Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Homemade Peppermint Patties are pure, chocolatey-minty bliss! This classic treat, with its creamy peppermint center and rich chocolate coating, always takes me right back to joyful holidays and special occasions. Making them from scratch is not only fun but gives you full control over their freshness, flavor, and decadence. Whether you’re preparing edible gifts or treating your family to a sweet surprise, these Homemade Peppermint Patties are guaranteed to steal the dessert spotlight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity! Every ingredient plays a special role in achieving that perfect peppermint kick and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me, these basic pantry items come together to make magic.

• Sweetened condensed milk: This creates the rich, silky base for the peppermint filling, giving it both sweetness and structure.
• Peppermint extract: The star of the show; it infuses the creamy center with a cool, refreshing flavor.
• Confectioners sugar: This fine sugar transforms the base into a soft, non-sticky dough while keeping the patties tender and sweet.
• Chocolate almond bark: Perfect for dipping, it melts smoothly and sets with a glossy finish—plus the almond bark adds a subtle richness.
• Sprinkles (optional): For a festive and colorful touch, dress up your patties with a scattering of sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Trust me, this simple step saves you from any sticky situations later and makes moving the patties a breeze. Clear a flat space in your freezer so your tray fits easily—you’ll want to freeze the patties before dipping.

Step 2: Make the Peppermint Filling

In a large bowl, blend the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract until fully combined. This is where all that vibrant minty flavor gets whisked into the creamy base! With an electric mixer, gradually add the confectioners sugar. Mix until a stiff, pliable dough forms—don’t worry if it seems powdery at first, just keep mixing until it comes together.

Step 3: Shape Your Patties

Roll the dough into small balls (about tablespoon-sized) and place them on your prepared tray. Gently press each ball down with your palm to form classic thick discs. These are what make Homemade Peppermint Patties instantly recognizable!

Step 4: Freeze to Set

Pop the tray into the freezer for an hour. This is crucial! Freezing firms up the patties so they hold their shape when dipped in warm chocolate. If you skip this, your luscious center may melt right into the chocolate.

Step 5: Dip in Chocolate

Melt your chocolate almond bark in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring often to keep it smooth and shiny. Working swiftly, dip each frozen patty, letting any excess chocolate drip off before setting them back on the tray. If you love a pop of color, top with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet!

Step 6: Let Them Set

Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, pop the tray into the fridge for a quick chill. Once set, your Homemade Peppermint Patties are ready to enjoy or gift!

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties

Garnishes

Sprinkles aren’t just for kids—try dusting your Homemade Peppermint Patties with crushed peppermint candy or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra pizzazz. A drizzle of white chocolate also looks stunning and adds another layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

These patties are a dream alongside a steaming mug of cocoa, a cup of coffee, or even a creamy vanilla milkshake. For a dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries or a bowl of mixed nuts for contrast and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting, stack the patties in a pretty box lined with parchment, or pop them into festive tins. For parties, arrange them in concentric circles on a cake stand, or use them as edible place cards at your holiday table—guests will be delighted!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Peppermint Patties keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure they’re separated by parchment so they don’t stick together. The flavor actually deepens after a day or two—a delicious bonus!

Freezing

For longer storage, place the patties in a freezer-safe bag or container with layers of parchment in between. They’ll stay fresh and minty for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for a few minutes.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat Homemade Peppermint Patties—just bring them up to room temperature if you like a softer center. For a fun twist, try chopping frozen patties and sprinkling over ice cream straight from the freezer—the crisp texture is utterly irresistible!

FAQs

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of almond bark?

Absolutely! You can melt quality dark or milk chocolate chips with a little coconut oil for dipping, though almond bark is easiest for beginners as it melts and sets quickly. It all comes down to your flavor preference!

My dough feels too sticky. What should I do?

If your peppermint dough is sticky, add a little more confectioners sugar—one tablespoon at a time—until you get a pliable, non-sticky texture. Humidity or a heavy hand with the condensed milk can make a difference, so you can adjust as needed.

Can I make mini Homemade Peppermint Patties?

Yes, and they’re adorable! Simply roll smaller balls and flatten them into mini discs. They make perfect bite-sized treats for parties and gift boxes, plus they’re extra quick to set.

Is it okay to use unsweetened condensed milk?

For best results, stick with sweetened condensed milk. Unsweetened (evaporated) milk won’t provide the structure or sweetness needed for that signature creamy center.

How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?

Use a fork or dipping tool, and make sure your patties are fully frozen before dipping. Let excess chocolate drip off before transferring to the tray, and avoid overworking the chocolate so it stays glossy and even.

Final Thoughts

Give Homemade Peppermint Patties a try and watch how quickly they disappear! Whether you share them as heartfelt gifts or savor them yourself, there’s nothing quite like that first cool, minty bite encased in rich chocolate. Don’t be surprised if you start making these for every special occasion—they’re that irresistible!

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