Nothing says holiday cheer quite like Christmas Peppermint Patties! These homemade, melt-in-your-mouth treats bring the perfect balance of creamy peppermint filling and smooth chocolate coating. With their festive green color and holiday sprinkles, they’re a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Plus, they’re simple to make and ideal for gifting. Let’s dive into this holiday favorite and make your season extra sweet!
Why You Will Love Christmas Peppermint Patties
- Festive and Fun: The bright green peppermint centers and holiday sprinkles make these treats a showstopper.
- Perfect Balance: The refreshing peppermint filling pairs beautifully with rich, smooth chocolate.
- Customizable: Adjust the color, flavor, or sprinkles to suit your holiday theme.
- Great for Gifting: Pack these in decorative boxes for a homemade holiday gift everyone will love.
- Beginner-Friendly: With no baking required, this recipe is approachable for all skill levels.
Ingredients Notes for Christmas Peppermint Patties
For the Filling:
- Butter (¼ cup): Softened, unsalted butter is essential for a creamy, smooth texture.
- Light Corn Syrup (⅓ cup): Adds sweetness and helps bind the filling together.
- Peppermint Extract (2 tsp): Provides that signature cool, minty flavor. Adjust based on your taste preference.
- Powdered Sugar (3 cups): Creates the sweet, doughy consistency of the filling. Sift to avoid clumps.
- Green Food Coloring (3 drops): Use gel or liquid food coloring for a festive touch.
For the Coating:
- Dipping Chocolate (2 cups): Opt for high-quality melting chocolate or candy melts for smooth coverage.
- Holiday Sprinkles (Optional): Add a fun and festive finishing touch.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wax or parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork or dipping tool
- Spatula
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Patties
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, light corn syrup, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar.
- Using an electric mixer, beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and holds together like dough.
- Add green food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
- Shape the Patties:
- Remove the dough from the bowl. Take 2 teaspoons of dough at a time, roll it into a ball, and gently flatten it with your hands to form a patty.
- Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.
- Once all the patties are shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Add the dipping chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute and 20 seconds. Let it sit in the microwave for 1 additional minute before stirring gently until smooth.
- Dip the Patties:
- Remove the peppermint patties from the freezer. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each patty into the melted chocolate, coating both sides.
- Tap off excess chocolate and place the coated patties back onto the wax paper.
- Decorate:
- Before the chocolate sets, drizzle with contrasting chocolate and top with holiday sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the patties to cool and the chocolate to harden completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if preferred.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Arrange on a platter for parties, or package in decorative boxes for gifting.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Refrigeration is optional but can keep the chocolate firm.
- Freezing: Peppermint patties freeze well! Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Colorful Peppermint Patties: Use red food coloring or alternate green and red batches for a classic Christmas color scheme.
- Mint Chocolate Lovers: Add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to the filling for extra minty crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Coating: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer, more sophisticated flavor.
Helpful Notes
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the filling just until it comes together to avoid it becoming too soft.
- Smooth Chocolate Coating: If the chocolate thickens as you work, microwave it for 10-second intervals to keep it smooth.
- Sprinkle Quickly: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping, as the chocolate hardens quickly.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “For a touch of elegance, use flaked sea salt on top of the patties instead of sprinkles.”
- Alton Brown: “To avoid fingerprints on the chocolate, use gloves or a dipping tool when handling.”
- Martha Stewart: “Chill your tools (like forks or dipping tools) to prevent the chocolate from hardening too quickly.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
A: Yes, but peppermint oil is more concentrated. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Q: What’s the best way to melt chocolate without a microwave?
A: Use a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir the chocolate until melted.
Q: How can I prevent the patties from sticking to my hands?
A: Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar or wear food-safe gloves.
Q: Can I make these patties in advance?
A: Definitely! These are great make-ahead treats and can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Are there substitutes for light corn syrup?
A: You can use honey or golden syrup, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
With their festive look, refreshing flavor, and irresistible chocolate coating, Christmas Peppermint Patties are the perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends. Happy holiday baking!
