There’s something magical about biting into a peppermint patty. The cool, creamy center that melts on your tongue, wrapped in a smooth coat of rich chocolate, feels like a little moment of winter wonder. These homemade peppermint patties are surprisingly simple to make with just five ingredients, yet they taste like a treat straight from a fancy candy shop. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
Behind the Recipe
Growing up, peppermint patties were one of those candies I always looked forward to finding in a holiday candy dish. They carried a sense of freshness that other sweets just couldn’t match. When I first made them at home, I realized how fun it was to shape and dip each one, almost like a craft project that just happened to end with chocolate. It quickly became a holiday tradition, but honestly, I make them year-round whenever that minty craving hits.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Peppermint patties have deep roots in American candy history, most famously associated with York Peppermint Patties that first appeared in the 1940s. They were known for their cool bite and clean snap when broken in half. Peppermint has long been tied to festive seasons and is beloved in many cultures for its refreshing properties. By making them at home, you carry on that sweet tradition with your own little twist.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Peppermint Patties (5 Ingredients!)
Making these peppermint patties at home isn’t just about taste, it’s about the joy of creating something nostalgic and indulgent with your own hands.
Versatile: Enjoy them as a holiday treat, after-dinner sweet, or even a homemade gift.
Budget-Friendly: With only five basic ingredients, you can make a whole batch for a fraction of the cost of store-bought candies.
Quick and Easy: The process is simple and doesn’t require any special candy-making tools.
Customizable: Adjust the peppermint strength, use different chocolate, or even drizzle with white chocolate for flair.
Crowd-Pleasing: These are always the first to disappear at gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling and dip later, or freeze them for future cravings.
Great for Leftovers: Chop them up and sprinkle over ice cream or stir into brownies for an instant upgrade.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Getting peppermint patties just right is all about a few small tricks.
- Chill the filling before dipping so it holds its shape.
- Use good quality chocolate for that smooth, glossy finish.
- Add a touch of coconut oil to the chocolate for easier dipping.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet, give each patty space.
- Let the patties set completely before stacking or storing.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gadgets, just a few simple tools to bring these patties together.
Mixing Bowl: To bring the peppermint filling to life.
Electric Mixer: Helps achieve a smooth, creamy filling.
Baking Sheet: The perfect surface for chilling the patties.
Parchment Paper: Keeps patties from sticking while they set.
Fork or Dipping Tool: For smoothly coating patties in chocolate.
Ingredients in Homemade Peppermint Patties (5 Ingredients!)
The magic of these patties lies in their simplicity, each ingredient playing an important role in creating that refreshing bite.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups Sweetens the filling and gives it structure.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1/3 cup Adds creaminess and binds the filling.
- Peppermint Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons Infuses that cool, minty flavor we all love.
- Dark Chocolate: 12 ounces Provides a rich, smooth coating.
- Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon Helps the chocolate melt and coat more easily.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes you need a little flexibility, and that’s perfectly fine.
Dark Chocolate: Substitute with milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor.
Coconut Oil: Use vegetable shortening or butter if preferred.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Swap with cream of coconut for a tropical twist.
Ingredient Spotlight
Peppermint Extract: This concentrated flavoring is what makes the patties truly refreshing. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it.
Dark Chocolate: Choosing good quality chocolate ensures a smooth, shiny coating and a balanced sweetness against the cool mint center.
Instructions for Making Homemade Peppermint Patties (5 Ingredients!)
Making these is like a little candy workshop at home, and the process is both fun and rewarding.
- Preheat Your Equipment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract until a smooth dough forms.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Roll the mixture into small balls, then flatten into discs about 2 inches wide. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble the Dish: Chill the patties in the freezer for about 20 minutes until firm.
- Cook to Perfection: Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler until smooth.
