If you have a sweet tooth and love that cool burst of mint wrapped in rich chocolate, then this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe will become your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, creamy peppermint centers encased in a glossy layer of dark chocolate that melts beautifully on your tongue. Making these at home is surprisingly simple and so rewarding—you get to control the freshness of each ingredient and the intensity of peppermint flavor. Plus, they’re perfect for holiday gifts, party treats, or just indulging yourself whenever the craving hits!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for this recipe plays a crucial role in creating those perfectly smooth, refreshing peppermint patties we all adore. From sweetness to texture and that luscious chocolate coating, these essentials are easy to find and blend harmoniously to deliver that classic taste.
- Powdered sugar (2 1/4 cups): Provides the sweet, silky base for the peppermint filling and helps achieve that smooth texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel to the peppermint center without overpowering the flavor.
- Peppermint extract (2 teaspoons): The star ingredient that infuses the patties with their signature refreshing flavor; adjust to your taste for a stronger or milder mint kick.
- Cream (2 tablespoons): Balances the texture, making the filling soft yet firm enough to hold its shape when dipped.
- Dark chocolate, chopped (12 oz.): Creates the smooth, shiny coating that melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the minty center.
- Vegetable shortening (2 tablespoons): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives the coating a lovely glossy finish.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Filling
Start by combining the powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, peppermint extract, and cream in a large bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or a mixer at low speed to blend these together until the mixture is completely smooth and holds together like a dough. This filling is the heart of your patties—soft, creamy, and bursting with mint flavor—so take your time to get a nice smooth consistency without lumps.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Peppermint Disks
Dust your work surface generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then roll out the peppermint mixture until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Using a small round cookie cutter or glass, cut out circles that will become your patties. Place these disks on a parchment-lined tray and pop them into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step firms them up, making them easier to dip in chocolate and ensuring a crisp bite.
Step 3: Dip in Chocolate and Set
While your peppermint centers are chilling, gently melt the chopped dark chocolate with the vegetable shortening in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. Working quickly but carefully, dip each frozen peppermint disk into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork to lift the patties out, letting the excess chocolate drip off, then transfer them to wax paper to set. You can speed this up by placing them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes until the coating hardens beautifully.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Though these peppermint patties are stunning on their own, adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a light dusting of edible glitter before the chocolate sets can elevate their festive look. A small mint leaf placed next to each patty on a serving tray also adds a fresh aroma and pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your peppermint patties with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or rich coffee to complement their cooling mint flavor and deep chocolate richness. They also make a delightful after-dinner treat alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of peppermint gelato for a refreshing twist on dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual patties in colorful foil or place them in decorative mini cupcake liners for gifting or party favors. For a touch of elegance, place a few peppermint patties in a clear glass jar with festive ribbons. Layering them with peppermint bark in a dessert platter brings visual appeal and a variety of textures to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your peppermint patties have set completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keeping them away from heat and humidity ensures the chocolate coating stays firm and the centers remain fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these later or prepare them as gifts ahead of time, peppermint patties freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain their best quality for about 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat peppermint patties—just let any frozen patties thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This keeps the texture perfect and the chocolate coating intact without melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate offers a wonderful contrast to the minty center, you can substitute milk or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter coating. Just keep in mind the flavor balance may shift slightly.
Is there a way to make these patties vegan?
To veganize this recipe, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream. Make sure the chocolate you select is dairy-free as well. These swaps still allow for a creamy, delicious peppermint patty.
How do I adjust the peppermint flavor?
Great question! If you want a milder mint taste, reduce the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon. For a more intense peppermint bomb, you can increase it up to 3 teaspoons, but add little by little and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
Can I shape the patties differently?
Yes! While rounds are classic, you can roll the peppermint filling into logs and slice into discs, or use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars or hearts. Just remember to freeze them before dipping to keep their shape intact.
How long do these peppermint patties last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these patties will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet, preserving their flavor and texture for a couple of months.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is such a rewarding experience, especially when you see how easily those simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering treat. Whether you’re gifting them during the holidays or savoring them on a quiet evening, these patties bring joy with every bite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how addictive and delightful it is to create peppermint magic from scratch!
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Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 patties
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade peppermint patties are a delightful and refreshing treat featuring a creamy peppermint filling coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect for holiday gifting or a cool, minty indulgence anytime.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons cream
Coating
- 12 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and cream. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive, forming the base of your peppermint filling.
- Shape the Patties: Dust a clean surface lightly with powdered sugar. Roll out the peppermint filling mixture to an even thickness. Using a small round cutter, cut the rolled mixture into circular shapes. Place these disks on a tray and freeze them until firm to ensure they hold their shape during dipping.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped dark chocolate together with vegetable shortening until smooth and glossy, either over a double boiler or carefully in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Dip and Set: Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each frozen peppermint disk completely in the melted chocolate mixture. Place the coated patties on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set fully at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the peppermint mixture is well chilled before dipping to avoid melting the chocolate.
- You can substitute heavy cream for regular cream for a richer texture.
- Store finished patties in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best taste and texture.
