Cocoa Krispies Peppermint Bark

Cocoa Krispies Peppermint Bark is one of the easiest chocolate holiday treats you can make. Plus, you can control the intensity of peppermint flavor just by the amount of crushed candies you add on top.

When you want to give a thoughtful gift that won't break the bank but will give a lot of bang for your buck, make up a batch or two of crunchy peppermint bark with chocolate puffed rice cereal. You'll be glad you did, and so will they!!

This recipe post and its contents may include affiliate links for your consideration. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, but your prices are never increased as a result. Thank you.

Jump to:

• The ingredient list:
• Ingredient information:
• Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
• Substitution and add-in suggestions:
• Best way to melt the chocolate:
• Best method for crushing the peppermints:
• Why is shortening involved in this recipe?
• Renee's top tips and tricks for recipe success:
• Storage information:
• Additional homemade candy recipes:
• Printable Recipe Card

The ingredient list:

Ingredient information:

MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS - The choice of chocolate here is strictly a personal preference. Since my husband is more of a milk chocolate kind of guy, I chose milk chocolate...this time! lol

SHORTENING - The shortening is used to help the chocolate emulsify and become a better coating consistency and even creamier than just the chocolate alone. DO NOT be tempted to use butter as a substitute for shortening. When melted, the water within the butter will seize and harden the chocolate, making it unusable.

COCOA KRISPIES CEREAL - It's been forever since I purchased Cocoa Krispies cereal, but I knew I wanted chocolate puffed rice for this recipe, so I got myself a box. If you have a different brand of chocolate puffed rice cereal that you prefer, by all means, use it. Cocoa pebbles would also be enjoyable in this peppermint bark.

CRUSHED PEPPERMINT CANDY - Whether you use starlight mints (like I did) or candy canes, they'll both work. It's up to you how you'd like to crush them (different ways are listed below). The amount of crushed candy you choose to sprinkle on top will determine how much peppermint flavor your bark will have. Sprinkle sparingly if you only want a hint or sprinkle heavy-handed if you want lots of peppermint flavor!

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• large microwave-safe bowl (for melting and mixing)
•  silicone spatula
•  rolling pin, meat mallet, food processor, or blender (for crushing candy)
•  gallon zip-top bag (optional for crushing candy with a rolling pin or mallet)
•  microwave or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
•  offset spatula for smoothing the chocolate bark
•  parchment paper
•  baking sheet
•  baking spray

Substitution and add-in suggestions:

Feel free to use semi-sweet, white chocolate chips or a combination of each if you like. If you want a two-tone bark, allow the bottom layer of melted chocolate to harden before adding a second layer of melted chocolate on top.

Or you can use the "dollop method" by randomly spreading the first layer of melted chocolate evenly on the baking sheet. While the first layer is still wet, dollop additional melted chocolate (of a different color or flavor) over the first layer. Use a knife or spatula to swirl the two melted chocolates together and top with the crushed peppermint candy.

Dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and/or fun sprinkles would make a lovely and eye-catching addition to this chocolaty, crunchy peppermint bark.

Best way to melt the chocolate:

I like to use the microwave for recipes such as this instead of getting another pot or pan (i.e., double boiler) dirty. Cleanup is fast and easy since the chocolate melts in the same large microwave-safe bowl (preferably) as the mixing.

However, it is essential to note that melting chocolate in the microwave needs to be done slowly and at low to medium power. It is essential to do short bursts of melting on low, stirring, melting, stirring, so the chocolate won't seize and harden. Once that happens, you'll have to start over. Trust me. I've learned this from experience. Did I say that out loud? LOL

Best method for crushing the peppermints:

Again, to keep the dishwashing at a minimum, I like the zip-top bag and rolling pin method (as seen in the video). The only thing wrong with this method is that you run the risk of denting your rolling pin if you're using a wooden one and are over-assertive. A meat mallet is your best bet if you'd like to preserve your wooden rolling pin.

A food processor or blender will also work, but be careful not to pulverize the candy into dust unless that's the texture you're going for.

Why is shortening involved in this recipe?

Because shortening is 100% fat, it will combine with the chocolate to make a smoother and creamier melted chocolate consistency.

It is important to note that butter should NOT be used as a substitute for shortening. Butter contains water; once the butter melts, the water will combine with the chocolate and cause it to harden, seize, and not melt.

Renee's top tips and tricks for recipe success:

• Spray the parchment paper lightly with baking spray to prevent the candy from sticking to the paper.
•  Melt the chocolate low and slow with plenty of stirring.
•  Melt the chocolate in a large enough microwave-safe bowl so the melting and mixing can be in one bowl.
•  For smoother melted chocolate consistency, use shortening in with the chocolate chips. DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO USE BUTTER.

Storage information:

Keep this crispy chocolate peppermint bark candy in a cool, dry spot in an airtight container. Candy will remain fresh for several weeks (but I doubt it will last that long).

Additional homemade candy recipes:

You can either thank me for this recipe of Coconut Pecan Praline Candy or curse me out! They're so good and so addicting you may eat them all by yourself! Sorry. Not sorry! *wink*

When you care enough to give the very best, this recipe for Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch candy should be at the very top of your gift-giving list.

These easy to make Tropical White Chocolate Candy Bites are the perfect thing to make and gift to someone who loves to indulge in a sweet little treat from time to time.

If you're a fan of Payday candy bars, then you'll go NUTS for this fast and easy Copycat Payday Candy Bars recipe. After all, who doesn't love payday?!!

Printable Recipe Card

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's homemade candy recipe for Cocoa Krispies Peppermint Bark as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.