There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own festive treats, and this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is one of those sweet successes you’ll want to keep coming back to. The fresh peppermint flavor combined with that smooth chocolate coating just makes the whole kitchen smell like the holidays—trust me, you’ll love it!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and impressive results. Making these patties from scratch feels like such a treat—you get to control the sweetness, the peppermint intensity, and that beautiful, shiny chocolate shell.
- Simple Ingredients: You'll only need 5 kitchen staples, which makes it easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect Texture: The candy center is soft but firm enough to hold its shape—nothing artificial or gritty here.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the peppermint extract to your liking, making it as bold or gentle as you want.
- Festive and Fun: Adding sprinkles transforms these patties into holiday-ready treats that double as gifts!
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic behind this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is really in how the ingredients come together. Sweetened condensed milk gives a creamy base, powdered sugar adds the perfect sweetness and structure, and peppermint extract delivers that unmistakable cool bite. Then, dipping in semi-sweet chocolate creates a wonderful contrast in flavor and texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thick, sweet milk is key to getting that smooth, creamy filling without fuss.
- Peppermint Extract: Use pure extract for a true minty zing—avoid imitation, it just won’t taste right.
- Powdered Sugar: Provides the bulk and sweetness and gives the dough that perfect tacky consistency.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts beautifully for coating, adding a lovely bittersweet balance.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening: Helps the chocolate stay smooth and glossy once melted.
- Christmas Sprinkles: Choose red, green, and white for a festive touch—they add fun and texture without overpowering.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I enjoy most about this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. I like my peppermint patties with a very mint-forward flavor, but sometimes I dial it back if I’m sharing with little ones.
- Variation: Adding a drop or two of green food coloring to the filling can make your patties festive looking—even if you skip the sprinkles!
- Dietary Modification: Swap out semi-sweet for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer coating or use vegan chocolate chips and coconut milk condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
- Texture Twist: For a creamier center, mix in a spoonful of cream cheese—this changes the texture but keeps the mint flavor fresh.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mixing Your Peppermint Filling
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract in a large mixing bowl. I find using a stand mixer makes this part effortless, but a hand mixer works just as well. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time—this helps avoid a cloud of sugar everywhere! Continue until the mixture forms a stiff, dough-like consistency that stays together without being sticky.
Step 2: Shaping the Patties
I use a cookie scoop to create uniform balls about the size of ping pong balls, then gently press them down on a lined baking sheet to form discs. This takes about 10 minutes for the whole batch. Let these patties rest for two hours, flipping them once halfway through to make sure they dry evenly. This drying stage is key to keeping your patties from melting when dipped in chocolate.
Step 3: Melting the Chocolate for Dipping
While the patties start drying, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir continuously so the chocolate doesn’t scorch, and remove it from heat once it’s smooth and shiny. This step ensures a silky smooth coating that hardens beautifully.
Step 4: Dipping and Decorating
Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each peppermint patty fully in chocolate, tapping off the excess, and set them on a prepared baking tray. While the coating is still wet, gently press your Christmas sprinkles on top. This final touch adds a festive, whimsical look—and it sticks nicely before the chocolate hardens.
Step 5: Letting Them Set
Give your peppermint patties at least 30 minutes to set in a cool place or pop them in the fridge to speed things up. Once the chocolate is firm, they’re ready to enjoy! The firm but tender mint center paired with that crisp chocolate shell is truly delightful.
Top Tip
From my experience creating these Homemade Peppermint Patties, a few small tricks go a long way toward perfect results. Drying the filling properly is definitely key; rushing this step can cause the patties to soften or melt when dipped, which can be frustrating.
- Drying Time Matters: Be patient—two full hours with one flip produces a stable center that won't dissolve in the chocolate.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your condensed milk sit out for a bit before mixing to ensure smooth blending with the powdered sugar.
- Chocolate Coating Consistency: Adding the coconut oil/thinning agent is essential for a glossy finish and proper set—don’t skip this step.
- Mess-Free Dipping: Keep a bowl of warm water nearby to dip your dipping fork in between patties to avoid clumps of chocolate.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick to classic red, green, and white sprinkles because they bring the holiday spirit without overpowering the chocolate and mint. Sometimes I add crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch and peppermint punch—super fun for presenting to guests.
Side Dishes
These patties are perfect alongside a hot cup of cocoa or peppermint tea. I also like serving them with holiday cookies or alongside a cheese and fruit platter as a sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, I wrap each peppermint patty in wax paper and package them in a festive tin with a ribbon. You can also place them in mini cupcake liners arranged on a pretty tray for parties—it makes the treats feel extra special without any fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the chocolate nice and firm and the filling fresh for up to two weeks. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
Freezing these patties works really well! I individually wrap each piece in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to eat one, I thaw it in the fridge for a few hours. The texture remains lovely—no ice crystals or sogginess.
Reheating
You typically don’t need to reheat peppermint patties—they’re best enjoyed cool. However, if the chocolate gets too firm, let them sit at room temperature for a bit to soften slightly before eating; this brings out the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While spearmint extract might work, peppermint extract gives the classic, sharp minty flavor that defines traditional peppermint patties. I recommend sticking to peppermint for the best taste.
To make vegan peppermint patties, use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternatives and vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips. Coconut oil should work well as the thinning agent for the chocolate.
Adding coconut oil or shortening to melted chocolate helps achieve a glossy finish and smooth consistency. Make sure to stir continuously over low to medium heat and avoid overheating, which can dull the chocolate.
Drying the patties for a couple of hours firms up the filling, preventing it from melting or getting soggy when you dip it in warm chocolate. Skipping this step can lead to messy, uneven coatings.
Final Thoughts
I still remember the first time I made these Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe—it felt like a little holiday miracle right in my kitchen. The combination of fresh minty filling and smooth chocolate is truly unbeatable. Honestly, once you try making them yourself, you’ll see why they’re so addictive. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this charming homemade delight—you won’t regret it.
Print
Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Peppermint Patties are a delightful holiday treat made with just 5 simple ingredients. Featuring a creamy peppermint filling coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate and decorated with festive Christmas sprinkles, they are perfect for sharing during the holiday season or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Filling
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Coating
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening
- Christmas sprinkles in green, red, and white (any shape)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Beat in the powdered sugar, adding 1 cup at a time, until a stiff dough forms.
- Shape patties: Using a cookie scoop, form 1-inch balls (about the size of a ping pong ball) and place them on a baking sheet lined with a non-stick mat. Press down gently on each ball to flatten into patties. Allow them to dry for 2 hours, flipping once during the drying period to ensure even drying on both sides.
- Melt the chocolate coating: When the drying time is almost complete, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as the chocolate melts, until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Coat the patties: Dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated patties back onto the lined baking sheet to set.
- Add sprinkles and set: While the chocolate coating is still damp, gently press the Christmas sprinkles onto the top of each patty. Allow them to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase peppermint extract up to 1 ½ teaspoons.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent patties from sticking during drying and setting.
- You can substitute shortening with coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor and a smoother texture.
- Store the peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- If chocolate hardens too quickly while dipping, gently rewarm over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Leave a Reply