Delicious Peppermint Patties

This creamy, cool homemade peppermint patty recipe brings the classic chocolate mint candy to your kitchen with just a handful of ingredients. Perfectly balanced between sweet powdered sugar filling and rich chocolate coating, these treats satisfy that mint chocolate craving without any artificial ingredients.

I first made these peppermint patties for a holiday gathering when store shelves were bare. The look on my guests' faces when I revealed they were homemade was priceless. Now they're requested at every winter celebration.

Ingredients

• Sweetened condensed milk: the secret ingredient that gives these patties their silky smooth texture while binding everything together
• Peppermint extract: provides that signature cool mint flavor look for pure extract rather than artificial flavoring for best results
• Powdered sugar: creates the perfect consistency and sweetness in the filling use sifted sugar for the smoothest results
• Chocolate almond bark: delivers a foolproof coating that sets up beautifully at room temperature and won't bloom like regular chocolate might
• Optional sprinkles: add a festive touch perfect for holiday gifting or themed parties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the mint base:

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract until completely incorporated. The peppermint should be evenly distributed throughout the condensed milk to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

Form the dough:

Using an electric mixer on low speed, gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time. Continue mixing until a firm, moldable dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The final consistency should resemble a soft play dough that doesn't stick to your fingers.

Shape the patties:

Roll small portions of dough between your palms to form balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball on a parchment lined baking sheet, then gently press down with your palm or the bottom of a glass to create uniform discs approximately 2 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick.

Freeze for firmness:

Place the entire tray of shaped patties in the freezer for a full hour. This crucial step ensures they'll hold their shape during the chocolate dipping process and creates the perfect texture in the finished candy.

Prepare the chocolate coating:

Melt chocolate almond bark in a microwave safe bowl, working in 30 second intervals and stirring between each until completely smooth. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly so it coats the patties evenly without melting them.

Dip the patties:

Working quickly with a few patties at a time leaving the rest in the freezer, drop each disc into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to flip it, ensuring complete coverage, then lift it out while allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.

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The peppermint extract is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered that the intensity of mint flavor deepens over time, creating that signature cool sensation that lingers pleasantly after each bite. My grandmother always said good peppermint should make your mouth feel clean after eating something sweet.

Make Ahead Magic

These peppermint patties actually improve with time as the flavors meld and develop. You can prepare them up to two weeks in advance of serving, making them perfect for holiday planning. Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. The mint flavor becomes more pronounced and the filling achieves that perfect creamy yet firm consistency after about 24 hours.

Customize Your Patties

The basic recipe serves as a wonderful canvas for creative variations. Try adding a drop of food coloring to the filling for seasonal colors like pink for Valentine's Day or green for St. Patrick's Day. You can also experiment with different extract combinations add a quarter teaspoon of vanilla along with the peppermint for a subtle complexity. For chocolate lovers, consider mixing mini chocolate chips into the filling before freezing for an extra surprise inside.

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Gift Giving Guidelines

These homemade peppermint patties make exceptional gifts that look professionally crafted. For beautiful presentation, place patties in paper candy cups inside decorative tins or small bakery boxes tied with ribbon. Include a note mentioning that they contain no preservatives and should be enjoyed within two weeks. For shipping, pack them with freezer packs and expedite delivery to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these refreshing peppermint patties alongside a strong coffee or espresso for an after dinner treat. The bitterness of the coffee beautifully complements the sweet mint chocolate combination. They also pair wonderfully with hot chocolate for a double chocolate experience with the cool mint providing delightful contrast. For an adult gathering, consider serving them with a chocolate liqueur or Irish cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long do homemade peppermint patties last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade peppermint patties will last for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use regular chocolate instead of almond bark?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate almond bark with semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate. For best results, add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate to help it melt smoothly and set properly.

→ Why is my peppermint filling too sticky?

If your filling is too sticky, you likely need more powdered sugar. Add it gradually, about 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough reaches a firm, moldable consistency that doesn't stick to your hands.

→ Can I make these with different flavors?

Absolutely! You can substitute the peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla, orange, or almond extract. Just be aware that peppermint extract is quite potent, so you might need to adjust quantities when using other extracts.

→ Why should I freeze the patties before dipping?

Freezing the patties makes them firm and easier to handle during the chocolate dipping process. Cold patties also help the chocolate coating set faster and prevent the filling from melting into the warm chocolate.

→ What's the best technique for dipping the patties?

Use a fork to dip each patty into the melted chocolate, then tap the fork against the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Slide the patty off the fork onto parchment paper using a toothpick or knife. Working with just a few patties at a time (keeping the rest frozen) will make the process easier.