M&S fans heartbroken as supermarket axes beloved holiday cookie flavour

Marks & Spencer fans are gutted to learn a cult-favourite bakery item shall not return in time for the 2026 holiday period, with some saying the decision has ‘ruined their whole year’.

When moreish mouthfuls and sugary delights are on your mind, M&S is your ultimate one-stop shop.

From mouthwatering gingerbread and white chocolate cookies—which Greggs has recently ‘duped’—to pastry-stacked Too Good To Go bags, plus chocolate and clementine Irish cream bottles, the supermarket chain really has it all.

Last year, M&S excited fans by bringing back its mulled rosé wine for Christmas after a decade-long absence, and recently sparked debate with its ‘clever’ two-in-one chocolate orange tin twists and festive-themed chocolate whips.

However, it’s bad news for some; the brand has confirmed a popular cookie flavour, Peppermint Bark, won’t be back in time for the Big Day.

(M&S)

The confirmation came after one X user typed on 13 October: “Please I need to know if the peppermint bark cookies are returning!? The best cookie you ever made!”

A day later, the business broke the bad news—the sweet treat wouldn’t be making a comeback.

“We're so pleased you loved our Peppermint Bark Cookies! We don't currently have any plans for them to return, but we'll happily share your feedback with our Food team,” the official M&S account stated.

The heartbreaking response has led to outcry, with another X user claiming: “This has ruined my whole year.”

Someone else wrote: “Tell Kathryn to bring these back now!!! I need them. Why would you not bring them back????,” referring to Kathryn Turner, director of product development, who is beloved across TikTok.

(M&S)

In a statement to The Sun, a spokesperson for the business said: “We chose not to bring back the Peppermint Bark Cookie this year, as we always want to bring in new flavours to the Foodhall.

“However, if you’re still hankering after them pick up our Peppermint & Chocolate Wafer Rolls or Chocolate Peppermint Bark the next time you’re in store.”

While the glorious Peppermint Bark Cookies will not be baked in the M&S bakery this season, there are a plethora of other flavours to choose from.

There’s the new ‘Chunked N’ Loaded range, featuring sticky apple, pistachio and lemon, custard cream, and chocolate and cherry.

Classics can also be picked up, including: vegan chocolate chip; chocolate button shortbreads; fruit granola squares; milk chocolate chip; triple chocolate; and white chocolate varieties.

Are you sad to see the Peppermint Bark Cookie go? Or are you excited to have the opportunity to try something new?