Nothing beats the joy of biting into a cool, minty treat covered in rich chocolate. This Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe is just that—a nostalgic, fresh take on a classic candy that’s perfect for the holidays or any time you want a sweet, refreshing snack. Trust me, once you try making these yourself, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them boxed!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Making homemade peppermint patties is a fun and satisfying process that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. I love how simple the ingredients are, yet the end result feels so festive and indulgent. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy—perfect for weekend baking sessions or last-minute gifts.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need five everyday ingredients to whip up these delightful patties, no fancy stuff required.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the peppermint intensity or even switch up the chocolate type to suit your taste buds.
- Great for Gifting: These chocolatey treats wrapped in colorful sprinkles make a perfect homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
- Fun to Make: From shaping the patties to dipping them in chocolate, this recipe invites you to get hands-on and enjoy the process.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe plays a pivotal role. From the creamy condensed milk forming the base to the luscious chocolate coating—there’s a perfect balance here that’s easy to recreate and even easier to love.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides moisture and sweetness while binding everything together to form that soft, chewy centre.
- Peppermint Extract: The star flavor! It gives that refreshing kick that defines peppermint patties.
- Powdered Sugar: Thickens the mixture into a dough-like consistency, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Smoothly melting into a perfect coating that balances the mint’s sharpness.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening: Helps the chocolate melt beautifully and harden with a glossy finish.
- Christmas Sprinkles: Adds festive color and a fun crunch for that extra holiday spirit.
Make It Your Way
This recipe is a fantastic base for customizing your peppermint patties. I often tweak the peppermint extract amount depending on how bold I want the mint flavor. You can also swap semi-sweet for dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference—it’s your candy, after all!
- Variation: I once made these with white chocolate for a sweeter contrast, and it was such a hit at a holiday party!
- Dietary adjustments: For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based condensed milk and vegan chocolate chips—you’d hardly notice the difference!
- Seasonal twists: Peppermint patties aren’t just for Christmas; try omitting the sprinkles and make pastel colors for springtime celebrations.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peppermint Patty Dough
In a stand mixer or with a handheld electric mixer, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract first. This lets the mint flavor infuse the base right from the start. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar—about a cup at a time—beating until a stiff dough forms. This slow addition prevents lumps and helps you gauge the perfect texture.
Step 2: Shape and Dry the Patties
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Press them lightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten into patties. Let these rest and dry uncovered for about 2 hours, flipping halfway through for even drying. This step firms up the centers so they’ll hold their shape when coated.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate & Dip
Near the end of drying time, melt the chocolate chips together with the coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to achieve a smooth, shiny finish. Dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate—fully coating them—and set back on a lined sheet. If you want a festive touch, sprinkle Christmas sprinkles on top while the coating is still wet.
Top Tip
From my experience, a few little tips can take these Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe from good to unforgettable. The drying step is crucial—it prevents the centers from being too soft and stops the chocolate from melting off. Patience here really pays off!
- Drying Time is Key: Don’t rush the 2-hour drying; it’s essential for a patty that holds up during dipping.
- Use a Silicone Mat: It makes flipping patties a breeze and helps prevent sticking when drying and setting.
- Tempering Chocolate Tip: Adding coconut oil thins the chocolate for easy dipping and gives a nice shine once it sets.
- Sprinkle While Wet: Add your decorations immediately after dipping to ensure they stick perfectly and look beautiful.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling classic Christmas colors on top—they instantly make the patties festive and fun. If it’s not holiday season, sometimes I opt for crushed candy canes or even edible gold dust for a glam look. These additions are simple but really elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
These peppermint patties shine as a standalone treat, but if you’re hosting, serve them alongside other holiday cookies, a hot cup of cocoa, or a rich espresso to balance the minty sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging them in decorative tins with parchment paper, or stacking them on a tiered dessert tray. Wrapping individual patties in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon is perfect for gifting—your friends will be impressed when they see the homemade goodness!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s cool, or in the fridge if it’s warmer. They hold well for about a week this way without losing their freshness or texture.
Freezing
Freezing these patties works great too—in fact, I often make a double batch and stash half in the freezer. Just pop them into a freezer bag with parchment layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed cool, I don’t reheat peppermint patties. Instead, I let frozen ones thaw slowly in the fridge. This keeps the chocolate from sweating and maintains a smooth, glossy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate is classic, but dark, milk, or white chocolate all work well. Just remember to adjust sweetness or add a touch more coconut oil if needed for smooth dipping.
Be sure to add the powdered sugar gradually and mix thoroughly until a stiff dough forms. If it’s still sticky, add a little more powdered sugar by the tablespoon until it’s manageable but not dry.
Definitely! A handheld mixer or even mixing by hand with a sturdy spoon or spatula can work. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but patience pays off in this case.
Stored in an airtight container, peppermint patties keep well for up to one week at room temperature or in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is your friend and they’ll last a couple of months this way.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe feels like a little magic in the kitchen—simple ingredients coming together to create a treat that’s both nostalgic and fresh. I love making these when friends come over because it turns snack time into a shared experience. Give it a try yourself; I’m confident you’ll end up with a batch you’re proud of and a new go-to holiday tradition.
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Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 patties
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade peppermint patties made with just five ingredients. Sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar form a smooth peppermint filling coated in silky semi-sweet chocolate, finished with festive Christmas sprinkles. Perfect for holiday treats or gifting.
Ingredients
Filling
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening
Decoration
- Christmas sprinkles (green, red, and white, any shape)
Instructions
- Prepare 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. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until the mixture comes together into a stiff dough.
- Shape Patties: Use a cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls about the size of a ping pong ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with a non-stick mat. Press down gently on each ball to flatten into a patty shape.
- Dry Patties: Allow the patties to dry for 2 hours at room temperature. Flip them once during this time to ensure they dry evenly on both sides.
- Melt Chocolate: As the drying time nears completion, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as the chocolate melts until smooth, then remove from heat.
- Coat Patties: Dip each peppermint patty fully into the melted chocolate coating. Place the dipped patties onto a lined baking sheet to set. While the chocolate is still wet, gently press the Christmas sprinkles on top to decorate.
- Set Chocolate: Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for easier incorporation of powdered sugar.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it stiffens.
- Be sure to flip the patties during drying to avoid soggy bottoms.
- Use coconut oil or shortening to help achieve a smooth chocolate coating that hardens nicely.
- Store finished patties in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
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