Name: Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature; 2 tablespoons light/clear corn syrup; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 4¼ cups powdered sugar, divided; 6 drops green liquid food coloring; 6 drops red liquid food coloring

There’s something truly magical about minty, cool treats during the festive season, and this Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe is just that kind of joy. Soft, creamy centers dusted with sugar make these patties a holiday classic that brings back memories and creates new ones with every bite.

A white bowl filled with three kinds of small round cookies, each cookie having a ridged pattern on top. The cookies are stacked unevenly showing three colors: red, green, and white, with a light sugar dusting on top. Around the bowl are scattered cookies of the same colors and pattern, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are small decorative trees in green, gold, and white colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe feels like a little holiday hug. It’s simple enough to make with kids or friends, and the end result is this perfect melt-in-your-mouth peppermint candy that’s fresher and more satisfying than store-bought. I love how making these patties fills my kitchen with that signature minty aroma – it instantly puts me in the Christmas spirit!

Fresh Flavor: Unlike commercial candies, this recipe uses cream cheese for a wonderfully creamy texture that’s just perfect.
Festive Colors: With green, red, and white doughs, these patties look cheerful and add a pop of holiday spirit to any dessert tray.
Customizable Sweetness: You control the sugar and peppermint intensity, so you can make them just how you like.
Great for Gifting: These patties store well and make lovely homemade gifts that friends always appreciate.

A white divided dish with three sections stacked with small round cookies, each having ridged patterns on top and a light dusting of sugar. The top section holds bright red cookies, the middle section has white cookies, and the bottom section contains vibrant green cookies. Around the dish, there is a white marbled surface decorated with small festive bells in red, green, and cream colors, and glittery holiday ornaments in gold, silver, white, and green. A white cloth with black tree patterns is partially visible in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe plays a crucial role, balancing flavor and texture flawlessly. Here’s why these elements come together so well, plus my best shopping tips to source the freshest.

Flat lay of a small mound of granulated sugar, a smooth block of cream cheese, a few pats of unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with clear light corn syrup, a tiny white bowl holding peppermint extract, a small heap of powdered sugar, a small white bowl with vivid green liquid food coloring, a small white bowl with bright red liquid food coloring placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated sugar: Used for coating patties, it adds a nice crunch and classic candy feel.
Cream cheese: This gives a lush creaminess and a subtle tang that elevates the mint flavor beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering sweetness, plus softness.
Light/clear corn syrup: Helps bind the dough and keeps patties smooth, preventing graininess.
Peppermint extract: The star flavor here, so choose a quality pure extract for the best fragrance.
Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and structure, making the dough workable and soft.
Green and red liquid food coloring: For that traditional holiday look—use vibrant colors sparingly to avoid sticky dough.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak the vibrancy of the colors depending on the mood — sometimes deeper reds for a rustic feel, other times pastel greens for a softer look. You honestly can’t go wrong with this Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe if you follow the basics and then add your flair.

Variation: One year, I added a hint of vanilla extract alongside peppermint—it gave a subtle warmth that balanced the coolness. Try experimenting with a drop or two for a unique twist.
Dietary tip: For those avoiding dairy, swapping cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese works, but expect a slightly different texture.
Color play: Use gel food coloring for more intense shades without adding extra moisture that might mess with dough consistency.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Start by beating together the cream cheese, butter, corn syrup, and peppermint extract until smooth and silky. I use a handheld mixer on low for about a minute, just until everything blends perfectly. This mix is your flavor heartbeat, so get it nice and smooth.

Step 2: Build Your Dough

Slowly add powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, while mixing on low. As the dough thickens, switch to a spatula or your hands to finish kneading. Don’t rush this part—it’s key to get the right texture: firm enough to shape but not dry.

Step 3: Color and Knead the Dough

Divide the dough into three parts and add red food coloring to one, green to another, leaving the last plain for classic white patties. Knead each ball gently, dusting with powdered sugar as needed—liquid color can make dough sticky, so add sugar gradually.

Step 4: Shape Your Patties

Roll each dough ball into an 18-inch rope about 1 inch thick. Slice into half-inch pieces, then roll them into small balls in the palm of your hand. Toss these balls in granulated sugar to coat, which adds a lovely sparkle and helps keep patties from sticking.

Step 5: Flatten and Dry

Place coated dough balls on parchment-lined trays. Using a fork, gently press each ball into a little disc, creating those charming striped patterns with the fork’s tines. Let them sit at room temperature for up to 24 hours to dry and set before serving or gifting.

Top Tip

I’ve learned through trial and error that patience is everything with this recipe. Rushing the drying step or adding too much powdered sugar can change texture dramatically. Here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours.

Gradual Sugar Addition: Always add powdered sugar slowly to avoid a dough that’s too stiff or dry, especially when kneading colored doughs.
Color Control: Add liquid food coloring in small increments to avoid sticky dough, and switch to gel coloring if you want vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
Fork Impressions: Press gently when flattening—you want the distinctive stripes without squashing the patties completely flat.
Drying Time: Don’t skip the resting period at room temperature; it lets the patties set and develop the perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe

Homemade Peppermint Patties - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple, letting the patties shine on their own. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few crushed candy canes over the platter for extra crunch and color. Edible gold stars or a dusting of edible glitter also add magic when serving guests.

Side Dishes

These peppermint patties pair beautifully as a sweet finish to a holiday dessert board. I like serving them alongside dark chocolate squares, spiced nuts, and fresh cranberries for a festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I layered patties in a clear glass jar with pine sprigs and tied a ribbon around the neck – it instantly became a show-stopping gift and centerpiece. You could also create a colorful candy wreath by arranging patties on a round plate or tray.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your peppermint patties in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to two weeks. I've found that refrigeration actually enhances their texture, making them just right when you’re ready to munch later.

Freezing

They freeze wonderfully! Simply layer patties between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them gently in the fridge overnight to retain that perfect softness.

Reheating

No traditional reheating needed here. If you want them a bit softer after chilling, just leave the patties out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. They quickly come back to that lovely, tender texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes! Gel food coloring actually works great because it adds vibrant color without making the dough sticky. Just add a small amount at a time and knead thoroughly.

How long do peppermint patties last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these patties will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freezing them in a sealed container will keep them good for up to 3 months.

Can I make these without cream cheese?

Cream cheese is integral to the creamy texture of these peppermint patties. However, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese alternatives if you prefer a dairy-free version, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

Why do the patties need to dry for up to 24 hours?

Allowing the patties to dry helps them set properly, forming a lovely chewy texture instead of being sticky or too soft. This resting time makes a big difference in the final bite.

Final Thoughts

Making these Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe brings me so much holiday joy every year. It’s not just about eating candy—it’s about the process, the colors, the smells, and sharing the results with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought peppermint patties from a store. Give it a go—you'll enjoy every minty, sweet bite as much as I do!