The 3-Ingredient Peppermint Bark I Make Every Christmas (Everyone Asks for the Recipe)

I love making edible gifts for the holidays—and I’m especially keen on ones that only use a handful of ingredients and are easy to prepare. My go-to every December is one right from the Simply Recipes’ bank: a three-ingredient Peppermint Bark that’s simple, delicious, and stunning. The crushed red-and-white candies sprinkled on top add a visible cheer to the season.

This recipe comes together quickly, so if I’m headed to a holiday party or friends decide to drop by one evening, I can easily make a quick batch. Plus, it comes with a ton of potential to make it my own: I’ve found myself mixing in different types of chocolate and toppings to customize it for each person in my life who’s receiving this gift.

How I Make Simply Recipes’ Peppermint Bark

This peppermint bark recipe couldn’t be easier. Just three ingredients stand between you and the perfect holiday gift: a bag of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips, a splash of peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes.

You’ll want to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go once you start melting the chocolate—especially white chocolate, which has different melting temperatures than milk or dark chocolate—since you’ll need to move quickly.

First, make sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, in a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate until smooth and pourable, stir in the peppermint extract, and spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in an even layer with an offset spatula. Try not to get it too thin or too thick—you’re going for a thickness that can easily break apart but is pleasant to eat.

While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top. I like to use a mixture of small and large pieces, but just make sure they’re evenly distributed so everyone gets a nice, minty bite. Let cool completely; once firm, break the bark apart using a knife.

How to Customize and Gift This Recipe

Although this peppermint bark calls for semi-sweet or white chocolate, I love swapping in dark chocolate. Really, it’s easy to customize based on what you or your gift recipients prefer.

A few years ago, I bought a huge package of piping bags, so anytime I get the chance, I whip one out to fancy up my cooking. For this recipe, I fill one piping bag with white chocolate and use it to create zig-zags onto the dark chocolate while it’s still warm. It creates a gorgeous swirl, which makes it look extra-fancy.

Knowing that I’ll gift this peppermint bark, I buy festive food-safe tins online at the beginning of the season. I line each one with white parchment and pack up the treats, then store them in a cool place. Warning: Don’t make them too early, or they might cause snacking temptation and you’ll have to start all over. (Although, a do-over won’t take long!)