There are some flavors that just transport you, aren't there? For me, the cool, refreshing burst of peppermint encased in rich, dark chocolate takes me straight back to my grandmother's kitchen during the holidays. Every December, without fail, a special tin would appear on her counter. It wasn't filled with ordinary cookies or candies; it held her legendary homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. These weren't the thin, store-bought kind; these were substantial, creamy discs of peppermint bliss, each one hand-dipped in glistening dark chocolate. The air in her kitchen would be thick with the scent of vanilla, sugar, and a hint of mint, a memory so vivid it almost tingles my nose as I write this. As a child, I’d watch, mesmerized, as she’d roll out the dough, cut the perfect circles, and then, with an almost magical flick of the wrist, dunk them into a bowl of melted chocolate. It felt like watching an artist at work, creating edible jewels. The anticipation of that first bite – the snap of the chocolate, the yielding, cool center – was pure joy. This Peppermint Patties Recipe isn't just about candy; it's about tradition, love, and the simple pleasure of making something special for those you cherish. It's a taste of nostalgia, a sweet reminder of simpler times, and a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone's face, whether it's the peak of holiday season or just a random Tuesday when you crave something extraordinary.

Why This Peppermint Patties Recipe is a Must-Try

• Unbeatable Fresh Flavor: Store-bought peppermint patties simply can't compare to the vibrant, fresh mint flavor you get from making them at home. You control the intensity, ensuring a perfect balance.
• Customizable Indulgence: Craving dark, milk, or even white chocolate? This Peppermint Patties Recipe allows you to tailor the chocolate coating to your exact preference. You can also adjust the sweetness of the filling.
• Impressive Homemade Gift: These beautiful, delicious patties make for stunning homemade gifts during the holidays or for any special occasion. Package them in a nice box, and you've got a thoughtful, gourmet treat.
• Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don't let their elegant appearance fool you! This Peppermint Patties Recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring no baking and just a few basic ingredients. It's a fun project for all skill levels.

Key Ingredient Notes

Peppermint Extract

This is the heart and soul of your Peppermint Patties Recipe. Don't skimp on quality here! A good quality pure peppermint extract will give you that clean, refreshing mint flavor without any artificial aftertaste. Start with the recommended amount and taste a tiny bit of your filling mixture (before forming!) to adjust to your preference. Remember, a little goes a long way, and you can always add more, but you can't take it away. If you only have mint extract, be aware that it might have spearmint notes, which will give a slightly different, though still delicious, flavor profile. For an extra festive touch, consider a tiny dash of pure vanilla extract to mellow the mint slightly and add complexity.

Confectioners' Sugar (Powdered Sugar)

The finely ground texture of confectioners' sugar is crucial for achieving that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency in your peppermint filling. Granulated sugar won't work here as it will result in a grainy texture. Sifting your confectioners' sugar before mixing is a pro tip that ensures a lump-free filling, making your Peppermint Patties Recipe even more divine. Don't worry if it seems like a lot of sugar; it's what creates the iconic sweet and creamy core.

Good Quality Chocolate

Since the chocolate coating is a significant part of this Peppermint Patties Recipe, using a high-quality chocolate makes a huge difference. Dark chocolate (60-70% cacao) is traditional and offers a wonderful contrast to the sweet mint, but semi-sweet or even milk chocolate can be used if preferred. Chocolate chips work, but a good quality bar chocolate, finely chopped, often melts more smoothly and provides a superior finish. Tempering your chocolate isn't strictly necessary for home consumption, but it will give you a beautiful, shiny, snap-able coating that resists melting at room temperature. For an easier method, simply melt the chocolate carefully, stirring frequently, and keep it warm enough for dipping. If you're looking to store these candies long-term, consider investing in some Basics Glass Food Storage containers to keep them fresh and delicious.

Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips

Making this Peppermint Patties Recipe is a delightful culinary adventure. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be enjoying your homemade treats in no time!

