Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both refreshing and homemade, you’ve got to try this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. I absolutely love how these melt-in-your-mouth patties deliver that perfect cool peppermint kick wrapped in creamy chocolate. When I first tried making these at home, I struggled a bit with the dough texture and the dipping process, but I discovered a few tricks along the way that make these patties smooth, shiny, and delicious every time. Keep reading—you’ll find everything you need to whip up your own batch and impress your family or friends with this classic candy!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about the balance between creamy sweetness and refreshing peppermint flavor wrapped in smooth chocolate. Choosing quality chocolate almond bark and the right peppermint extract really makes a difference—you’ll taste it!

• Sweetened condensed milk: This gives the patties their creamy, sweet base without needing extra butter or cream.
• Peppermint extract: Look for pure peppermint extract for that fresh, cool flavor; it beats artificial flavors every time.
• Powdered sugar: The fine texture helps create a stiff dough that’s easy to handle and roll out.
• Chocolate almond bark: Using almond bark melts smooth and hardens nicely, making candy coating a breeze.
• Sprinkles (optional): If you want to add a festive touch, pick colorful sprinkles, but they’re totally optional since the patties taste amazing plain too.

Variations

I love that this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is such a versatile base—you can easily make these bigger and chunkier or mini to nibble on throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to play with flavors or decorations to make them your own.

• Chocolate Variations: I’ve tried using dark chocolate almond bark instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor, and my family goes crazy for it.
• Dietary Tweaks: If you’re avoiding dairy, there are vegan condensed milk options that work, but I’d recommend experimenting with small batches first.
• Seasonal Twists: Around holidays, adding red and green sprinkles or a little peppermint oil plus a drop of vanilla gives it a festive lift.
• Size and Shape: You can roll the dough thinner for delicate patties or thicker for a fudgier bite—both delicious in their own way!

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Base

Start by combining your sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract in a large bowl. I always give this a good stir first by hand before bringing in the mixer, just to make sure everything is evenly blended. The peppermint makes the whole kitchen smell fantastic, and you’ll instantly want to start shaping these patties.

Step 2: Create the Dough

Using an electric mixer on low speed, gradually add your powdered sugar. This part is critical — you’re aiming for a stiff, non-sticky dough that holds its shape well. If it feels too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar, but be careful not to go overboard or it can get crumbly. At this stage, I usually stop and knead it gently by hand to check texture, especially with kids helping out!

Step 3: Shape Your Patties

Roll the dough into balls, about 2-inch rounds, and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Then gently press down to flatten into discs roughly 1/4 inch thick. I like using my palm to press evenly without cracking. This step sets the foundation for how your patties will look—consistent thickness means even freezing and dipping later.

Step 4: Freeze Until Firm

Place your tray in the freezer for about an hour. This step is a game-changer—I can’t tell you how many failed attempts I had before realizing freezing the patties before dipping is key. It firms them up so they don’t melt into a mess when coated with warm chocolate. Plus, it makes handling them much easier.

Step 5: Melt Your Almond Bark

While the patties are chilling, start melting your chocolate almond bark in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. You want it silky and smooth, but be careful not to overheat or it can seize. If you don’t have a microwave, using a double boiler works beautifully too—patience is your friend here!

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

Working quickly, dunk each frozen peppermint patty in the melted chocolate. Hold it above the bowl and gently shake off excess coating. I use the edge of the bowl to scrape excess chocolate from the bottom of the patties so they don’t stick to the parchment paper. If you want sprinkles, sprinkle them immediately while the chocolate is still glossy—once it hardens, sprinkles won’t stick or will fall off.

Step 7: Let Them Set

Put the dipped patties back on the parchment-lined tray and let them set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge to speed up the hardening. I usually keep mine in the fridge until serving to make sure they retain that nice firm texture without sweating.

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and skip garnishes since the shiny chocolate and peppermint scent speak for themselves. But for parties or holidays, I love adding red or green sprinkles right after dipping—they add a cheerful pop of color perfect for Christmas or winter celebrations.

Side Dishes

These peppermint patties are great on their own, but if I’m serving a dessert tray, I like pairing them with hot chocolate or a rich coffee. The cold peppermint against a warm drink is a game-changer. You could also serve alongside chewy gingerbread cookies or buttery shortbread for a festive mix.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange my homemade peppermint patties in pretty gift boxes layered with parchment paper. Wrapping each pattie in a small piece of wax paper makes them look extra professional and keeps them from sticking together. If making larger patties, cutting them into bite-sized pieces for serving helps guests enjoy a small sweet burst without the guilt!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature when the weather is cool. If your kitchen tends to be warm or humid, I recommend keeping them in the fridge to avoid melting or sticky surfaces—trust me, you want that crisp chocolate shell! They usually last up to two weeks stored this way.

Freezing

Freezing peppermint patties works great if you want to make a batch ahead of time. I pop them in a freezer-safe container separated by wax paper and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge to avoid condensation dripping on the chocolate.

Reheating

Since these are candy patties, reheating isn’t really necessary, but if your chocolate shell softens and you want to re-firm it, placing them in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps restore the crisp shell. Avoid microwaving, as it will melt the peppermint center and ruin texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s simple, nostalgic, and oh-so-satisfying. I love sharing these with friends because they’re a little indulgent and a lot refreshing all at once. If you give this recipe a try, you’ll see how easy it is to make candy that tastes like it came from a professional chocolatier, without any fancy equipment. Trust me, once you perfect these, they’ll become your go-to homemade treat for holidays, gifts, or just a sweet pick-me-up anytime!

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