If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing that perfect balance of cool peppermint and rich chocolate at home, then this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat! These little delights offer a melt-in-your-mouth peppermint filling enrobed in smooth, dark chocolate, creating a winter classic that’s irresistibly fresh and satisfyingly sweet. Whether you want to spoil yourself or impress guests with a handcrafted confection, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to peppermint perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a key role in offering that lush texture and authentic peppermint flavor that’s so refreshing and memorable.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and creaminess to bind the peppermint filling beautifully.
- Peppermint extract: Delivers that unmistakably cool and invigorating mint flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to balance the mint.
- Powdered sugar: Gives structure and sweetness to the filling while also preventing stickiness.
- Dark melting/dipping chocolate: Offers a rich, bittersweet coating that complements the bright mint inside.
- Sprinkles (optional): Add a playful and colorful touch, perfect for festive occasions.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peppermint Filling
Begin by combining sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract in the bowl of your stand mixer. As the mixer runs on low, gradually introduce half of the powdered sugar, then slowly add the rest until a pliable dough forms. This process is crucial to ensure the filling isn’t grainy but luxuriously smooth and minty.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Sprinkle powdered sugar on parchment paper to prevent sticking, then transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough a few times to fully incorporate all ingredients. Roll it out to about half an inch thickness, dusting with powdered sugar as needed. The even thickness ensures each patty bites into the perfect peppermint softness.
Step 3: Cut and Chill
Use a 1 to 1½-inch cookie cutter or small glass to cut rounds from the rolled dough. If the dough warms up and becomes sticky, don’t worry—just pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up. Transfer your cut patties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then freeze them for 15 minutes. This chilling step makes dipping easier and less messy.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
Carefully melt your dark chocolate in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring between each so it doesn’t scorch. Let the melted chocolate rest for a few minutes to cool slightly but remain fluid, perfect for coating.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork, dip each cold peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, liberally coating both sides. Place the coated patties back on the lined baking sheet. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle a few decorative sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets. Refrigerate them for about 20 minutes until the chocolate firms up into a glossy shell of deliciousness.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like crushed candy canes, finely chopped nuts, or colorful nonpareils make your peppermint patties pop visually and add delightful texture contrasts. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving also adds a beautiful snowy effect that’s perfect for the holidays.
Side Dishes
These peppermint patties are a refreshing contrast to rich desserts. Serve them alongside hot chocolate, coffee, or even a creamy vanilla ice cream for a cool burst of flavor. They also pair wonderfully with cheese plates, balancing savory bites with a sweet minty finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your patties in a decorative tin wrapped with ribbon for gifting or place them on a festive platter nestled among pine sprigs or holly leaves. For a whimsical twist, stack them alternating with thin layers of dark chocolate bark or dip some in white chocolate for a striking color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade peppermint patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keeping them chilled preserves the firm chocolate coating and fresh peppermint flavor without drying out the center.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these patties freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat peppermint patties, but if the chocolate coating feels too hard straight from the freezer, letting them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes brings back that perfect chewy softness inside with a gently melting outside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for coating?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate offers a nicely balanced bitterness to complement the mint, you can use milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier coating. Just be sure to melt it carefully to avoid burning.
Is peppermint extract necessary, or can I substitute it?
Peppermint extract gives that signature refreshing taste, but if you’re out, you could try spearmint extract for a milder flavor. Just remember to use less initially and adjust to taste since different extracts vary in strength.
Why do I need to chill the patties before dipping in chocolate?
Chilling firms up the filling, making it easier to coat without the patties breaking or melting. It also helps the chocolate coating set quickly and smoothly, giving you that professional look and texture.
Can I add food coloring to the filling?
Yes! If you want a festive touch, a few drops of green or red gel food coloring mixes nicely into the dough without affecting flavor or texture, creating colorful peppermint patties for holidays or parties.
How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the parchment paper?
Dusting both the parchment and the dough with powdered sugar keeps everything from sticking. If the dough gets sticky while working with it, chilling it again briefly can help maintain easy handling.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is such a joy to make and even more fun to share. The blend of dark chocolate and fresh peppermint creates a classic treat that feels special no matter the occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to some homemade peppermint magic—you won’t regret it!
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Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade peppermint patties are a delightful seasonal treat with a creamy, minty center coated in rich dark chocolate. Easy to prepare and perfect for gifting, these patties combine smooth peppermint-flavored filling with a crispy chocolate shell for a refreshing and indulgent candy experience.
Ingredients
Filling
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1¼ teaspoons peppermint extract
- â…› teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
Coating
- 2 cups dark melting/dipping chocolate
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Peppermint Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add half of the powdered sugar. Continue adding the remaining powdered sugar bit by bit until a firm dough forms that is pliable but not sticky.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar on a piece of parchment paper. Transfer the dough onto the parchment and knead a few times to blend everything evenly. Roll the dough into a ½-inch thick circle, dusting the top with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Patties: Use a 1 to 1½-inch cookie cutter or the top of a small glass to cut out circles from the dough. If the dough gets too warm and sticky, freeze it for 15 minutes before continuing. Place the cut patties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each to avoid burning. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly for 3-4 minutes before dipping.
- Dip and Set the Patties: Using a fork, dip each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, coating both sides completely. Place the chocolate-covered patties back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with decorations. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to let the chocolate harden before serving.
Notes
- If the dough is sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency.
- Make sure the chocolate is not too hot when dipping to avoid melting the peppermint center.
- Store the peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a festive touch for holidays.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
