The holiday season is the perfect time to create delightful memories with kids in the kitchen. Making holiday bark cookies is a fun and easy way for children to express their creativity while enjoying delicious treats. These simple recipes are not only engaging but also allow kids to customize their creations endlessly. Let’s get started!
1. Classic Chocolate Bark
Satisfy chocolate cravings with this classic treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
Process:
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Stir in mini marshmallows and half of the sprinkles.
- Spread on parchment-lined tray and top with remaining sprinkles. Let cool until firm.
Make it Unique:
Add crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist!
2. White Chocolate Cranberry Bark
A tasty combo of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Process:
- Melt white chocolate until smooth.
- Mix in dried cranberries and most of the pistachios.
- Pour onto parchment and sprinkle with remaining pistachios. Cool to set.
Make it Unique:
Swap cranberries for dried cherries for a different flavor.
3. Peppermint Bark
A classic holiday favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Melt dark chocolate and spread on parchment paper.
- Once set, melt white chocolate and pour over dark layer.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes before it hardens.
Make it Unique:
Drizzle milk chocolate on top for extra sweetness!
4. Nutty Rocky Road Bark
A delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
Process:
- Melt chocolate chips until completely smooth.
- Stir in marshmallows and nuts until well combined.
- Spread mixture onto parchment and let cool.
Make it Unique:
Try using different nuts like pecans or cashews for variety.
5. S’mores Bark
Campfire favorites in a handheld treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Process:
- Melt milk chocolate chips until smooth.
- Stir in half the crushed graham crackers and marshmallows.
- Spread onto parchment paper, topping with remaining graham crackers and marshmallows.
Make it Unique:
Add peanut butter chips for a twist!
6. Rainbow Bark
A feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup assorted candy melts
- 1/2 cup gummy candies, chopped
Process:
- Melt white chocolate and swirl in melted candy melts for color.
- Pour onto a lined tray and sprinkle with gummy candies.
- Let it cool until set, then break into pieces.
Make it Unique:
Replace gummy candies with your favorite cereals for crunch.
7. Caramel Pretzel Bark
A salty-sweet combination that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Process:
- Melt dark chocolate and spread it on parchment paper.
- Top with pretzel pieces, then drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Make it Unique:
Use white chocolate and drizzle with chocolate for a different look!
8. Matcha White Chocolate Bark
A unique twist on a traditional favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Process:
- Melt white chocolate, then mix in matcha powder until well combined.
- Spread onto a lined tray and sprinkle with shredded coconut.
- Let it cool before breaking into squares.
Make it Unique:
Add chopped nuts for added crunch!
9. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark
A winning combination of flavors!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Process:
- Melt chocolate and mix with peanut butter until silky.
- Pour onto parchment-lined tray, topping with chopped peanuts.
- Cool until set, then break into pieces.
Make it Unique:
Use almond butter for a nutty switch!
10. Orange Zest Chocolate Bark
A refreshing twist for the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Process:
- Melt chocolate until completely smooth.
- Stir in half of the orange zest, then spread on parchment paper.
- Top with remaining zest and sea salt before it sets.
Make it Unique:
Pair with hazelnuts for added texture.
11. Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bark
A cozy flavor for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed sugar cookies
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Process:
- Melt white chocolate until smooth.
- Mix in crushed cookies and cinnamon.
- Spread mixture onto a lined tray and let cool.
Make it Unique:
Substitute sugar cookies with gingerbread cookies for seasonal vibes.
12. Coconut Almond Bark
Tropical flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Process:
- Melt white chocolate until smooth.
- Stir in coconut and sliced almonds before pouring it onto parchment.
- Cool until solid, then cut into pieces.
Make it Unique:
Add a hint of vanilla extract for additional flavor.
13. Cherry Delight Bark
A sweet and fruity surprise!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Process:
- Melt dark chocolate until silky.
- Mix in dried cherries and walnuts, then spread on parchment.
- Let cool completely before breaking apart.
Make it Unique:
Swap walnuts for pecans for a different flavor profile.
Creating festive bark cookies can be a joyful activity for kids and adults alike! Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on holiday treats, inviting creativity in flavors and combinations. Pick a few (or try them all) and make delicious memories this holiday season!
