Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for refreshing minty flavors, you are absolutely going to adore these Homemade Peppermint Patties. They strike the perfect balance between creamy peppermint filling and rich dark chocolate coating, making each bite feel like a little burst of holiday magic. Whether you’re indulging after dinner, sharing with friends, or wrapping them up as delightful gifts, these patties bring comfort and joy in every piece. Let me walk you through this wonderfully simple recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Homemade Peppermint Patties come to life with only a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect creamy texture and bold, refreshing flavor. You’ll find that each element contributes something special, whether it’s sweetness, richness, or that iconic peppermint zing.

• 2 cups powdered sugar: The foundation of sweetness and texture, powdered sugar gives a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling while balancing the sweetness.
• 2 tsp peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives these patties their unmistakable minty freshness.
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (add more if needed): Moistens the mixture just enough for a pliable dough, enhancing richness.
• 1 ½ cups dark chocolate (melted): Provides that decadent coating with a slightly bittersweet contrast.
• Pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties

Step 1: Mix the Filling

Start by combining the powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, pinch of salt, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to blend everything until a soft, pliable dough forms. Add a little extra cream if the mixture feels too dry. The dough should be smooth but firm enough to hold its shape.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Next, roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a teaspoon each, then gently flatten them into discs roughly 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry about making every patty perfectly uniform; their homemade charm lies in their delightful irregularities.

Step 3: Chill the Patties

Place your patties on a tray lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up. This chilling step is critical—it makes dipping them into the chocolate much easier and helps them hold their shape during coating.

Step 4: Dip in Chocolate

Once chilled, dip each peppermint disc fully into the melted dark chocolate. Use a fork to lift them out, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Set them back onto the parchment-lined tray. The smooth, glossy chocolate shell hardens quickly and offers a perfect contrast to the minty center.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Allow the patties to sit at room temperature or place them in the fridge until the chocolate coating is firm and shiny. Once set, they are ready to delight you with every bite!

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties

Garnishes

For a festive touch that’s as pleasing to the eye as to the palate, dust your peppermint patties lightly with powdered sugar after dipping. This creates a charming snow-kissed effect that elevates their presentation without extra effort. Alternatively, a few crushed candy canes sprinkled on top add a playful crunch and even more minty flavor.

Side Dishes

These patties are incredible as a sweet finale on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, mint tea, or even a glass of creamy hot chocolate. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving them alongside a cheese platter with mild cheeses and fruit to balance the cool, sweet mintiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap your Homemade Peppermint Patties in colorful foil or parchment paper tied with festive ribbons for gift-giving or party favors. You could also arrange them on a decorative plate with holly sprigs or edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests and spark conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your peppermint patties fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will preserve their texture and flavor for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy them gradually without loss of quality.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead and save them for longer, freezing is your friend. Place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. When properly stored, they last up to three months in the freezer without compromising texture or taste.

Reheating

Since these patties are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, simply thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator or on the counter for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the chocolate and change the delicious texture.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate offers a lovely bittersweet balance, white chocolate pairs wonderfully with the peppermint filling for a sweeter, creamier treat. Just melt it gently to avoid scorching.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

If you’re out of peppermint extract, you can substitute with spearmint extract or even a few drops of peppermint oil (be very sparing with the latter). Fresh mint leaves finely chopped can also infuse a subtle mint flavor, though the intensity will be milder.

Can I make these patties vegan?

Yes, you can! Use vegan butter and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative. Choose dairy-free dark chocolate to complete your vegan peppermint patties.

How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much when dipping?

Make sure your peppermint patties are well chilled before dipping. Also, tempering the chocolate or allowing melted chocolate to cool slightly will help create a firm, glossy shell without melting the peppermint centers.

How long do Homemade Peppermint Patties last?

When kept refrigerated in an airtight container, these patties stay fresh for about two weeks. If frozen, their flavor and texture hold up for around three months.

Final Thoughts

Making Homemade Peppermint Patties is such a joyful and rewarding experience—you get to blend simple ingredients into elegant little treats that brighten up any moment. From their luscious minty filling to the smooth dark chocolate shell, these patties are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and make every bite feel special. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share the magic of homemade sweetness with your friends and family.

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