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If you’ve ever dreamed of that perfect, refreshing minty treat with a silky smooth chocolate coating, you are going to absolutely love this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. These little bites of joy are crisp, creamy on the inside, and covered in rich dark chocolate, delivering that nostalgic flavor in a homemade form that’s much better than anything store-bought. Whether you want a festive treat or a cool palate cleanser, these peppermint patties hit the spot every time and bring a wonderful, uplifting flavor to your dessert line-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sheen. From the dreamy sweetness of condensed milk to the intense richness of dark chocolate, every component is essential to crafting these minty delights just right.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The creamy base that binds everything together and gives the filling its luscious texture.
- Peppermint extract: Provides that unmistakable cool mint flavor that defines the patties.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to balance out the peppermint.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling, ensuring a smooth yet firm consistency.
- Dark melting/dipping chocolate: Coats the patties with a glossy, rich shell that offers the perfect contrast to the minty center.
- Sprinkles (optional): Adds a festive pop of color and crunch if you want to get a little creative.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk with peppermint and vanilla extracts in your stand mixer’s bowl. Slowly add half of the powdered sugar on low speed, then gradually add the rest until a dough forms. This simple process ensures every bit of powdered sugar is incorporated for that silky, minty filling you’ll love.
Step 2: Prepare and Roll the Dough
Sprinkle a few tablespoons of powdered sugar onto parchment paper to keep your dough from sticking. Transfer the dough onto the parchment and knead it briefly until smooth. Then roll it out gently to about a half-inch thickness, dusting the top with powdered sugar as needed to keep things easy and neat.
Step 3: Cut and Chill
Use a small cookie cutter or even the rim of a glass to cut out 1 to 1½-inch circles from your dough. If the dough gets too soft and tricky to cut, chill it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Once your peppermint rounds are ready, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for another 15 minutes to firm up perfectly.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
Heat your dark chocolate in the microwave incrementally—30 seconds at a time—stirring in between to prevent scorching. Once melted, let it cool for a few minutes to reach the ideal dipping consistency that will coat your patties beautifully without melting them.
Step 5: Dip the Patties
Grab a fork and gently dunk each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, making sure both sides are fully covered. Transfer them back to your lined baking sheet. If you want a festive flair, sprinkle your toppings on immediately. Finally, refrigerate for about 20 minutes so the chocolate sets with a glossy finish.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it classic with no extra frills or add beautiful finishing touches like colorful sprinkles for a party-ready look. A light dusting of powdered sugar or chopped peppermint candies can also elevate the visual appeal and add a slight crunch.
Side Dishes
These peppermint patties shine on their own but also pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a rich coffee. They make fantastic palate cleansers between richer desserts or a refreshing bite after holiday meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Arrange your Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe on a festive platter lined with fresh mint leaves, or use decorative cupcake liners for individual servings. You can also gift them in jars layered with parchment paper for a personal touch during the holiday season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peppermint patties fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious and firm for up to two weeks, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time for parties or sweet cravings.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their minty freshness or chocolate crunch.
Reheating
No need to heat them — these are best served chilled or at room temperature. Just take them out of the refrigerator a few minutes before serving so the flavor and texture come alive perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! White chocolate pairs wonderfully with peppermint and creates a sweeter, creamier coating, though it’s less traditional. Just be sure to melt it gently to avoid burning.
How strong will the peppermint flavor be?
This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe offers a refreshing but balanced mint flavor. If you love extra minty treats, feel free to add a bit more peppermint extract during the mixing stage to suit your taste.
Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Yes! Since the main ingredients don’t contain gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for many dietary needs.
What’s the best way to prevent the patties from sticking together?
Make sure to dust the dough generously with powdered sugar before cutting and keep the patties chilled between steps. Storing them in layers separated by parchment paper also helps maintain their shape and prevent sticking.
How do I know when the chocolate is melted just right?
The chocolate should be smooth and glossy with no lumps, and it should be cool enough so it doesn’t melt the patties but warm enough to coat easily. Letting it rest a few minutes after microwaving usually does the trick.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to create a classic treat that tastes like it belongs in a specialty candy shop, right from your own kitchen. I encourage you to try it out and watch how quickly these minty chocolate delights disappear — they’re the perfect pick-me-up for any season or celebration!
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Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Peppermint Patties are a classic holiday treat featuring a creamy, minty filling coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a refreshing sweet bite, these peppermint patties combine the smoothness of sweetened condensed milk with the bright flavor of peppermint extract, all encased in decadent melted dark chocolate. Crisp, cool, and easy to make, they are a delightful no-bake candy that can be prepared in under an hour.
Ingredients
Filling
- Âľ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1ÂĽ teaspoons peppermint extract
- â…› teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
Coating
- 2 cups dark melting/dipping chocolate
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Make 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 to add the remaining powdered sugar bit by bit until a firm dough forms.
- Knead and Roll the Dough: Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar onto a piece of parchment paper. Transfer the dough onto the parchment and knead it a couple of times to fully combine. Roll the dough into a ½-inch thick circle, dusting the top with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Cut Out Patties and Chill: 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 sticky to cut, freeze it for 15 minutes before continuing. Arrange the cut patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to firm them up.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time to avoid burning. Once melted, let the chocolate sit for 3–4 minutes to cool slightly but remain melted for dipping.
- Dip the Patties in Chocolate: Using a fork, dip each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, coating both sides completely. Place the chocolate-coated patties back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with decorative sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- Set the Chocolate: Refrigerate the dipped patties for 20 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to fully set. Once firm, they are ready to serve or package for gifting.
Notes
- If the dough becomes too sticky to work with, chilling it in the freezer helps firm it up for easier cutting.
- Use good quality dark melting chocolate for the best flavor and smooth coating.
- Store the peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and chocolate coating integrity.
- Allow the patties to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
- You can customize the peppermint flavor by adjusting the peppermint extract to taste.
