The History of Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is a popular wintertime treat in the United States, but its origins remain murky. The earliest known mention of peppermint bark dates back to a 1966 advertisement in the St. Petersburg Times. Though the treat bears some resemblance to American peanut brittle, it is much more likely that peppermint bark has its roots in French confectionaries — specifically, mendiants. These traditional French treats are made from tempered chocolate studded with nuts and dried fruit. Originally created with four toppings (almonds, raisins, hazelnuts, and figs) to represent the four monastic orders of the Catholic church, mendiants are now typically made with a wide range of add-ins. While we may never know who first invented peppermint bark, we do know who is responsible for popularizing it — Chuck Williams, the founder of Williams-Sonoma. In the late 1990s, Williams tasked his test kitchen employees with creating a nostalgic treat to sell for the holidays. He specifically wanted a product that would be reminiscent of the treats he bought at small-scale candy shops in his youth. He and his team reportedly tried 20 different recipes before landing on a blend of peppermint and chocolate. They then partnered with Guittard to develop signature blends of dark and white chocolate that would be exclusive to Williams-Sonoma and even had peppermint oil added to the chocolate itself to further distinguish the treat. When Williams-Sonoma introduced their peppermint bark in 1998 as a seasonal specialty, it was a massive success. Customers continue to clamor for it each year around the holidays and the company has created many related consumables, including peppermint bark-flavored brownies, candy apples, and coffee. Other retailers, such as Ghirardelli, have come out with their own peppermint bark products. Today, peppermint bark is a popular wintertime treat, especially around the holidays, and many Americans either buy tins of it at retailers like Williams-Sonoma or make their own at home.