If you’ve been craving a cool, creamy, and chocolaty treat that instantly refreshes your palate, you’re going to absolutely adore this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful minty bites that are a perfect balance of smooth peppermint filling wrapped in rich semi-sweet chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing after-dinner treat, a sweet snack, or a charming homemade gift, these patties will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature blend of flavors and textures that make peppermint patties so irresistible. From the silky sweetness of powdered sugar to the cool zing of peppermint extract, every component contributes to the magic.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: This is the main sweetener that provides the smooth texture of the peppermint filling.
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds moisture and creaminess, helping the filling bind perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor that delivers that unmistakable refreshing mint taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle warmth to the filling.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor perfectly.
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips: For the luscious, glossy coating that gives these patties their classic appeal.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and create an even coating.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Filling
Start by combining powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir them together until a thick, smooth paste forms. If the mixture feels too sticky or wet, simply add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easy to handle and shape. This filling is where that cool peppermint flavor begins to shine.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Lightly dust your clean workspace with powdered sugar to keep things from sticking. Scoop small amounts of the peppermint mixture—about the size of a quarter—and roll each into a ball. Then gently flatten each ball into a thin disc, roughly 1/4 inch thick. Place each disc carefully onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This part is fun because you can adjust the size to suit your craving for bite-sized treats or more substantial sweets.
Step 3: Chill the Patties
Pop the baking sheet into the freezer and allow the patties to firm up for about 30 minutes. This chilling step is key to ensuring they hold their shape when you dip them into the chocolate coating later.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the peppermint discs freeze, melt your chocolate. Use a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water or carefully heat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval to keep it smooth. If you want an easier, silky coating, stir in the coconut oil once the chocolate is melted—it thins it out and gives a lovely gloss to the finish.
Step 5: Dip the Patties in Chocolate
Retrieve your chilled peppermint discs and, one at a time, dip them into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully covered. Use a fork to lift them out and let the excess chocolate drip off before setting them back on the parchment paper. This dipping is where your patties transform into the iconic homemade peppermint treat everyone loves.
Step 6: Set the Chocolate Coating
Let the coated peppermint patties rest until the chocolate hardens. You can either leave them at room temperature if you’re not in a hurry or pop them in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once the coating is firm, they’re ready to enjoy.
Step 7: Store Your Treats
Transfer the finished patties to an airtight container. They keep wonderfully at room temperature or refrigerated if you prefer a firmer texture, making them perfect for sharing or savoring throughout the week.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
While these patties are stunning on their own, sprinkling a little crushed peppermint candy or finely chopped nuts on top before the chocolate sets can add extra texture and flair. You can also drizzle some white chocolate over the dark coating for a striking contrast that makes them look almost too good to eat.
Side Dishes
Peppermint patties pair beautifully with hot beverages—think mugs of rich coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a robust cup of tea. Serving them alongside a cheese platter or as part of a dessert tray ensures a refreshing, minty palate cleanser between bites of heavier sweets.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe by arranging them in decorative gift boxes tied with festive ribbons for special occasions. Alternatively, place them in small glass jars or plate them on holiday-themed platters for irresistible party favors or dessert tables. You might even wrap individual patties in wax paper for a retro candy shop vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll be delighted to know these peppermints keep well! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat or direct sunlight, and they should stay fresh for up to a week without losing their texture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy peppermint patties beyond a week, freezing is a fantastic option. Lay the patties in a single layer on parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When frozen solid, you can stack them with parchment between layers. They’ll keep up to 2 months and defrost perfectly when brought to room temperature.
Reheating
No need to heat these treats to enjoy them—peppermint patties are best served cold or at room temperature to preserve their crisp chocolate shell and fresh peppermint center. If the chocolate softens too much, a quick chill in the fridge brings back that satisfying snap.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for coating?
Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate is classic, but you can experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate to customize your peppermint patties. Just keep an eye on sweetness levels, especially with white chocolate.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a vegan condensed milk alternative, and choose dairy-free chocolate to coat the patties. Also, double-check that your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly, as some brands process it with bone char.
How strong is the peppermint flavor?
The peppermint extract amount in this recipe gives a pleasant, refreshing kick without overpowering the sweetness. You can always adjust the peppermint extract up or down to suit your personal taste.
Can I add food coloring to the peppermint filling?
Sure thing! A drop or two of green food coloring adds a festive touch, especially around the holidays, but it’s completely optional and doesn’t affect the flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent chocolate from melting when handling?
Keep your hands cool and dry when dipping or handling the patties. Using a fork to lift them from the chocolate and placing them on parchment paper helps avoid smudges. Storing them in a cool place also keeps your patties looking perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so special about making your own sweets, and this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe really captures that cozy, homemade magic. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create treats that are bursting with fresh mint flavor and rich chocolate goodness. I can’t wait for you to try making these—you’ll find they quickly become a favorite to share with friends and family all year round.
Print
Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m plus chilling time
- Yield: Approximately 20-24 peppermint patties
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade peppermint patties are a delightful and easy-to-make treat featuring a creamy peppermint filling coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a refreshing chocolate mint candy.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for easier melting)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. If too sticky, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until workable.
- Shape the patties: Lightly dust a work surface with powdered sugar. Roll small amounts of the peppermint mixture into balls about the size of a quarter, then flatten into discs approximately 1/4 inch thick. Place discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the patties: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until the patties are firm.
- Melt the chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Add coconut oil, if using, to thin the chocolate for easier coating.
- Coat the patties: Remove the peppermint discs from the freezer and dip each into the melted chocolate, fully coating them. Use a fork to lift out the patties and let excess chocolate drip off before placing back onto parchment paper.
- Set the chocolate: Allow patties to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Store: Once fully set, transfer peppermint patties to an airtight container. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Adjust peppermint extract amount to taste for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
- Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips for best results.
- Coconut oil is optional but helps smooth and thin the chocolate coating.
- Store patties in a cool place to prevent melting.
- If mixture is too soft after chilling, refrigerate a bit longer before dipping.
