If you’ve never tried making Homemade Peppermint Patties, you’re in for a delightful treat. These classic candies combine smooth, cool peppermint cream with a decadent chocolate shell, creating the perfect bite-sized indulgence. They’re surprisingly easy to craft at home and taste so much fresher than anything you’ll find in the store. Whether you’re sharing them as homemade gifts, impressing guests at a party, or treating yourself, these nostalgic sweets are sure to leave everyone reaching for “just one more”—if you’re willing to share, that is!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Homemade Peppermint Patties is in their simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create pure candy bliss. Each ingredient plays a special role, from creamy sweetness to irresistible snap and fresh flavor, so quality really shines through.
- Powdered Sugar: This forms the sweet, silky base of the peppermint filling and provides that beautifully tender texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling, giving it a luscious quality that melts in your mouth.
- Peppermint Extract: The heart of the patties! It delivers the cool, clean flavor that makes Homemade Peppermint Patties refreshingly irresistible.
- Butter: A little bit of unsalted butter in the filling ups the richness and keeps everything smooth.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Choose a good quality chocolate for dipping—this forms the crisp outer shell and complements the minty center.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening (optional): Melted into the chocolate, this helps it set with a shiny, snappy finish and makes dipping easier.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties
Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Cream
Begin by combining the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer (or good old-fashioned elbow grease) to blend everything until a soft, pliable dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks sticky at first—keep mixing, and you’ll end up with a smooth, slightly firm peppermint paste that holds its shape. Taste and adjust the peppermint extract if you’d like a stronger flavor.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Scoop a heaping teaspoon of the peppermint mixture and roll it into a ball, then gently flatten it into a round patty about 1/4 inch thick. Place each patty on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out. Once all your patties are formed, pop the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This chilling step makes them much easier to dip later.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
While the patties chill, melt your semisweet chocolate together with a teaspoon or two of coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring often, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. The added fat here will make your chocolate easier to work with and ensure that beautiful shiny finish on the Homemade Peppermint Patties.
Step 4: Dip the Patties
Take the chilled patties from the freezer and use a fork or candy dipping tool to dip each one into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Gently transfer each dipped patty back onto the parchment. If you’re feeling fancy, use a fork to make a little swirl or sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies before the chocolate sets.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature, or place the tray in the fridge to speed up the process. Once set, your Homemade Peppermint Patties are ready to be devoured! Their crisp chocolate shell and cool, creamy center make every bite a little burst of joy.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties
Garnishes
For a beautiful touch, sprinkle your patties with a dusting of crushed peppermint candies, a light shower of flaky sea salt, or even a drizzle of white chocolate before the coating sets. These little extras add visual flair and a hint of texture that makes them truly gift-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade Peppermint Patties with a tray of fresh berries, a pot of strong coffee, or a frothy cup of hot cocoa for a simple but elegant dessert spread. The cool mint really shines alongside rich and fruity flavors, making them a perfect finish to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, stack your patties in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon, or tuck them into mini cupcake liners and arrange in a festive box. At parties, display them on a tiered dessert stand, perhaps nestled among cookies and truffles. Even a simple mason jar with a hand-written label adds a personal, charming touch to your Homemade Peppermint Patties presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Peppermint Patties keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the fridge if your kitchen runs warm. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking and keep them tasting fresh and snappy.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead of time, these patties freeze like a dream. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
No reheating required—these candies are meant to be enjoyed cool and fresh! If you’ve just taken them out of the freezer, let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes to lose their chill before biting in. The centers will be perfectly creamy and the chocolate just right.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! The deeper, richer notes of dark chocolate work wonderfully with the refreshing mint. Go for your favorite chocolate, just make sure it melts smoothly for easy dipping.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter and sweetened condensed milk for vegan alternatives. There are coconut-based condensed milks and plant-based butters available that will still yield luscious, creamy Homemade Peppermint Patties.
How do I keep the patties from sticking to my hands?
If the peppermint mixture feels sticky, dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar as you roll and flatten each patty. Working quickly and chilling the dough before shaping also helps minimize stickiness.
Can I add coloring to the mint filling?
Of course! A drop or two of natural food coloring can create beautiful pastel centers, perfect for holidays or themed parties. Just add it as you mix the filling for even color throughout.
Why is my chocolate coating uneven or streaky?
This can happen if your chocolate cools too much while dipping or if a little water gets in the bowl. Be sure to melt chocolate slowly and keep moisture away for glossy, picture-perfect Homemade Peppermint Patties every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a foolproof candy recipe that’s as fun to share as it is to eat, give Homemade Peppermint Patties a try. Making these treats feels like true kitchen magic, and the results are every bit as delicious as you remember from your favorite candy box. Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect—enjoy every cool, minty bite!
Print
Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 24 patties 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Chilling, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Homemade Peppermint Patties that are refreshingly sweet with a creamy mint filling covered in rich chocolate. Perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
For the Peppermint Filling:
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppermint Filling: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, corn syrup, water, and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Patties: Roll the peppermint mixture into small balls and flatten them to form patties. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the Patties: Refrigerate the patties for about 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and vegetable shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Coat the Patties: Dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Enjoy: Once the chocolate is set, your Homemade Peppermint Patties are ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- You can customize the flavor by using different extracts like vanilla or almond.
- Store the patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peppermint patty
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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