If you have a sweet tooth and love a refreshing minty twist, then this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These delightful little circles of creamy, mint-infused filling enveloped in rich dark chocolate are as mesmerizing to make as they are to eat. They bring together the perfect balance of cool peppermint, smooth sweetness, and bittersweet chocolate, making every bite an irresistible experience. Whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with friends, these patties prove that homemade candy can be simple, elegant, and truly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic happens with just a handful of straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand. Each plays a crucial role in building the creamy texture, bright mint flavor, and luscious chocolate coating that define this recipe.
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk: Provides the perfect creamy sweetness and binds the filling together.
- 1¼ teaspoons peppermint extract: Gives the patties their unmistakable fresh and vibrant mint flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and rounds out the mint’s brightness.
- 4 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling: Sweetens the mixture and helps create the firm yet soft peppermint dough.
- 2 cups dark melting/dipping chocolate: Coats the patties with a rich, bittersweet layer that complements the mint perfectly.
- Sprinkles (optional): For a playful decorative touch that’s totally optional but extra fun if serving to guests or kids.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peppermint Dough
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk with peppermint and vanilla extracts in a stand mixer bowl. With the mixer on low, slowly add half of the powdered sugar, gradually working in the rest until a soft dough forms. It’s a simple mix but it’s where the creamy mint filling begins taking shape and coming to life.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Sprinkle some powdered sugar onto parchment paper, then knead the dough gently on top to ensure everything is blended. Roll the dough out to a half-inch thickness, dusting with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Use a 1 to 1½-inch cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass to cut out perfect little circles. If the dough starts to get too soft to cut cleanly, just pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Chill the Patties
Place the cut circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze them for 15 minutes. This chilling step is key because it helps the patties hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate later on.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the patties chill, melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring well between each to avoid burning. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool just slightly — this helps it set beautifully when you coat the patties.
Step 5: Dip and Set
Using a fork, dip each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, making sure every side is covered in that glossy, rich layer. Return them to the parchment and, if you’re feeling festive, sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles. Pop them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens and the patties are ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of crushed candy canes or festive nonpareils can turn your peppermint patties into an elegant holiday treat. The crisp crunch of crushed peppermint adds an extra layer of texture that pairs wonderfully with the smooth chocolate and creamy center.
Side Dishes
These patties make a charming companion to a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of red wine. Their minty freshness cleanses the palate perfectly after rich desserts or heavy meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your homemade patties in a decorative tin or a pretty glass jar tied with a ribbon to gift to friends and family. You can also stack them on a festive platter with alternating colors of chocolate or dust them lightly with edible glitter to impress guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peppermint patties fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This prevents the chocolate from getting soft and keeps that center perfectly chewy and minty.
Freezing
If you want to save them for even longer, these patties freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to three months this way, so you can enjoy minty goodness anytime you like.
Reheating
There’s no need to warm these up — in fact, it’s best to enjoy them cold straight from the fridge or freezer. If they soften too much, just refrigerate again briefly to restore that satisfying snap of the chocolate coating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate offers a nice balance to the sweet mint filling, you can use milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier coating. Just choose a good-quality melting chocolate for best results.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
Fresh mint leaves won’t work the same here, but if you can’t find peppermint extract, spearmint extract is a decent substitute. The flavor will be a little different but still refreshing and delicious.
How do I avoid the dough sticking while rolling and cutting?
Sprinkling powdered sugar liberally on your work surface and on the dough helps prevent sticking. If the dough feels too soft, chilling it before rolling and cutting can make handling much easier.
Can I make these patties vegan or dairy-free?
It’s possible to substitute sweetened condensed milk with a vegan alternative like coconut condensed milk, and use dairy-free chocolate. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might change a bit, but you can still achieve great results.
Why are the patties dipped chilled?
Chilling helps the patties firm up so when dipped, they don’t lose their shape or dissolve into the chocolate. It also makes coating easier and gives your patties a nice, polished appearance once set.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, making your own peppermint patties is as rewarding as biting into one of these minty, chocolatey gems. This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is straightforward and full of charm, perfect for anyone who loves crafting sweet treats that impress without complexity. Give it a try, and let these luscious patties add a festive sparkle to your snack or dessert table!
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Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 patties
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade peppermint patties are a delightful and refreshing treat featuring a creamy, sweet peppermint filling coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect for holiday gifts or a cool dessert, they combine smooth condensed milk with fragrant peppermint and vanilla extracts, rolled into bite-sized discs, chilled, and dipped in melted chocolate. The sprinkles on top add an optional festive touch.
Ingredients
Filling
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1¼ teaspoons peppermint extract
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
Coating
- 2 cups dark melting/dipping chocolate
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare 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 but pliable dough forms.
- Shape the Dough: Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar on a piece of parchment paper. Transfer the dough onto the parchment and knead gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Roll the dough out into a ½-inch thick circle, dusting the top with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Cut Out Peppermint Patties: Using a 1 to 1½-inch cookie cutter or the top of a small glass, cut circles from the dough. If the dough becomes too warm and difficult to cut, place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up. Transfer the cut patties to a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 15 minutes to set.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the dark melting chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals to prevent burning. After fully melted, allow the chocolate to cool slightly for 3-4 minutes to avoid melting the peppermint patties when dipping.
- Dip and Set the Patties: Using a fork, dip each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles immediately. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to let the chocolate set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the peppermint dough is firm but pliable enough to roll and cut; adding powdered sugar gradually helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- If the dough becomes too sticky or soft, chilling it in the freezer helps make it easier to cut cleanly.
- Melt chocolate carefully in short bursts to avoid scorching.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and smooth coating.
- Store peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.
