If you’re looking to combine the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls with the festive zing of peppermint and the sweet crunch of bark, these Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls are an absolute must-try. Delight in festive flavors with this easy recipe for Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls—perfectly sweet, minty, and irresistibly gooey! Every bite melts with the warmth of cinnamon and bursts with refreshing peppermint, making it a show-stopping treat for holidays or any joyful occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavor fusion: Combining classic cinnamon rolls with peppermint bark creates a holiday flavor explosion you’ll adore.
- Simple ingredients: Uses easily found pantry staples plus peppermint bark for a special twist.
- Perfect gooey texture: Soft, fluffy rolls layered with sweet cinnamon and melted chocolate peppermint glaze.
- Easy to customize: Adaptable to your taste preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Impresses every crowd: Ideal for gatherings, brunches, or gifting during the festive season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from creating the soft dough to delivering the signature peppermint and cinnamon notes. Simple but essential, these ingredients balance sweetness, spice, and texture to make these Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, fluffy dough that rises perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the spice and mint.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft and pliable.
- Active dry yeast: Gives the dough its airy and soft structure.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both dough and filling for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cinnamon: The classic warm spice crucial to the cinnamon roll’s identity.
- Powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze coating.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the icing.
- Peppermint extract: Brings that iconic fresh, minty note without overpowering.
- Peppermint bark pieces: Chopped and sprinkled inside and on top for crunch and festive flair.
- Eggs: Bind the dough ingredients and add richness.
Variations for Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls
Don’t be afraid to tailor this recipe! It’s super easy to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding flavors to match your holiday mood or dietary preferences.
- Chocolate lovers’ twist: Add cocoa powder to the dough or extra chocolate chips for a double chocolate peppermint roll.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to keep them just as fluffy and delicious.
- Vegan adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk and use coconut oil or vegan butter, plus a flax egg instead of regular eggs.
- Nutty crunch: Toss in some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a warming twist.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast in warm milk with a little sugar. Once bubbly and alive, combine it with flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and softened butter to form a soft, sticky dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size—this helps create the airy rolls you love.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rises, mix softened butter with cinnamon and sugar to create a fragrant, buttery filling. This sweet, spicy blend is the heart of your rolls and what makes them so mouthwateringly good.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Once risen, roll your dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle generous amounts of chopped peppermint bark to infuse that festive crunch and cool mint flavor inside every bite.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into even pieces. This step is where those perfect spiral swirls come from, showcasing layers of cinnamon and peppermint goodness.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Place the rolls into a greased baking pan and let them rise again until puffy. Bake at the right temperature until golden brown and irresistibly soft, filling your kitchen with the most enchanting aroma.
Step 6: Prepare the Peppermint Glaze
While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, vanilla, and peppermint extracts to make a creamy glaze. Drizzle this over the warm rolls, then sprinkle extra peppermint bark pieces on top for decoration and extra festive crunch.
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls
- Perfect yeast activation: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skimp on kneading: Knead long enough to develop gluten for fluffy, tender rolls.
- Even rolling: Roll your dough tightly but gently to keep those beautiful layers intact when slicing.
- Watch the bake time: Avoid overbaking to keep rolls soft and gooey inside.
- Use fresh peppermint bark: Freshly chopped bark melts and crunches better than store-bought crushed bits.
- Glaze while warm: Drizzling the glaze when rolls are still warm helps it soak slightly, enhancing flavor and texture.
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Finish off your Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or additional peppermint bark shavings for an eye-catching, festive touch. A little extra drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful contrast, making these rolls almost too pretty to eat.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a spiced holiday coffee to amplify those cozy seasonal vibes. Fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait can also balance the sweetness, making it a well-rounded treat for brunch or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, or place them in decorative holiday-themed boxes for gifting. For a party, arrange them in a circular pan for a pull-apart wreath shape — it’s festive, fun, and perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but be sure to cover well to avoid drying.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully! Cool completely, then wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick fix. Add a bit of extra glaze or butter after reheating for that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use homemade peppermint bark?
Absolutely! Homemade peppermint bark adds a personal touch, and you can control the chocolate and peppermint intensity, making it even more special.
Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for a vegan diet?
They can be! By substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk, using vegan butter, and replacing eggs with flax or chia eggs, you can create delicious vegan Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it after the first rise to develop more flavor. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out and baking.
Is it okay to use peppermint extract instead of fresh peppermint bark?
Peppermint extract is essential for the glaze’s mint flavor, but the peppermint bark adds texture and chocolatey crunch, so using both creates the best experience.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Keep the filling close to the center when spreading, and roll tightly but gently. Also, don’t overfill—the right balance keeps the cinnamon and peppermint layers intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly magical about biting into a warm, gooey Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Roll that brings holiday cheer straight to your heart. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe is a delightful way to celebrate festive flavors while enjoying one of the most comforting baked goods. Try making these rolls at home—you won’t regret filling your kitchen and your plate with such irresistible goodness!