How to Make Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls

Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re searching for a festive and delightful twist on a classic favorite, you’ve found it with Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls. These sweet treats combine the warmth of cinnamon swirls with the crisp, refreshing crunch of peppermint bark, creating a holiday dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself, this recipe captures the spirit of the season in every gooey, flavorful bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive Flavor Fusion: The combination of cinnamon and peppermint creates a uniquely seasonal taste you won’t find in ordinary cinnamon rolls.
  • Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer extra chocolate, less sugar, or a dairy-free option, this recipe adapts with ease for all taste preferences.
  • Perfect for Gifting: These rolls make a gorgeous and thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends and family.
  • Great for Any Skill Level: Even if you’re new to baking, the straightforward steps will guide you to success.
  • Ideal Holiday Treat: Their aroma and flavor instantly bring cozy holiday vibes to your kitchen and table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in ensuring a soft, flavorful dough and a mouthwatering peppermint-chocolate finish. From flour to peppermint bark, these basics come together to create magic.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and soft chewiness of the rolls.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with browning.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the dough rises beautifully, making the rolls fluffy.
  • Milk: Used warm to activate yeast and adds richness to dough.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates tenderness in the dough and a luscious filling.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture for the perfect texture.
  • Cinnamon: The classic spice that forms the warm swirl flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deeper sweetness and caramel notes in the filling.
  • Peppermint Bark: Chopped pieces sprinkled inside and on top for that delightful crunch and minty punch.
  • Powdered Sugar: For the glaze that ties everything together with sweetness and a creamy finish.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with sweet, aromatic notes.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens dough flavor.

Variations for Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls

Feel free to tailor Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully flexible, letting you create everything from indulgent chocolate lovers’ delights to lighter or vegan-friendly versions without a fuss.

  • Vegan Twist: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
  • Extra Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for increased chocolatey goodness.
  • Nutty Addition: Mix chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the filling or sprinkle on top.
  • Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol to reduce sugar content without losing sweetness.
  • Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl for a richer flavor profile.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls

How to Make Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it reaches about 110°F, then stir in active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs, mixing everything until it forms a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Create the Filling

Mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to make a smooth, spreadable paste. This filling will create the rich, sweet cinnamon layers inside each roll. Set aside the chopped peppermint bark, which you’ll sprinkle on later for that special holiday twist.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 16 by 12 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the surface, then scatter chopped peppermint bark across the top. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 4: Second Rise

Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the peppermint bark pieces on top.

Step 6: Make and Add the Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls once out of the oven, allowing the peppermint bark to soften just enough to become chewy but still crunchy in spots.

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls

  • Perfect Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Don’t Over-Flour: Use just enough flour when kneading to keep the dough tender, not dense.
  • Chill Peppermint Bark: Cold peppermint bark chunks help them hold texture better when melted slightly during baking.
  • Even Rolling: Roll dough to an even thickness for uniform baking and filling distribution.
  • Glaze While Warm: Apply the glaze immediately after baking for that perfect glossy finish that seeps into every crevice.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy or whole mini candy canes on top after glazing for extra festive flair and crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar also enhances the snowy winter vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of spiced coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy chai latte for a cozy experience. Fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for casual gatherings or on a fancy cake stand decorated with holly and pine branches for special holiday parties. Wrapping individual rolls in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon makes for charming gift packaging.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain softness, cover them with a damp paper towel or store with a slice of bread inside the container to lock in moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let rise before baking. Baked rolls freeze well too; just wrap individually in plastic and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating

Warm leftover or thawed rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes covered loosely with foil. This refreshes their soft texture and melts the glaze slightly for maximum deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint bark with regular peppermint candies?

Absolutely! Crushing peppermint candies works well and offers a similar minty crunch, though the chocolate element is missing unless you add chocolate separately.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, swap regular milk for plant-based milk like almond or oat and use vegan butter substitutes to keep the rolls soft and flavorful without dairy.

How long do Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls stay fresh?

They’re best enjoyed within 2 days at room temperature, but refrigeration can extend freshness up to 5 days, though the texture may change slightly.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Definitely! You can prepare and rise the dough a day ahead, keeping it refrigerated and allowing it to come to room temperature before assembling.

What if I don’t have peppermint bark on hand?

Try substituting with chopped candy canes, peppermint chips, or even a drizzle of peppermint-flavored chocolate for a similar effect.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls capture the joy of the holiday season in a warm, gooey package that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether for a festive brunch, cozy dessert, or thoughtful gift, these rolls are sure to brighten any day. I invite you to try this recipe, add your personal touch, and create moments full of delicious memories.

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Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls

Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon swirls with the refreshing crunch of peppermint bark, creating a festive holiday treat that’s easy to customize and perfect for sharing or gifting.

  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 55 mins
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy (can be adapted to Vegan and Dairy-Free)

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped peppermint bark

Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 23 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm milk to about 110°F and stir in active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs; mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Create the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a smooth, spreadable paste. Set aside the chopped peppermint bark for sprinkling.
  3. Assemble the Rolls: Roll the dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, then scatter chopped peppermint bark on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  4. Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased baking pan with small spaces between them. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  5. Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly, watching closely to prevent peppermint bark from burning.
  6. Make and Add the Glaze: While baking, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to a smooth glaze. Drizzle glaze generously over warm rolls right after removing them from the oven, allowing peppermint bark to soften yet remain crunchy in spots.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Use just enough flour during kneading to keep dough tender, avoiding a dense texture.
  • Keep peppermint bark chilled before using to maintain texture when it melts slightly in baking.
  • Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform baking and filling distribution.
  • Apply glaze immediately after baking for a glossy finish that seeps into every crevice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: peppermint bark cinnamon rolls, holiday cinnamon rolls, peppermint cinnamon rolls, festive cinnamon rolls, holiday dessert, peppermint dessert

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