for an additional 1 minute until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Be careful to avoid burning.
- Combine Chocolate and Mix-Ins: Pour the melted white chocolate over the arranged cookies and candies. Use a spatula to spread and evenly coat the mixture.
- Decorate: Immediately sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and red and green sprinkles over the wet chocolate to add a festive touch. This must be done before the chocolate sets.
- Set the Bark: Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate is fully set and firm, about 1 hour. Once set, carefully break the bark into approximately 16 small pieces for serving.
Notes
- Use wax paper for easier removal of the bark; if using parchment, lightly spray it to prevent sticking.
- When melting chocolate, stir frequently to avoid scorching or clumping.
- Customize your candy mix-ins by substituting other holiday-themed candies or nuts if desired.
- Store leftover bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Ensure sprinkling and decoration are done while the chocolate is still wet for the toppings to adhere properly.
