There’s nothing quite like the crisp, refreshing bite of a homemade peppermint treat to bring that holiday magic alive. This Festive Peppermint Patties Recipe is one I return to year after year, especially when I want something charmingly colorful and delightfully minty on the dessert table.

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 Festive Peppermint Patties Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Peppermint Patties Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Peppermint Patties Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Festive Peppermint Patties Recipe isn’t just about taste — it’s a whole experience. When I make these, I love how simple ingredients come together into a chewy, fresh treat that looks as fun as it tastes. Plus, customizing colors makes it feel like a little holiday craft session!

Vibrant holiday colors: You get beautiful red, green, and classic white patties that brighten up any candy dish.
Minty fresh flavor: The peppermint extract gives that perfect cooling zing that screams Christmas spirit.
Easy to make at home: It’s straightforward, no fancy equipment needed, just some mixing and shaping.
Perfect for gifting or parties: These candies make charming handmade gifts or festive party favors your friends will adore.

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 here has a clear role — creaminess, sweetness, flavor, or texture — and together they create this soft, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint patty dough. I always suggest picking good quality peppermint extract and fresh cream cheese to get the best flavor and texture.

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 the finished patties, giving a slight crunch and classic sugar sparkle.
Cream cheese: Brings smoothness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering the peppermint flavor.
Light/clear corn syrup: Helps bind the mixture while adding a slight chew to the texture.
Peppermint extract: The star flavor — make sure it’s pure and strong for that iconic minty punch.
Powdered sugar: The bulk of the sweetener and structure; it keeps the dough soft but firm enough to shape.
Green and red liquid food coloring: To make those festive colors pop — a little goes a long way!

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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 love playing with the colors — sometimes adding a deeper red for a candy cane vibe or swirling the green and white dough together for a marbled look. You can easily adapt this to suit your style or seasonal themes!

Variation: One year, I swapped out red and green for blues and silvers when I threw a winter wonderland party — the icy colors were stunning and just as tasty!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Peppermint Patties Recipe

Step 1: Cream It All Together

Start by beating together the cream cheese, butter, corn syrup, and peppermint extract until everything is smooth and creamy. I use a handheld mixer on low speed for just about a minute — don’t rush it! This step ensures your dough has a silky base for the powdered sugar.

Step 2: Mixing in the Powdered Sugar

Add the powdered sugar gradually, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low. The dough will thicken, so be ready to switch to a spatula or your hands once it’s too stiff for the mixer. This slow mixing is key — it prevents the dough from becoming gritty or too dry.

Step 3: Color and Knead the Dough

Divide the dough into three equal parts. You’ll color two balls — one red, one green — leaving one white. When kneading your colored dough, add a touch more powdered sugar if it feels sticky from the liquid food color. This part takes a bit of muscle, but it’s fun seeing the colors glow under your palms!

Step 4: Shape, Slice, and Roll

Roll each colored dough ball into an 18-inch rope, about an inch thick. Slice the ropes into half-inch pieces, then roll each piece into a neat ball. This tactile part is the most satisfying — it’s like shaping little bites of holiday cheer.

Step 5: Sugar Coat and Flatten

Toss a few peppermint balls at a time in granulated sugar to coat, then place them on a lined baking tray. Use the fork to gently press each ball into a small disc, creating pretty striped patterns on top — it’s those details that make them feel extra special.

Step 6: Set and Enjoy

Let the patties rest at room temperature for up to 24 hours before serving. This drying step helps them firm up just right for that perfect peppermint patty texture.

Top Tip

I’ve made these festive peppermint patties dozens of times, and the key to perfect texture and color is patience — especially when adding powdered sugar while kneading. Don’t rush adding it; little by little is best. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

Gradual Powdered Sugar Addition: Slowly sprinkle powdered sugar to avoid a crumbly dough — you want just the right softness.
Knead Thoroughly: Kneading ensures colors distribute evenly and helps the texture become smooth and pliable.
Use Liquid Food Coloring Sparingly: A few drops go a long way — adding too much makes the dough sticky and harder to handle.
Patience Is Key: Allow the patties to set at room temperature; skipping this can leave them too soft and sticky.

How to Serve Festive Peppermint Patties Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of extra granulated sugar right before serving — it adds sparkle and a delightful initial crunch. Sometimes, I scatter a few crushed peppermint candies around the serving platter for a festive touch.

Side Dishes

These peppermint patties pair beautifully with hot cocoa or a warm spiced tea. I enjoy serving them alongside soft gingerbread cookies or buttery shortbread for a contrasting texture and flavor combo.

Creative Ways to Present

One memorable Christmas, I arranged these patties in a festive wreath pattern on a silver platter, alternating red, green, and white candies. Another favorite is serving them in mini glass jars tied with holiday ribbons — perfect for gifting neighbors or coworkers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover peppermint patties in an airtight container in the fridge — this keeps them fresh and chewy for up to two weeks. Just be sure to layer parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These candies freeze well! I place them in a freezer-safe box separated by parchment, then thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying. They maintain their texture and flavor perfectly, which is a lifesaver during busy holiday prep.

Reheating

No reheating needed here — just bring them to room temperature after refrigeration or thawing, and they’re soft and ready to savor, just like fresh-made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring is fantastic for this recipe because it gives more vibrant hues without adding extra moisture, which helps keep the dough from becoming too sticky. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired color.

How long do these peppermint patties last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these peppermint patties last for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing them is a great option, and they’ll keep well for up to three months.

What’s the best way to make sure the dough isn’t too sticky or dry?

The key is to add powdered sugar gradually and knead carefully. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar while kneading. If it gets too stiff, a tiny bit of cream cheese or butter can help soften it back up.

Can I make these peppermint patties ahead of time?

Yes! You can make them a day or two before your event. Let them dry at room temperature for up to 24 hours after shaping, then store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They even freeze well if you want to prepare weeks in advance.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Peppermint Patties Recipe holds a special spot in my holiday traditions because it’s so approachable and endlessly customizable. I hope you’ll find the same joy I do when you see those colorful little discs come together and taste that cool peppermint burst. Give it a try and watch it become your own festive favorite to share year after year!