There's something undeniably magical about biting into a cool, minty center wrapped in rich chocolate. This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is a breeze to whip up and tastes just like the classic treats you remember, but better because you made them yourself!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe feels like a holiday tradition, even if you make it in the middle of July. What I love is how simple it is—just five ingredients, but the result tastes like a candy shop dream. Plus, dipping those peppermint centers in glossy chocolate is such a satisfying process. It turns making treats into a joy rather than a chore.
- Simple Ingredients: You need just a handful of basics most people already have in their pantry or fridge.
- Customizable Flavors: Adjust the peppermint strength or try other extracts to make it your own.
- Perfect Texture: The centers are soft but firm enough to hold their shape, wrapped in smooth chocolate.
- Festive Fun: Adding sprinkles makes these homemade peppermint patties a delightful gift or party centerpiece.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient serves a purpose in the Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe, creating that signature balance of mint and sweetness. Let me tell you why each one matters and some tips for picking the best versions.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the filling a creamy texture and natural sweetness, making the centers soft but not sticky.
- Peppermint Extract: The star of the show for flavor; a little goes a long way, so go slow and taste as you mix.
- Powdered Sugar: This thickens the filling and adds that classic candy sweetness, ensuring a firm but tender bite.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts evenly for the coating, providing the perfect contrast to the minty center.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening: Helps smooth the melted chocolate coating and gives it a beautiful shine once set.
- Christmas Sprinkles: Make them festive and fun—choose colors that pop for an extra special touch.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap peppermint for spearmint extract for a milder twist, but you can also infuse your filling with a splash of vanilla or even add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Variation: I once added a little crushed candy cane inside the centers for an extra crunch that my family loved—it’s a fun surprise inside!
- Dietary Modify: For a dairy-free version, try using coconut condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips; it works like a charm.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Minty Filling
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat them together just until blended—you want that bright mint aroma filling the air! Then, gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Don't rush—this slow addition helps the filling become smooth without lumps. You'll notice it turns into a stiff dough; that's exactly what you want.
Step 2: Shape Your Patties and Let Them Set
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form 1-inch balls on a baking sheet lined with a non-stick mat or parchment paper. Then, gently press down on each ball to flatten it into a patty shape, about 1-inch thick. Patience here is key—let them dry at room temperature for 2 hours, flipping them once during that time to ensure they dry evenly and hold their shape when dipped.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Coat Your Patties
As your peppermint patties finish drying, melt your chocolate chips and coconut oil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You should get a silky smooth chocolate coating. Now comes the fun part—dip each patty into the chocolate until completely coated. I like to use two forks to lift them out, letting excess chocolate drip back into the pan. Place them back on the lined sheet, and while the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on your colorful Christmas sprinkles for that festive look.
Top Tip
Based on my many attempts, these tips have saved me from common hiccups and made my Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe foolproof and delicious every time.
- Don’t Skip the Drying Time: Letting your patties dry for the full two hours is the secret to preventing the filling from melting into the chocolate when dipped.
- Slowly Add Powered Sugar: Adding it too quickly makes it hard to mix and results in a gritty texture.
- Use Coconut Oil: It thins the melted chocolate beautifully and gives your patties a shine that makes them look professional.
- Cool Completely Before Storing: If you store them too soon, the chocolate can sweat or melt, losing that perfect snap.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with classic red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles to bring the festive vibe, but I also love experimenting with crushed candy cane or edible glitter for a sparkle effect. It adds a magical touch that guests always notice.
Side Dishes
These peppermint patties are perfect alongside a mug of hot cocoa or a warm cup of coffee. For a holiday party, I serve them with mixed nuts and dried fruit for a simple yet elegant dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these patties in a decorative tin lined with festive tissue paper as a sweet gift. For parties, I like putting them on a tiered dessert stand with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for a cozy winter look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your peppermint patties in an airtight container in the fridge—they keep perfectly for up to two weeks. I like placing parchment paper between layers so they don't stick together.
Freezing
Freezing works surprisingly well! Just arrange the patties on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They thaw quickly at room temperature and still taste freshly made.
Reheating
You don't really need to reheat peppermint patties, but if you want the chocolate a bit softer, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, or the centers might get melty and lose their shape.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While peppermint is classic, spearmint or even a mix of peppermint and vanilla extract can create delicious variations. Just adjust to taste, as some extracts are stronger than others.
The drying step is essential—letting the peppermint dough firm up for two hours before dipping forms a sturdy outer surface. Also, temper your chocolate gently and dip quickly to avoid warmth melting the centers.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just be sure your sprinkles or decorations are gluten-free if you choose to add them.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also freeze for up to a month for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe always takes me back to cozy winter afternoons spent with family and friends. It's such a rewarding treat to create in your own kitchen, and I promise once you try it, you’ll love the way fresh peppermint and chocolate melt together with every bite. So give it a go—you might just start a new favorite tradition.
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Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 patties
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these easy homemade peppermint patties made with just five simple ingredients. Creamy peppermint centers are coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate and topped with festive Christmas sprinkles, perfect for holiday treats or gifting.
Ingredients
Filling
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Coating and Topping
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening
- Christmas sprinkles (green, red, and white, any shape)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until a stiff dough forms.
- Shape the patties. Use a cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls (approximately the size of a ping pong ball) and place them on a baking sheet lined with a non-stick mat. Press each ball down gently to shape into patties. Let them dry for 2 hours, flipping once halfway through to ensure even drying.
- Prepare the chocolate coating. As the drying time nears completion, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth, then remove from heat.
- Dip and coat the patties. Fully dip each dried peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Place them back on the lined baking sheet to set.
- Add festive sprinkles. While the chocolate coating is still wet, gently press Christmas sprinkles on top to decorate. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For firmer patties, refrigerate after dipping until set.
- Can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or other flavors for variation.
- Ensure the chocolate is not overheated to avoid burning and grainy texture.
- Use parchment paper if a non-stick mat is unavailable.
- Store peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
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