Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties A Sweet Treat

Oh, these homemade peppermint patties! Just thinking about them brings me back to my grandma’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of spearmint and something sweet baking. It’s funny, isn’t it, how certain flavors can just transport you? When I first started experimenting in my own kitchen, trying to recreate that magic, I honestly thought it would be a lost cause. You know, those fancy store-bought ones have such a distinct texture and zing. But after a few tries, and a lot of tasting (the best part, obviously!), I landed on this recipe. It’s not just a copycat; it’s its own wonderful thing, a little softer, a bit more homemade-feeling, and honestly, so much more satisfying to make yourself. Forget those waxy candies that melt too fast; these homemade peppermint patties are the real deal, a truly delightful treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up when that sweet craving hits, or even better, when you want to impress someone without spending all day in the kitchen.

What are some good homemade peppermint patties?

So, what exactly are these little delights? Think of them as a cool, creamy, minty center enveloped in a smooth, dark chocolate shell. It’s the kind of treat that’s refreshing without being overpowering, sweet but with that perfect minty kick to cut through the richness. They’re not quite a cookie, not quite a truffle, but a category all their own. The name “peppermint patties” itself just evokes that classic, familiar flavor. My grandma used to make a version of these when I was little, and they were always the first to disappear from the cookie jar. This recipe is essentially a way to capture that essence, that comforting, nostalgic flavor, and bring it into your own home. It’s essentially a rich, creamy peppermint-infused fondant that’s then dipped in luscious dark chocolate. Simple ingredients, pure magic!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, there are so many reasons why I keep coming back to this recipe, and I just know you’ll fall in love with it too. First off, the flavor is just *out of this world*. That perfect balance of creamy mint and rich chocolate is just heavenly. It’s refreshing, it’s decadent, and it hits that sweet spot every single time. And the texture! The filling is so smooth and melts in your mouth, while the chocolate shell gives you that satisfying snap. Beyond the incredible taste, the simplicity of this recipe is a huge win. You don’t need any fancy equipment or skills. Seriously, if you can stir ingredients together, you can make these! It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a baking superstar without all the fuss. Plus, let’s talk about cost. Making your own peppermint patties is significantly more budget-friendly than buying them, especially when you’re buying them in bulk (which I sometimes do when the craving strikes hard!). And the versatility! These aren’t just for special occasions. They’re perfect for a little afternoon pick-me-up, a sweet ending to a meal, or even tucked into lunchboxes as a surprise. What I love most about this recipe is the sheer joy it brings. Seeing my family’s faces light up when they bite into a homemade peppermint patty, or when I share them with friends, makes all the effort so worthwhile. It’s a little bit of homemade happiness you can share!

How do I make homemade peppermint patties?

Quick Overview

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward. You’ll be making a simple, smooth peppermint filling, shaping it, and then enrobing it in a luscious dark chocolate coating. The key is getting that filling consistency just right and letting the chocolate set properly. It’s a process that’s quite forgiving, even for beginners. You mix, chill, shape, and dip – that’s the magic formula! What makes this method so great is that it requires minimal chilling time for the patties themselves before dipping, which means you can enjoy these delightful treats sooner rather than later. It’s a testament to how simple, good ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Ingredients

For the Mint Filling:
You’ll need about 2 cups of powdered sugar – sifted is best to avoid any lumps. Also, 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter; make sure it’s truly soft, not melted. Then, 2-3 tablespoons of milk or half-and-half; I sometimes use whole milk, and it works beautifully. For that signature flavor, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract – be generous but careful, as it’s potent! A tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness is also a must. And for a lovely pale green hue, a drop or two of green food coloring, but this is totally optional; I often skip it if I want them to look more classic.

For the Chocolate Coating:
I swear by good quality dark chocolate for this. About 12 ounces of good semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar will do the trick. If you want that super-smooth, professional finish, add 1 tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil. This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and creates that beautiful glossy sheen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mint Filling Base

Start by creaming together your softened butter and about half of the powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Beat it until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that smooth texture. Don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Flavor and Color

Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, alternating with the milk or half-and-half. Mix until the batter is smooth and has a thick but pipeable or scoopable consistency. Stir in the peppermint extract and food coloring, if using. You want a nice, firm dough that holds its shape.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can either pipe small rounds (about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter) onto the parchment paper using a piping bag with a round tip, or you can roll small portions of the dough into balls and then flatten them gently into discs. Aim for consistent thickness – about 1/4 to 1/2 inch – for even baking and dipping.

