Bath & Body Works’ Newest Holiday Scent Smells 10x Its Price

As someone who has approximately 47 candles tucked away in all corners of my apartment (mostly in storage!), I pride myself on being a candle connoisseur — and I don’t shy from a range of scents from all of the brands you know and love, at all price points. I’ve been proudly shopping Bath & Body Works’ yearly holiday drop since I was old enough to drive myself to the nearest mall. As an editor who has reviewed the brand’s seasonal line regularly since 2017, I’m thrilled to share that they’ve just released what I consider to be the ultimate Christmas scent — their best of all time, in fact.

On October 15, Bath & Body Works released a holiday-themed collection in collaboration with Milk Bar, the glitzy-glam dessert shop founded by James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Christina Tosi. The newest holiday line includes all of your favorites, from body lotions to hand soaps to scent-diffusing Wallflowers — and, of course, a new sweet batch of single- and three-wick candles. 

After having the chance to personally review each scent before they landed in Bath & Body Works stores nationwide, I nearly broke down in excited tears — one of the limited scents is even better than the “Birthday Cake” release that both brands unveiled earlier in September.

Four new scents are in play, and they’re all based on iconic Milk Bar treats: Cereal Milk Soft Serve, Raspberry Holiday Pie Bar, Cinnamon Pretzel Cookie, and the object of my newest obsession, Peppermint Bark Truffle. The Cereal Milk Soft Serve profile was nostalgic for anyone who has loved Milk Bar’s iconic soft serve, and Raspberry Holiday Pie Bar truly smells like something you’d order in a cafe.

But the clear standout is their take on Peppermint Bark Truffle, a scent that marries just a hint of sweetness with a refreshing profile that will have guests complimenting holiday hosts all season long. It’s just as amazing as the holiday treat that Tosi and her team at Milk Bar have been serving up for years.

Brand officials describe the scent as “holiday dessert in full swing,” per a press release. But I found it was much lighter than expected: The peppermint notes really come through in a way that approaches the fir-like freshness that a real live Christmas tree throws off. What hits you first is a clean, cool aroma that branches into earthy menthol notes (like the best parts of a mint!) — swiftly followed by the coy sweetness of syrupy candy cane sugar.

I’m someone who is easily overwhelmed by the aromas associated with many seasonal candles, whether it’s fall candles (pumpkin spice included!) or those gifted for the holidays. I’m so thrilled that the creatives at Milk Bar perfected a classic Bath & Body Works scent that won’t overpower my space, while also carrying a refreshing quality that still makes me feel like I’m in a cozy environment. It’s a true holiday miracle! 

“We had so much fun dreaming up these new treats and fragrances with Bath & Body Works,” Tosi said in a joint press release. “Whether you’re lighting a candle or biting into a slice of Peppermint Bark Cake, we hope this collection brings a little extra sweetness to your season.” 

If you’re anything like me, buying gifts in bulk is a must — for everything from stocking stuffers to White Elephant or other work/neighborhood gift exchanges. I’ve already added 10 single-wick Peppermint Bark Truffle candles to my cart for all my friends this year (if you’re reading this, you’re welcome!). 

Get ahold of Milk Bar x Bath & Body Works’ Peppermint Bark Truffle candles before they sell out — and check out even more of the new, limited-edition holiday scents below.