• Step 1: Prepare your workspace and ingredients. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and shortening until light and fluffy. This creates the creamy base for your peppermint filling.
• Step 2: Create the peppermint filling. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the butter mixture, alternating with the heavy cream. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium and beat until smooth. Add the pure peppermint extract and, if desired, a drop or two of green food coloring for that classic minty look. Mix until fully incorporated.
• Step 3: Chill the dough. The filling mixture will be quite soft. Cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle. This step is crucial for easy shaping of your peppermint patties.
• Step 4: Shape the patties. Lightly dust your hands with confectioners' sugar. Take small portions of the chilled peppermint mixture (about 1 tablespoon per patty) and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball into a disc, about 1/4 inch thick and 1.5-2 inches in diameter. You can use a small cookie cutter for perfectly uniform shapes. Place the shaped patties back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Step 5: Freeze the patties. Once all patties are shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the patties are very firm. This prevents them from melting into the warm chocolate during dipping and helps the chocolate set quickly, ensuring a smooth, even coating for your Peppermint Patties Recipe.
• Step 6: Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your good quality dark chocolate with the coconut oil (or additional shortening) in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler over simmering water, stirring constantly until melted. The coconut oil helps thin the chocolate slightly for easier dipping and a smoother finish.
• Step 7: Dip the peppermint patties. Working with a few frozen patties at a time, drop one into the melted chocolate. Using a fork or a dipping tool, completely coat the patty, then gently lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Scrape the bottom lightly against the edge of the bowl.
• Step 8: Set the chocolate coating. Place the chocolate-coated patty back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining patties. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a decorative drizzle of white chocolate before the chocolate sets.
• Step 9: Chill to set. Once all the peppermint patties are dipped, place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
• Step 10: Store and enjoy! Once set, transfer the homemade peppermint patties to an airtight container. They are best stored in the refrigerator and can last for several weeks. Enjoy your delicious homemade treats!

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Choices

While dark chocolate offers a classic contrast to the sweet mint, feel free to experiment! This Peppermint Patties Recipe is equally delightful with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier profile, or even white chocolate for a truly decadent treat. You can also drizzle contrasting chocolate over the top for a gourmet look.

Flavor Boosters

A tiny pinch of sea salt in the peppermint filling can enhance the mint flavor and cut through the sweetness. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a drop of almond extract alongside the peppermint, or even a hint of espresso powder to the chocolate coating for a mocha-mint twist. Some people love a slight rum or Kahlua extract in their mint filling too! These little tweaks make this Peppermint Patties Recipe uniquely yours.

Holiday Decorations

Turn your peppermint patties into festive holiday treats! Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle them with crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, or even edible glitter. These make fantastic additions to a holiday cookie platter alongside other favorites like Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies or served with a warm mug of The Coziest Homemade Hot Chocolate. The cool mint flavor is especially welcome after a rich holiday meal, offering a refreshing finish.

Nutrition Information

Conclusion

And there you have it – your very own batch of irresistible homemade peppermint patties! This Peppermint Patties Recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a little piece of comfort, a burst of freshness, and a wonderful way to create new memories or revisit cherished old ones. Whether you're making them for a special occasion, as a thoughtful gift, or simply to satisfy a craving for something cool and chocolatey, these patties are sure to delight. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this Peppermint Patties Recipe, and let the magic of mint and chocolate transport you. Happy making, and even happier eating!

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Homemade Peppermint Patties

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Indulge in the refreshing classic with this easy-to-follow homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. Creamy, cool peppermint filling encased in rich, dark chocolate – far superior to any store-bought version. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or a simple, delightful treat.

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 30-35 patties

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening (like Crisco)
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract (or to taste)
1-2 drops green food coloring (optional)
16 oz good quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), finely chopped or chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or additional shortening (for chocolate coating)

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and shortening until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 2: Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Stir in the pure peppermint extract and optional green food coloring until fully incorporated and the desired color is achieved.
Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the peppermint mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until it is firm enough to handle easily.
Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly dust your hands with confectioners' sugar. Take about 1 tablespoon of the chilled peppermint mixture and roll it into a ball, then flatten it into a disc approximately 1/4 inch thick and 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place the shaped patties on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Once all the patties are shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, or until the patties are very firm. This helps them hold their shape and prevents melting when dipped in warm chocolate.
Step 7: While the patties are freezing, melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil (or additional shortening). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
Step 8: Remove a few frozen patties from the freezer at a time. Drop one patty into the melted chocolate, fully coating it. Use a fork or a dipping tool to lift the patty out, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Lightly scrape the bottom of the fork against the edge of the bowl.
Step 9: Carefully place the chocolate-coated patty back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining patties, working quickly so the patties remain cold. If the chocolate starts to thicken, gently rewarm it.
Step 10: If desired, immediately after dipping, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or crushed candy canes, or drizzle with contrasting melted white chocolate. Place the finished patties in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully set and harden.
Step 11: Once set, transfer the homemade peppermint patties to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks, or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy your delightful homemade treats!

Notes

For the best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. The chilling and freezing steps for the peppermint filling are crucial for easy handling and proper chocolate coating. If your kitchen is warm, you might need to chill the patties longer. Using a good quality chocolate will significantly improve the final taste and texture of your homemade peppermint patties.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 patty (approx. 30g)
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg