Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

There’s just something magical about biting into a cool, creamy mint center wrapped in a blanket of rich chocolate—that’s Homemade Peppermint Patties at their very best. This recipe strikes that perfect balance between sweet, invigoratingly minty, and satisfyingly chocolatey with every delightful bite. Whether you’re making a batch for holiday gifting or just to stock your own secret stash, these little treats always deliver pure joy. Once you taste one, you’ll understand why making them from scratch is totally worth it!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Homemade Peppermint Patties is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create such a showstopping treat. Each ingredient is essential—some provide texture, some bring flavor, and a few make that signature creamy filling and glossy coating possible.

• Powdered sugar: The foundation for your sweet, smooth filling; sift it for extra silkiness.
• Light corn syrup: Adds a subtle sheen and keeps the filling tender without grittiness.
• Water: Just enough to bind everything, ensuring the dough comes together perfectly.
• Peppermint extract: The star flavor—choose pure peppermint for the freshest, most vibrant minty punch.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Lends creamy richness and helps the centers hold up once chilled.
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips): Brings a deep cocoa flavor to balance that sweet, minty filling.
• Vegetable shortening (optional): Stirred into chocolate for an ultra-smooth, glossy dip—it also makes coating easier.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties

Step 1: Mix the Mint Filling

Grab a large bowl and combine the powdered sugar, corn syrup, water, peppermint extract, and softened butter. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands (yes, it’s a little sticky!) to mix until you have a thick, smooth dough. If it’s sticking to everything, sprinkle in a touch more powdered sugar until it’s workable. The filling should be supple and pliable, not dry or crumbly.

Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Discs

Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls—don’t worry about perfection, homemade always means a little personality! Gently flatten each ball between your palms to form discs about 1/4 inch thick. Lay the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Pop the tray in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes; chilling is key for easy chocolate coating later.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating

Place your chopped chocolate (and shortening, if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is silky-smooth and beautifully glossy. Don’t rush—chocolate burns easily, so patience pays off here.

Step 4: Coat the Peppermint Centers

Drop a chilled mint disc into the melted chocolate, using a fork to flip and coat it entirely. Gently lift it out, tap the fork on the edge of the bowl so excess chocolate drips away, and return the patty to the parchment paper. If you’re feeling festive, now’s the time to sprinkle a little crushed peppermint candy over the top before the chocolate sets.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Once all your patties are coated, slide the tray back into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. The chocolate will firm up with a lovely snap and seal in all that creamy, minty filling. Homemade Peppermint Patties are ready for taste testing (and trust me, it’s hard to resist sampling right away)!

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties

Garnishes

For a special occasion, I love adding eye-catching garnishes that hint at what’s inside. A light dusting of crushed peppermint candy gives a festive look and extra crunch, while a drizzle of white chocolate across the tops adds elegance. You can even finish with a tiny mint leaf or colored sprinkles for that bakery-inspired effect!

Side Dishes

While Homemade Peppermint Patties shine all on their own, they’re absolute perfection alongside a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or even chai tea. For a party platter, pair them with buttery shortbread cookies or raspberry bars—the bright mint is a stunning contrast to richer treats!

Creative Ways to Present

Gifting these beauties? Layer them in a decorative tin with pretty wax paper, or tuck a few into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a fuss-free favor. When entertaining, pile them high on a tiered stand or scatter them down the center of your dessert table for a jaw-dropping (and edible!) centerpiece. Either way, be ready for those oohs and ahhs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Peppermint Patties store beautifully! Place any extras in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks without losing their creamy texture or signature snap.

Freezing

If you want to get a jump on holiday prep (or hide some for future chocolate emergencies), these patties freeze like a dream. Stack them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight—simple and stress-free.

Reheating

No need for reheating with these no-bake treats, but if you find your patties too firm straight from the freezer, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften up that luscious filling. You’ll bring back the perfect bite, just like they were freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives Homemade Peppermint Patties a sophisticated, slightly bitter edge that pairs beautifully with the sweet, minty centers. Choose your favorite chocolate for the outer shell.

How can I make these dairy-free or vegan?

Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative (like vegan margarine), and use dairy-free chocolate chips for coating. Check that your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly, and you’ve got truly delicious vegan Homemade Peppermint Patties.

Why did my filling turn out runny or sticky?

If your filling is too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable. The dough should be thick but pliable, so you can easily shape it without sticking to your hands.

Can I color the centers for a holiday version?

Definitely! A drop or two of food coloring (think red, green, or blue for holidays) kneaded into the filling gives your patties a playful, seasonal touch—kids love this twist, and it makes every patty eye-catching.

How long do Homemade Peppermint Patties last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and irresistible for up to two weeks. If you freeze them, they can last several months—just be sure to thaw gently for best texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightfully easy yet genuinely impressive treat, Homemade Peppermint Patties are the way to go. Every batch feels special and tastes even better shared, so don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked—happy minty making!

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