Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a holiday treat that practically delivers a whole season’s worth of cheer in one bite, you need to try Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites. These little morsels are crunchy, minty, sweet, and just a touch salty – all the flavors and textures that say “It’s the holidays!” in the most delightful way. Whether you’re bringing them to a cookie swap, making an edible gift basket, or satisfying your own sweet tooth, Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites are festive perfection that comes together in just minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of brightly flavored, easy-to-find ingredients to whip up a batch of Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites. Each component plays a special part, from the salty crunch to that iconic wintry burst of cool peppermint and creamy chocolate. Here’s a look at what makes these bites sensational:

• Hershey Candy Cane Kisses: These bring the signature creamy white chocolate and cool peppermint stripes for the ultimate festive flair.
• White chocolate peppermint m&m’s: These add extra minty sweetness and a fun pop of color right on top.
• Square pretzels: Their bite-sized crunch and perfect surface area make them ideal for holding all the delicious toppings together.
• Christmas sprinkles (optional): A sprinkle of red, green, and white turns these treats into instant holiday eye-candy!

How to Make Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to a gentle 250 degrees F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or tin foil. This not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup as breezy as a snowfall.

Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels

Lay out 63 square pretzels in neat rows on your prepared baking sheet. Each one will soon cradle a creamy Hershey’s Kiss, so try to keep them flat and evenly spaced.

Step 3: Top with Candy Cane Kisses

Place one unwrapped Candy Cane Kiss on top of each pretzel. These kisses are really the heart of the Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites, melting into a puddle of minty goodness as they warm.

Step 4: Bake to Melt

Pop the tray in the oven for just about 4 minutes. You’re not looking to fully melt the kisses, just soften them enough so they’re glossy and pliable. Watch closely — the goal is gentle melting, not puddles!

Step 5: Add M&M’s and Sprinkles

As soon as the kisses come out of the oven, press a peppermint M&M into the center of each softened kiss. For an extra dash of festivity, sprinkle on some colorful Christmas sprinkles while they’re still warm.

Step 6: Set and Enjoy

Let the tray rest on your counter for about two hours, or until the chocolate firms back up. Patience pays off — once set, your Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites are ready to pop off the tray, plate up, and devour!

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites

Garnishes

A little creativity goes a long way with garnish! Drizzle the bites with extra white chocolate for a fancy accent, or dust them lightly with crushed peppermint for even more wintry sparkle. If you’re feeling extra festive, a pinch of edible glitter adds instant party vibes.

Side Dishes

Serve your Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites alongside mugs of hot cocoa or peppermint mochas for a doubleshot of cool-mint coziness. They’re also fantastic with coffee and equally wonderful on a dessert platter featuring fudge, shortbread, or sugar cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Pack these bites into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for the cutest edible gifts, pile them high on a snowy-white cake stand for a buffet centerpiece, or nestle them in a cookie tin between layers of parchment if you’re mailing treats to friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once they’re set, keep your Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their snap and flavor for up to a week—though honestly, they tend to disappear much faster!

Freezing

To make these treats ahead for holiday parties, simply freeze in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper, and your Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites will stay perfectly fresh and crispy for up to two months.

Reheating

These bites are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, just let them thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chocolate and pretzels soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular m&m’s instead of white chocolate peppermint?

Absolutely! If you can’t find the peppermint variety, regular holiday m&m’s (red and green) or even classic milk chocolate m&m’s will still taste wonderful and look festive on your Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites.

What if I don’t have square pretzels?

No worries—you can use the classic mini twist pretzels or any small pretzel shape you love. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the toppings.

Can I melt the kisses in the microwave instead of the oven?

For the best results, stick with the oven. Melting the kisses on the pretzels in the oven ensures a gentle, even soften, which is key to getting that perfect, easy-to-press texture for Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites.

How long does it take for the chocolate to harden?

At room temperature, it’ll take about two hours for the kisses and m&m’s to set completely. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the tray into the fridge for 15–20 minutes to speed things up.

Are Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites gluten-free?

Since traditional pretzels contain wheat, they’re not naturally gluten-free. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by swapping in your favorite gluten-free pretzels and double-checking all candy labels.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about how easy and irresistible these Peppermint Bark Pretzel Bites are. Whether you make them for a party, a gift, or just because, you’re about to fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of celebration. Trust me, once you try these, making them will become your new holiday tradition!

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