If you have a sweet tooth and a love for that refreshing minty zing paired with rich chocolate, this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a silky smooth peppermint center enveloped by a glossy layer of dark chocolate that melts in your mouth. This recipe captures that classic candy shop charm but with the warmth and satisfaction of making them yourself at home. Whether you’re gifting them to friends or simply indulging in a little self-care, these patties are as delightful as they are addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for these peppermint patties is refreshingly simple. Each component plays a crucial role: from the sweetness and creaminess of the filling to the rich coat of chocolate that creates the perfect finishing touch.
- Powdered sugar (2 1/4 cups): Provides the essential sweetness and structure for the creamy peppermint filling.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and smoothness to balance the sugary sweetness.
- Peppermint extract (2 teaspoons): The star flavor that gives these patties their signature refreshing mint punch.
- Cream (2 tablespoons): Helps bind the filling and gives it that luscious, soft texture.
- Dark chocolate (12 oz., chopped): The decadent coating that contrasts perfectly with the bright mint center.
- Vegetable shortening (2 tablespoons): Ensures a smooth, shiny, and easy-to-dip chocolate coating.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Filling
Start by mixing the powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and cream in a large bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive. This is your creamy peppermint center, so make sure it’s well blended and soft but firm enough to roll out.
Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Patties
Lightly dust your work surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll out the peppermint mixture to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out uniform disks, which will become your patties. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 20 minutes. This step is key to maintaining the shape when dipping in chocolate later.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating
In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (or carefully in the microwave in short bursts), melt the chopped dark chocolate together with the vegetable shortening. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this shortening adds that perfect sheen and makes the chocolate easier to work with.
Step 4: Dip and Set
Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each frozen peppermint disk into the melted chocolate and let excess drip away. Place the dipped patties on wax paper or a cooling rack. Allow them to set at room temperature or pop them back into the fridge until the chocolate hardens completely. The contrast of the crisp outer shell with the creamy inside is heavenly.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Consider a light dusting of edible silver glitter or finely crushed candy canes to decorate your homemade peppermint patties. These little touches add festive sparkle and an extra burst of minty flavor that makes the patties irresistible during holidays or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These peppermint patties shine as a refreshing palate cleanser between rich desserts or alongside a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or mint tea. Their bright mint profile pairs wonderfully with velvety drinks and creamy desserts, making them a versatile sweet companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Invite some extra magic to your homemade peppermint patties recipe by packaging them in decorative tins or wrapping each piece in colorful foil. Presenting a platter of assorted shapes or incorporating the patties into dessert tables will wow guests and bring smiles all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within a few days. For longer freshness, storing them in the refrigerator helps maintain the chocolate’s snap and the filling’s creamy texture without becoming too soft.
Freezing
These patties freeze beautifully! Layer them with parchment paper inside an airtight freezer-safe container to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes, and they’ll be just as delightful as fresh.
Reheating
Since peppermint patties are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving or heating them, as this can cause the chocolate to bloom or the filling to soften excessively. If the chocolate looks dull after thawing, you can gently warm them just enough to restore a bit of shine by holding briefly near warm air, but take care not to melt them.
FAQs
Can I use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Substituting milk or white chocolate will create a sweeter, creamier coating, which some people love. Just make sure to adjust the amount of shortening if needed to keep the chocolate smooth and easy to dip.
How long do homemade peppermint patties last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they typically stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator.
Can I make these patties vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap out butter for a dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy cream alternative. Just check that your chocolate is vegan-friendly as well to keep everything plant-based.
Is there a way to add color to the peppermint filling?
If you want a festive twist, a few drops of natural green or red food coloring can be kneaded into the filling before rolling it out. This adds a fun holiday look without altering the flavor much.
What’s the best way to cut the peppermint filling if I don’t have a cookie cutter?
You can use the edge of a knife to cut the filling into squares or rectangles. Just be sure to work quickly and keep your hands cool to maintain the filling’s firmness for clean cuts.
Final Thoughts
There is something so special about making your own candies, and this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is a shining example of that joy. It offers a perfect balance of simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and delicious results that will make you smile with every bite. Whether for yourself or to share with loved ones, these patties will add a little magic to your day and become a cherished treat year-round.
Print
Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Peppermint Patties are a delightful, minty treat coated in smooth dark chocolate. Perfect for holiday gifting or an everyday sweet snack, this recipe combines creamy peppermint filling with rich chocolate for a refreshing and indulgent candy experience.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons cream
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, peppermint extract, and cream. Mix thoroughly until the texture is smooth and the ingredients are fully incorporated to form a dough-like consistency.
- Shape and freeze: Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar, then roll out the peppermint mixture to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circular discs. Place the discs on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chopped dark chocolate along with the vegetable shortening until smooth and glossy. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Dip the patties: Remove the peppermint discs from the freezer and quickly dip each one into the melted chocolate mixture, coating them completely. Use a fork or dipping tool to lift and tap off excess chocolate.
- Set the patties: Place the chocolate-coated patties on parchment or wax paper. Allow to set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or refrigerate briefly to speed up the process.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the peppermint mixture is firm before dipping to prevent melting.
- You can substitute cream with milk or half-and-half if preferred.
- Vegetable shortening in the chocolate helps create a smoother and shinier finish.
- Store finished peppermint patties in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator.
- Adjust peppermint extract amount based on flavor preference.
