Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a cool, minty treat that delivers an irresistible burst of chocolate and creaminess, Homemade Peppermint Patties are about to become your new favorite. There’s something truly magical about taking just a handful of everyday kitchen staples and creating a confection that rivals store-bought candies in both flavor and texture. Whether you’re dreaming up a holiday dessert spread, seeking an easy homemade gift, or simply wanting a refreshing sweet to stash in the fridge, this recipe hits all the right notes with its bold peppermint center and snappy, chocolatey shell.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Homemade Peppermint Patties is their simplicity—each ingredient brings something essential. From the smooth, creamy filling to the decadent chocolate coating, don’t underestimate the magic these pantry staples can create.

• Powdered sugar (2 ¼ cups): This provides the backbone for the creamy filling and ensures a silky, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 ½ tablespoons): Gives just enough richness and helps the filling come together for that perfect creamy texture.
• Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Adds extra smoothness, binding everything together while keeping the center super soft.
• Peppermint extract (1 ½ teaspoons): The all-important burst of minty freshness—don’t skimp!
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): A subtle touch of warmth that balances the peppermint without overpowering it.
• Pinch of salt: Just a touch helps all the flavors pop and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (10 ounces): The classic exterior that gives you that satisfying chocolate snap—choose your favorite variety for a more personalized patty.
• Coconut oil or shortening (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way to make the chocolate glossy and luscious for dipping.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties

Step 1: Make the Creamy Peppermint Dough

In a large bowl, combine your powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon. The mixture should form a thick, cohesive dough. If it’s looking a bit dry and crumbly, drizzle in just a touch more heavy cream. If it feels overly sticky, sift in a bit more powdered sugar until you reach that perfect playdough consistency—you want it workable and smooth!

Step 2: Shape into Patties

Scoop up about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball with your hands (feel free to get the kids involved here, as it’s super fun!). Gently flatten each ball to about ½ inch thick, creating classic patty shapes. Place them in rows on a parchment-lined baking sheet—you’ll have about 24 patties when you’re done. Slide the tray into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is key to keeping their shape when you dip them in chocolate.

Step 3: Melt Your Chocolate

While your patties firm up, get your chocolate coating ready. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, giving it a good stir after each, until the chocolate is entirely melted, glossy, and silky-smooth. This process helps prevent burning and keeps your chocolate nice and fluid for dipping.

Step 4: Dip the Patties

Grab your chilled patties and, using a fork, dip each one in the melted chocolate. Let any extra chocolate drip off, then place the patty back onto the parchment-lined tray. Repeat with every peppermint disk, working quickly so the chocolate stays warm and dippable—you want a beautifully even coating that sets up with a shine. Any leftover chocolate can be drizzled on top for extra flair.

Step 5: Chill and Set

To finish, slide the tray of dipped patties into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. The chocolate will set into a perfect, snappy shell, locking in all that pepperminty goodness inside. Once set, they’re ready to eat, share, or pack up as homemade gifts—you’ve just made your own irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties!

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance or a festive pop, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on your patties before the chocolate sets. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops for bakery-style flair. A little pinch of sea salt on each adds a gourmet touch and enhances the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Homemade Peppermint Patties are a joy on their own, but for a truly memorable dessert platter, pair them with a bowl of fresh berries, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or even a light citrusy sorbet. They’re also the perfect finish alongside a hot mug of coffee or a soothing cup of peppermint tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Homemade Peppermint Patties into impressive gifts by placing them in mini cupcake liners and boxing them up with a ribbon. For a fun party display, stack them on a tiered dessert tray or use them to decorate holiday cookie platters. You can even tuck a few patties into treat bags as sweet favors for guests to take home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Homemade Peppermint Patties fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay soft and minty for up to two weeks, making them ideal for prepping ahead of time or enjoying as a gradual treat.

Freezing

Want to have a stash on hand for future cravings or celebrations? You absolutely can! Place your patties in a single layer in an airtight container or zip-top bag, separating layers with a bit of parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months—just thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Luckily, Homemade Peppermint Patties don’t require reheating. If you’re taking them from the freezer, let them sit out just long enough so the centers return to their soft, creamy texture—about 5 to 10 minutes is usually perfect. No fussing with ovens or microwaves required!

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet for the coating?

Definitely! If you prefer a sweeter, milkier chocolate, feel free to substitute milk chocolate chips for the coating. Just keep in mind the overall sweetness level—you may want to use a little less powdered sugar in the filling if you’re sensitive to sweet flavors.

My dough is too sticky to handle. What should I do?

If the peppermint dough is sticking to your hands, add extra powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time, kneading until it’s smooth but not dry. If you go overboard, you can balance it back out with a tiny splash of cream.

How do I keep my chocolate coating smooth and shiny?

Adding coconut oil or shortening to your chocolate before melting gives it a glossy finish and makes dipping easier. Melt in short bursts and stir often for the best results—this tip works wonders for any homemade candy!

Can these Homemade Peppermint Patties be made vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in plant-based butter and cream, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Most peppermint and vanilla extracts are naturally vegan, so you can easily adapt this recipe for everyone at your table.

Are Homemade Peppermint Patties gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, since all the main ingredients do not contain gluten. As always, check your chocolate chips and extracts for any cross-contamination warnings if you are especially sensitive.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Homemade Peppermint Patties a try—they’re refreshingly simple to make, loaded with peppermint punch, and way more fun than anything you’ll find in a store. Whether it’s for a holiday treat, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a “just because” dessert, there’s nothing like sharing a batch of these cool, chocolatey bites with your favorite people. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it!

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