Homemade Peppermint Patties

Peppermint and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven, and what could be better than enjoying these delightful treats made from scratch? Homemade Peppermint Patties are incredibly simple to make, and they bring a fresh, minty bite wrapped in rich chocolate that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re preparing for the holiday season, planning a gift for friends or family, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these homemade candies will hit the spot.

The great thing about making peppermint patties at home is that you have full control over the flavors and sweetness. You can make them as minty as you like, and the chocolate coating will provide the perfect balance. Ready to create your own peppermint masterpieces? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Peppermint Patties

Okay, picture this: smooth, refreshing peppermint filling wrapped in a rich layer of dark chocolate. Pure bliss, right? These Homemade Peppermint Patties are a total crowd-pleaser, and guess what? They’re surprisingly easy to make! They’re perfect for holiday treats, or anytime you’re craving that cool peppermint-chocolate combo. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and minty zing to match your personal taste.

The best part? You get to skip the store-bought versions and create these beauties right at home. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never want to go back to the packaged stuff. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Ingredients in Homemade Peppermint Patties

Here’s what you need to make these delicious homemade minty bites:

Powdered Sugar

This is the key to achieving that perfect melt-in-your-mouth filling texture. It creates the smooth consistency you want for the peppermint center.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

This helps bind everything together, adding a touch of creaminess and sweetness to the filling. It’s the secret to making these patties extra indulgent.

Peppermint Extract

The star of the show! Peppermint extract gives these patties their refreshing mint flavor that pairs so well with the rich chocolate coating.

Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate

For the chocolate coating, you’ll want a high-quality chocolate that’s smooth and melts well. Dark chocolate or semi-sweet is perfect for balancing the sweetness of the mint filling.

Vegetable Oil (or Coconut Oil)

A little oil helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and gives it that glossy finish once it hardens.

(Note: Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions for Homemade Peppermint Patties

Let’s dive into the simple steps for making these delightful peppermint patties!

Step 1: Make the Peppermint Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Stir everything together until you have a smooth and sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more powdered sugar to get the right consistency, but be careful not to make it too dry.

Step 2: Roll Out the Filling

Roll the peppermint mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) or use a spoon to scoop out portions. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all the balls are rolled out, use the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten each one into a disk shape. This creates the perfect patty shape.

Step 3: Chill the Patties

Pop the baking sheet with the flattened patties into the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial to firming up the filling so that the chocolate coating sticks properly.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

While the peppermint patties are chilling, melt the chocolate and vegetable oil together. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until completely smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler method on the stovetop.

Step 5: Coat the Patties in Chocolate

Once the peppermint patties have chilled and the chocolate is smooth, it’s time to coat them! Use a fork to dip each peppermint disk into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap the fork to let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the patties back onto the parchment paper.

Step 6: Let the Chocolate Set

Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or if you’re in a hurry, pop the patties into the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the process. The chocolate will become glossy and firm up beautifully.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Once the chocolate is fully set, your homemade peppermint patties are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or keep them chilled for an extra refreshing bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-16 patties
Calories per serving: 120-150 calories per patty (varies depending on size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties

These peppermint patties are the perfect standalone treat, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

As a Holiday Treat

These homemade peppermint patties are perfect for the holiday season! Serve them at Christmas parties or package them up in a cute gift box for friends and family.

With Hot Chocolate

Pair these with a cup of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgent treat. The minty freshness complements the warmth of the drink perfectly.

In a Dessert Platter

Add these little beauties to a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies, cookies, and truffles for an extra pop of flavor and color.

As a Sweet Gift

Looking for a homemade gift idea? These peppermint patties are easy to package and make a thoughtful treat to give to loved ones.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips for making these homemade peppermint patties even better:

Use High-Quality Chocolate

To ensure your peppermint patties have that smooth, professional finish, use high-quality dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. It makes a big difference in the flavor and texture.

Adjust the Peppermint Flavor

If you like a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add a little more peppermint extract to the filling. Just make sure to taste as you go to avoid it getting too overpowering.

Make Them Dairy-Free

To make these peppermint patties dairy-free, simply substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut-based sweetened condensed milk alternative and use dairy-free chocolate.

Make Them Ahead of Time

These peppermint patties store wonderfully. You can make them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to a week, or even freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap them in wax paper or store them in an airtight container.

Adding a Crunch

For a fun twist, you can add chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the peppermint filling for a little extra texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

A1: Yes! Milk chocolate will give your peppermint patties a sweeter taste, while dark chocolate provides a more balanced, slightly bitter flavor. Feel free to use whichever you prefer.

Q2: Can I make these peppermint patties without sweetened condensed milk?

A2: Sweetened condensed milk is key for the creamy, smooth filling, but you can substitute it with a vegan sweetened condensed milk or make your own using a non-dairy alternative.

Q3: How long can I store these peppermint patties?

A3: Store your peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

A4: Yes! Peppermint oil is much stronger than extract, so use only a few drops, and taste the mixture to make sure it’s to your liking.

Q5: Can I make the peppermint filling without condensed milk?

A5: Yes, you can try using a powdered sugar and coconut cream mixture for a dairy-free option. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q6: How do I know when the chocolate is fully set?

A6: The chocolate will be firm to the touch and glossy once it has completely set. If it’s still soft, let it sit a little longer or place it in the fridge to speed up the process.

Q7: Can I make mini peppermint patties?

A7: Yes! Simply use a smaller scoop or roll the filling into smaller balls to make mini-sized treats.

Q8: Can I dip these in white chocolate instead?

A8: Absolutely! White chocolate would give these peppermint patties a creamy and sweeter twist. It’s a great alternative if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor.

Q9: Are these peppermint patties gluten-free?

A9: Yes, these homemade peppermint patties are naturally gluten-free, as they don’t contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.

Q10: Can I add flavor variations to the filling?

A10: You can definitely play around with different flavors! Try adding a little bit of orange extract or vanilla extract to the peppermint filling for a unique twist.

Conclusion

These Homemade Peppermint Patties are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and peppermint cravings! Whether you’re making them for the holidays, as a gift, or just because, they’re sure to impress. Smooth, creamy, and perfectly minty with a rich chocolate coating—they’re a must-try! Enjoy these little bites of heaven any time you want something sweet and refreshing. Happy making!

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