Hey y'all! If you're searching for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that's a breeze to make, these Peppermint Bark Cups are sure to become your new holiday favorite. Each cup layers silky chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and pops of cool peppermint—creating an irresistible sweet snack that's perfect for parties, cookie swaps, or cozy nights at home. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Bark Cups Recipe
- Super easy and no-bake, ready in under an hour.
- Festive flair with a delightful chocolate-mint flavor and crunchy texture.
- Great for gifting, potlucks, or snacking anytime.
- Customizable with your choice of chocolate and toppings.
- Perfectly portioned for sharing and little hands.
Peppermint Bark Cups Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 8 ounces (225g) white chocolate chips
- 4 teaspoons coconut oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- ½ cup (about 5–6) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Optional: sprinkles or flaky sea salt for topping
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cups
Prep for Peppermint Bark Cup Assembly
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners for easy removal and cleanup.
- Crush your peppermint candies or candy canes in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or mallet.
Melt and Layer the Chocolate
- Add semisweet or dark chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Stir in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.
- Spoon 1 scant tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each liner. Tap the pan to smooth. Freeze or refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Meanwhile, melt white chocolate chips and remaining coconut oil in a separate bowl. Repeat microwaving and stirring until smooth. Add the rest of the peppermint extract.
Assemble Peppermint Bark Cups
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted white chocolate mixture over each chocolate layer, spreading to cover.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint evenly over the tops. Add sprinkles or sea salt if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20–25 minutes, or until fully set. Peel off liners and enjoy!
Notes for Perfect Peppermint Bark Cups
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best creamy texture and rich flavor. Learn about types of chocolate for melting from Bon Appétit.
- Don't overheat chocolate; slow melting ensures smooth, glossy layers and prevents seizing.
- For even layering, gently tap your pan after adding each layer to level the chocolate.
Peppermint Bark Cups Variations
- Swirl Version: Gently swirl the dark and white chocolate layers together before chilling for a marbled look.
- Nuts & Crunch: Add toasted chopped almonds, pistachios, or toffee bits for extra crunch.
- Vegan Variation: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan buttery sticks instead of coconut oil.
Equipment for Peppermint Bark Cups
- Muffin tin (12-cup standard size)
- Paper cupcake liners
- Microwave-safe bowls
- Spoons or small rubber spatula
- Zip-top bag and rolling pin (for crushing candy)
Peppermint Bark Cups Storage Instructions
Store Peppermint Bark Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.
Peppermint Bark Cups Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or your favorite holiday drink.
- Pair with a fruit platter or cheese board for a festive dessert spread.
- Bundle in gift bags or tins for party favors and thoughtful edible gifts.
Peppermint Bark Cups Pro Tips
- Bring chocolate chips to room temperature before melting to ensure even melting. More tips can be found at Serious Eats.
- If the chocolate seizes, add a splash of coconut oil and stir vigorously to save it.
- Always chill between layers to keep clean lines and distinct flavors.
Peppermint Bark Cups FAQ
- Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
- Yes—use food-grade peppermint oil, but only 1–2 drops since it's much more concentrated than extract.
- Can I make Peppermint Bark Cups ahead of time?
- Absolutely! These hold their texture and flavor for at least 1–2 weeks in the fridge, so they're perfect for prepping in advance.
- Are Peppermint Bark Cups gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chocolate and check your peppermint candies, these cups are naturally gluten-free. For more on gluten-free ingredients, see Celiac Disease Foundation.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 Peppermint Bark Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
- ⅓ cup crushed peppermint candies
- 12 mini cupcake liners
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
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1Line a mini muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and set aside.
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2In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Stir in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.
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3Divide the melted chocolate evenly among the cupcake liners, tapping the tray to spread the chocolate. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes to set.
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4In another microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with the remaining coconut oil. Stir every 20 seconds until smooth, then mix in the remaining peppermint extract.
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5Spoon the white chocolate layer over the set chocolate in each liner, smoothing the tops. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and sea salt (if using) over each cup.
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6Chill the cups in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or until fully set. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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