Step 4: Chill the Patties

Once shaped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the patties are firm to the touch. This is important; if they’re too soft, they’ll fall apart when you dip them in chocolate.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Coating

While the patties are chilling, melt your chocolate. You can do this in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler method), stirring frequently until smooth. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until almost fully melted, then stir until smooth. Stir in the shortening or coconut oil until fully incorporated for that glossy finish.

Step 6: Dip the Patties

Working one by one, carefully dip each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate using a fork or a dipping tool. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place the coated patty back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. You can gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to help create those nice smooth edges.

Step 7: Let the Chocolate Set

Allow the chocolate to set completely. This can take about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed things up by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Make sure the chocolate is fully hardened before moving them.

Step 8: Finishing Touches (Optional)

If you like, you can drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the set patties in a decorative pattern for an extra touch of elegance. You can also use white chocolate for this!

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

Once the chocolate is completely set, gently peel the homemade peppermint patties off the parchment paper. They are now ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container.

What to Serve It With

These homemade peppermint patties are incredibly versatile and just delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with so many things. For breakfast, I sometimes enjoy one with a strong cup of coffee as a little sweet wake-up call. They’re a delightful little indulgence that doesn’t feel too heavy. At brunch, they make for an elegant little treat alongside mimosas or a light fruit salad. I love to place one or two on a small plate next to a slice of cake or tart. As a dessert, they are simply divine! Serve them after a rich meal like a chocolate cake or a hearty cheesecake, where their cool mintiness can cleanse the palate. They’re also fantastic alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly evening – it’s like a double dose of comfort! My kids, of course, love them as a special after-school snack, or even as part of a homemade ice cream sundae. Honestly, any time you’re craving something sweet, refreshing, and utterly delicious, these homemade peppermint patties will fit the bill perfectly.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Peppermint Patties

I’ve made these peppermint patties more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I think will really help you nail them. First, when it comes to the filling, the consistency is key. If it’s too wet, the patties will be sticky and hard to handle. If it’s too dry, they’ll be crumbly. I always aim for a dough that’s firm enough to hold its shape but still pliable. If it feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time. If it feels too dry, add milk, a teaspoon at a time. Another thing is the peppermint extract. Quality matters here! A good pure extract makes all the difference. Start with the amount I’ve suggested, and then taste it. You can always add a tiny bit more if you want a stronger mint flavor, but remember, it’s easier to add than to take away! For the chocolate coating, I strongly recommend using a good quality chocolate. Cheap chocolate tends to seize up or doesn’t melt smoothly, which can lead to a streaky or grainy coating. Adding that little bit of shortening or coconut oil is a game-changer for achieving that super smooth, glossy finish that’s essential for that classic peppermint patty look. Don’t skip the chilling step for the shaped patties; it really makes dipping so much easier and cleaner. If your chocolate starts to thicken up while you’re dipping, just pop it back over the warm water for a minute or two to loosen it up. I’ve also found that when shaping, using a small cookie scoop for each portion ensures all your patties are roughly the same size, which means they’ll chill and dip more evenly. And if you want to get fancy, a little swirl of contrasting chocolate on top after the base coating has set looks beautiful! These are the little things that I’ve learned that make a big difference between a good homemade peppermint patty and an absolutely spectacular one.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing these homemade peppermint patties is pretty straightforward, but a few things can help keep them tasting their best. At room temperature, they’ll keep well in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days. I usually place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together, especially if it’s warm in your kitchen. If you live in a warmer climate or your house tends to be humid, I’d definitely recommend refrigerator storage. In the fridge, they can last up to a week, maybe even a little longer, though the chocolate shell might lose a bit of its shine over time. Just make sure they are in a good airtight container, and they should be just fine. Now, for freezing, which is fantastic if you want to make a big batch! Let the chocolate coating set completely. Then, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They should stay good in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature in their packaging to prevent condensation from forming on the chocolate. I wouldn’t recommend reheating them in the traditional sense, as the filling is meant to be cool and creamy. The goal is just to store them properly so they retain their texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give these homemade peppermint patties a try. They’re more than just a candy; they’re a little piece of handcrafted joy. The way the cool, creamy mint filling contrasts with the rich, slightly bitter dark chocolate is just pure bliss. It’s the kind of treat that makes you pause for a moment and savor it. And the fact that you can make them yourself, with your own two hands, is so rewarding. They’re perfect for parties, as a thoughtful homemade gift, or just for those moments when you need a little sweet escape. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love my recipe for no-bake chocolate truffles or my classic fudgy brownies – they’re all about simple ingredients creating big flavors! I can’t wait to hear what you think of these homemade peppermint patties! If you make them, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. I love seeing your creations and hearing your own little tweaks and tips. Happy baking, and happy indulging!