This Peppermint Patties Recipe is the ultimate holiday treat and an absolute showstopper for any dessert platter. Imagine biting into a creamy, minty center that melts in your mouth, surrounded by a crisp, rich layer of dark chocolate, and topped with festive sprinkles for the perfect holiday flair. These homemade peppermint patties are easy to make, visually stunning, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or savoring them with a cup of hot cocoa, they’re bound to bring smiles all around!
Easy Peppermint Patties Recipe
This recipe is the epitome of simple yet impressive desserts. The creamy peppermint filling is delightfully soft, with just the right balance of sweetness and a refreshing coolness from the peppermint extract. Coated in dark chocolate, each patty offers a perfect bite of contrasting flavors and textures.
Not only are these peppermint patties ideal for holiday gifting, but they’re also wonderful to make with kids as a fun family activity. Plus, with their gorgeous sprinkle toppings, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why Our Peppermint Patties Are the Best
Our Peppermint Patties aren’t just treats—they’re a dessert experience. The creamy peppermint filling is perfectly sweetened and flavored, while the rich dark chocolate coating provides a satisfying snap with every bite. Plus, the added sprinkles give them a festive and customizable touch.
Ingredients Notes for Peppermint Patties
Each ingredient in this Peppermint Patties Recipe contributes to creating the perfect balance of creamy, minty, and chocolatey goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk – Acts as the base of the filling, giving it a luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons peppermint extract – Provides that signature minty flavor; adjust the amount to your preference.
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- 4 3/4 cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, pliable dough for the filling. Keep extra for sprinkling to prevent sticking.
- 3 cups dark chocolate candy melts – Ghirardelli or any high-quality candy melts work best for a smooth and glossy coating.
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles – Optional, but adds a festive touch to your patties.
Ingredient Substitution Tip: If dark chocolate isn’t your favorite, feel free to use milk or white chocolate melts instead. You can also experiment with flavored extracts for unique twists (e.g., orange or almond).
Kitchen Tools Needed for Peppermint Patties
To whip up these delightful treats, you’ll need:
- A stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Round cookie cutter (1–1.5 inch size)
- Baking sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork for dipping
How to Make Peppermint Patties
Making homemade peppermint patties is a fun and rewarding process. Here’s how to create these minty masterpieces:
1. Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 1/4 teaspoons peppermint extract, and 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add half of the powdered sugar and beat with a mixer on low speed until combined.
2. Adjust the Dough
Gradually mix in the remaining powdered sugar until a smooth dough forms. The dough should hold its shape when pinched. If it’s too soft or sticky, add powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Sprinkle powdered sugar on a sheet of parchment paper. Roll the peppermint dough into a ½-inch-thick circle, sprinkling additional powdered sugar on top as needed to prevent sticking.
4. Cut Out Circles
Coat a 1–1.5-inch round cookie cutter with cooking spray and cut out circles from the dough. If the dough becomes too soft, place it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up.
5. Freeze the Rounds
Place the cut-out rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and freeze for 20 minutes to make them easier to coat in chocolate.
6. Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 3 cups dark chocolate candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
7. Coat the Patties
Using a fork, dip the frozen peppermint rounds into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Gently tap off excess chocolate and place the patties back on the parchment.
8. Add Sprinkles and Set
Immediately add holiday sprinkles on top of each patty while the chocolate is still wet. Let the patties cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until fully set.
How To Store Peppermint Patties
To keep your Peppermint Patties fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to save them for later, freeze them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Peppermint Patties Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can add your own creative touch:
- White Chocolate Patties: Use white chocolate candy melts instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter coating.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Patties: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the filling and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips before coating.
- Coconut Patties: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Flavored Peppermint Patties: Replace half of the peppermint extract with orange, almond, or coffee extract for a fun twist.
What To Serve With Peppermint Patties
These refreshing treats pair perfectly with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for a cozy holiday vibe. For a complete dessert spread, serve them alongside gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or fudge brownies. Their cool, minty flavor also makes them an ideal palate cleanser after a hearty meal.
Top Tips for Perfect Peppermint Patties
- Work Quickly: If the dough becomes too soft while shaping, chill it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for premium dark chocolate melts for a smooth and glossy finish.
- Thin Chocolate Coating: Tap off excess chocolate while dipping to prevent an overly thick coating.
- Sprinkles Immediately: Add sprinkles right after dipping, as the chocolate sets quickly.
- Keep Chilled: Store the patties in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and freshness.
Helpful Notes
- If you don’t have a cookie cutter, use the rim of a small glass to cut out rounds.
- For a rustic look, roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly instead of cutting shapes.
- Always stir the chocolate as it melts to prevent scorching.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always use pure extracts for the best flavor in recipes like these.
- Martha Stewart: “Chill your dipping fork between batches to ensure smooth chocolate coating.”
- Mary Berry: “A touch of salt can enhance the sweetness of chocolate—add a pinch to your melted chocolate if desired.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these peppermint patties ahead of time?
Yes! These patties can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in the fridge.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely. Use your favorite type of chocolate for coating—milk, dark, or even white chocolate.
3. How do I fix sticky dough?
If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more powdered sugar until it holds its shape.
4. Can I omit the sprinkles?
Yes, the sprinkles are optional. You can leave them off or decorate with a drizzle of melted white chocolate instead.
5. Can I freeze the peppermint patties?
Yes, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Peppermint Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- – 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- – 1 1/4 teaspoons peppermint extract or more to taste
- – 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- – 4 3/4 cups powdered sugar plus extra for sprinkling
- – 3 cups dark chocolate candy melts such as Ghirardelli
- – 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Add half of the powdered sugar and beat with a mixer on low speed. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until a smooth dough forms. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar (if too sticky) or water (if too dry) as needed.
- Roll Out Dough: Sprinkle powdered sugar over a piece of parchment paper. Place the peppermint dough on top and sprinkle with more powdered sugar. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch thick circle.
- Cut Rounds: Coat a 1 or 1 1/2-inch round cookie cutter with cooking spray and cut out circles from the dough. If the dough becomes too soft, place it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up, then continue cutting.
- Freeze Patties: Transfer the peppermint rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and freeze for 20 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth.
- Dip Patties: Using a fork, dip each peppermint round into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place the coated patties back onto parchment paper and immediately add sprinkles on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the chocolate set completely before serving. Store the patties in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- If you prefer a thinner chocolate coating, use tempered dark chocolate instead of candy melts.
- For a more intense mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly.
- Store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
