Holidays with Hallmark: Peppermint Bark Pretzels

Nothing says the holidays are here more than Hallmark! We already know that Hallmark carries such a great variety of Christmas Cards, Gifts, Ornaments and Decorations, but did you know that they also carry specialty teas, soaps and holiday candy?

The minute I spotted these boxes of Crafters & Co. peppermint bark bars, I knew they would be the perfect addition to a salty and sweet recipe! Not only do these bars taste out of this world, they have the cutest packaging too! Perfect for gift giving or stocking stuffers.

I picked up a bag of pretzel rods and twists, some melting chocolate, candy canes, kraft paper bags and bakers twine to go along with the Peppermint Bark Bars. I removed the candy canes from their wrappers and placed them inside of a freezer bag. 

Using a kitchen hammer, pound the candy canes inside of the freezer bag until they are crushed to a small dust.

Remove your Peppermint Bark Bars from their wrappers. Using your kitchen grater, finely grate each bark bar into small shavings inside a medium bowl.

Line up your pretzel rods and twists on wax paper.

Using a double boiler, slowly melt your chocolate until smooth. I used white chocolate, but of course you can use any variety you choose. I thought the dark peppermint bark shavings would really "pop" over the white melted chocolate.

Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate and cover the front of each pretzel twist evenly. While the melted chocolate is still hot, sprinkle with the Peppermint Bark Bar shavings, then the candy cane "dust". Move pretzels into the freezer for about 15 minutes to harden and firm up.

Because everyone loves a great presentation, I thought I would present these sweet little candy cane covered pretzels in kraft bags tied with red and white bakers twine. I added a holiday themed word to each tag with a Sharpie marker and threaded it through the twine.

I stuffed each mini kraft bag full of pretzel rods and twists and wrapped the twine around the back of the bag several times. Such a cute presentation!

These Peppermint Bark pretzels really didn't take much time at all to make and they are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert menu. I think it's really special for each guest to receive a special "treat" when they come to my home for the holidays, and these will definitely be served this Christmas!

If you need more gift ideas for family and friends, be sure to check out more Hallmark Gold Crown inspiration. They never disappoint!