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These Homemade Peppermint Patties bring a creamy and refreshing mint flavor wrapped in smooth chocolate, perfect for a special treat or holiday gift. They are surprisingly simple to make and deliver that cool peppermint punch with every bite.
I first tried making these to surprise my family during the holidays, and they became an instant favorite. Now they are a must-have for all our seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
- Powdered sugar: for a smooth and sweet base that melts in your mouth. Use fresh, fine powdered sugar for best texture
- Milk: to bind the filling and adjust consistency — whole milk creates a creamier result
- Peppermint extract: adds that signature minty zip. Choose pure peppermint extract rather than imitation for vibrant flavor
- Chocolate chips: provide the glossy, melty coating. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate work well depending on your preference for sweetness
- Vegetable oil: helps the chocolate melt evenly and stay silky when coating the patties
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation:
- Combine powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract in a bowl, stirring until smooth and no lumps remain. The mixture should be firm enough to shape but pliable.
- Shape the Patties:
- Use small spoonfuls to form round patties about the size of a quarter. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheet spaced apart to prevent sticking.
- Chill to Firm Up:
- Refrigerate the shaped patties for 30 minutes so they solidify and are easier to dip without losing shape.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth with no lumps.
- Coat the Patties:
- Dip each chilled patty completely into the melted chocolate. Lift and gently shake off excess coating before placing back on parchment. This ensures an even and neat layer.
- Set the Chocolate:
- Return the dipped patties to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely. This creates a satisfying snap when you bite in.
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Storage Tips
Store your peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm. If freezing, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Just thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap milk with cream or half-and-half for a richer filling. Coconut milk works as a dairy-free option but changes the flavor slightly. For coating, melted candy melts can replace chocolate if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled peppermint patties with coffee or hot chocolate to balance the mint’s coolness with warmth. They are great on dessert platters or wrapped in festive paper as homemade gifts.
Cultural Context
Peppermint patties have been a beloved American candy for decades, often associated with winter holidays. Making them from scratch connects you to a tradition of simple, homemade sweets cherished by many families.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to chill your patties thoroughly before dipping to prevent melting or deformation
- Stir the chocolate well during melting to avoid scorching and achieve a glossy finish
- If the chocolate thickens too much, gently reheat in short bursts to keep it smooth for coating
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the patties their creamy texture?
The creamy texture comes from blending powdered sugar with milk and peppermint extract, creating a smooth, moldable filling.
- → Can I adjust the peppermint flavor intensity?
Yes, increase or decrease the peppermint extract amount to suit your desired mintiness.
- → What type of chocolate works best for coating?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal as they provide a balanced sweetness and smooth melt for coating.
- → How should I store the finished patties?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- → Is it necessary to chill the patties before dipping in chocolate?
Chilling firms up the filling, making it easier to coat evenly and preventing melting during dipping.
- → Can the milk be substituted for a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, plant-based milks like almond or oat milk can be used, but consistency might need slight adjustment.