- Finishing Touches: Dip each chilled patty into the melted chocolate, coating fully. Place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the patties set completely at room temperature or in the fridge, then enjoy that first cool, chocolatey bite.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The beauty of a peppermint patty lies in the contrast. The filling should be soft, creamy, and cool, while the chocolate shell provides a firm snap. The mint flavor brightens the palate while the chocolate brings a touch of indulgence. Together, it’s the perfect bite of freshness and richness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Little tips go a long way in making candy-making stress-free.
- Keep your hands slightly dusted with powdered sugar when shaping patties.
- Work in batches if your kitchen is warm so the filling doesn’t soften too much.
- Drizzle extra chocolate on top for a bakery-style look.
What to Avoid
Even simple recipes can trip you up, but a few reminders will keep you on track.
- Don’t skip chilling the filling, or they’ll fall apart in the chocolate.
- Avoid using too much extract, as peppermint can become overpowering quickly.
- Don’t rush the chocolate setting process, patience makes perfect.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 20 patties
Calories per serving: 150
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These peppermint patties are fantastic for making ahead. You can prepare the filling discs and freeze them until you’re ready to dip. Once fully made, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. They also freeze beautifully for up to two months—just thaw slightly before enjoying.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties (5 Ingredients!)
Serve them chilled for the best snap and refreshing flavor. Pair them with hot cocoa for a cozy evening treat, or place them on a dessert platter for a party. They also make a lovely homemade gift when wrapped in little paper cups and placed in a festive box.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Leftovers rarely last, but if you do have some, chop them up and:
- Stir into brownie batter before baking.
- Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream.
- Mix into cookie dough for a minty twist.
Additional Tips
To enhance the presentation, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or add crushed peppermint candy for crunch. If you prefer a thinner chocolate shell, double-dip in quick succession.
Make It a Showstopper
Arrange peppermint patties on a serving plate lined with a doily or place them in mini cupcake liners. A dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder adds a touch of elegance. For holiday flair, sprinkle crushed candy cane on top before the chocolate sets.
Variations to Try
- Mint-Chocolate Chip Patties: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- White Chocolate Patties: Dip in melted white chocolate for a sweeter version.
- Orange Cream Patties: Swap peppermint extract for orange extract.
- Extra Dark Patties: Use 70% dark chocolate for a bolder flavor.
- Holiday Peppermint Patties: Sprinkle with festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but use only a few drops since peppermint oil is much stronger.
2. Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and vegan chocolate.
3. Do I have to use coconut oil?
No, you can skip it or use shortening, but it helps make dipping smoother.
4. How long do they last in the fridge?
About 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
5. Can I freeze peppermint patties?
Absolutely, they freeze well for up to 2 months.
6. Why is my filling too sticky?
Add a little more powdered sugar until the dough holds shape.
7. Why did my chocolate coating crack?
The filling may have been too cold, let it warm slightly before dipping.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger batches.
9. Can I color the filling?
Definitely, add a drop of food coloring for a festive touch.
10. Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chocolate and extract are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Homemade peppermint patties are one of those treats that feel special yet come together with such ease. With just five ingredients, you can create a candy that is refreshing, indulgent, and made to share. Whether you whip them up for the holidays, a party, or simply to treat yourself, they’re worth every bite.
Print
Homemade Peppermint Patties (5 Ingredients!)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling (about 20 minutes chill time)
- Yield: 20 patties 1x
- Category: Candy / Confection
- Method: No-bake, dipped
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool, creamy peppermint centers coated in rich dark chocolate, made with just five ingredients. These homemade peppermint patties are easy, nostalgic, and perfect for gifting or holiday platters.
Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 12 ounces dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract. Mix until a smooth, slightly firm dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, then flatten each ball into a disc about 2 inches wide. Place discs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze or chill the discs for about 20 minutes until firm.
- Melt 12 ounces dark chocolate with 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring until smooth, or melt using a double boiler.
- Dip each chilled disc into the melted chocolate, coating completely, then return to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Let the coated patties set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is fully firm. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Chill the filling thoroughly before dipping so the patties hold their shape.
- Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor and sheen.
- Add coconut oil to the chocolate to make dipping easier and achieve a smoother finish.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to two months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 150