Homemade Peppermint Patties are a refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic made with a cool, creamy peppermint center coated in rich chocolate. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness, creating a treat that tastes even better than the store-bought version. These patties come together with simple pantry ingredients, require no baking, and are ideal for gifting, party platters, cookie boxes, and festive dessert spreads. Whether you’re preparing holiday treats in advance or want a quick, crowd-pleasing candy recipe, these peppermint patties always impress with their professional finish and irresistible flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Peppermint Patties
You’ll love this recipe because it offers all the nostalgic charm of your favorite candy with a fresher, creamier, and more natural taste. These patties are unbelievably easy to make, freeze beautifully, and require minimal effort for stunning results. They’re also fully customizable—adjust the mint strength, switch the chocolate coating, or shape them into hearts, stars, or festive circles for any occasion. Additionally, they store well, making them perfect for holiday gifting, winter gatherings, or stocking dessert trays.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you want a treat that looks impressive but takes very little hands-on time, peppermint patties deserve a place on your holiday list. The filling is smooth, silky, and perfectly minty without being overpowering. The chocolate shell adds a satisfying snap while keeping the inside soft and creamy. This recipe is ideal for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a dessert that always receives compliments. Because the ingredients are simple and inexpensive, it’s a budget-friendly candy that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Peppermint Filling: 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
For the Chocolate Coating: 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars and 1 tablespoon coconut oil for smooth melting.
Optional Decorations: Crushed candy canes, white chocolate drizzle, holiday sprinkles, or edible glitter.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Make the Peppermint Dough: Mix powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, peppermint extract, vanilla, and salt. The mixture should form a soft, moldable dough that is not sticky.
Step 2 – Shape the Patties: Roll the dough into a log or flatten it to ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or slice into small discs.
Step 3 – Freeze the Centers: Place shaped patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes. This ensures they don’t fall apart when dipped in chocolate.
Step 4 – Melt the Chocolate: Combine chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals while stirring until fully smooth.
Step 5 – Coat the Patties: Dip each peppermint disc in melted chocolate using a fork, letting excess chocolate drip off. Place on parchment paper.
Step 6 – Add Decorations: Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes or drizzle with white chocolate before the coating hardens.
Step 7 – Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Patty)
Calories: 125 | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 17g | Sugar: 16g | Protein: 1g
Values vary depending on size and chocolate type.
10 Tips for the Best Homemade Peppermint Patties
Use high-quality chocolate for a better snap and smoother finish. Adjust mint flavor with more or less extract depending on preference. Freeze patties until firm before dipping to avoid melting. Add coconut oil to chocolate for a glossy, professional coating. Dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Keep patties small for cleaner dipping and even cooling. Add a touch of cream if dough is too dry; add sugar if too soft. Work quickly: warm hands soften the filling. Use a fork to dip for the cleanest edges. Store chilled for better texture and longer freshness.
8 Variations & Substitutions
White Chocolate Patties: Coat in white chocolate for a sweeter version.
Dark Chocolate Version: Use 70% dark chocolate for richer contrast.
Candy Cane Crunch: Press crushed peppermint candies into the top.
Mint Chip: Add mini chocolate chips inside the filling.
Mocha Patties: Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to the filling.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, dairy-free cream, and vegan chocolate.
Holiday Shapes: Cut into stars, hearts, or Christmas trees.
Almond Peppermint: Add a drop of almond extract for a unique twist.
What to Serve With Homemade Peppermint Patties
Serve these patties with hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, espresso, vanilla latte, mulled wine, or eggnog for a festive pairing. Add them to cookie platters alongside sugar cookies, gingerbread, shortbread, or chocolate crinkles. They also look beautiful in holiday tins, dessert boards, edible gift jars, or as toppings for brownies, cupcakes, and ice cream sundaes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid adding too much extract—peppermint is strong and can become overpowering. Don’t skip freezing the centers or they’ll fall apart during dipping. Do not overheat the chocolate or it will seize and become grainy. Avoid shaping dough while warm—chilled dough forms cleaner, smoother patties. Don’t make patties too thick or the filling will overwhelm the chocolate ratio. Avoid adding water to chocolate—it will ruin the texture. Don’t store in warm areas or patties will soften too much.
Storing Tips for Homemade Peppermint Patties
To Store: Keep patties in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. They stay fresh, firm, and flavorful.
To Freeze: Arrange in a container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
To Serve Chilled: Peppermint flavor is stronger when cold, milder at room temperature—choose your preference.
Conclusion
Homemade Peppermint Patties are a simple yet elegant candy that brings refreshing holiday flavor to every gathering. They offer a perfect balance of creamy mint and smooth chocolate, making them a favorite treat for winter celebrations, gifting, and family traditions. With minimal ingredients, easy prep, and endless customization options, this recipe is one you’ll return to every season.
10 Recipe FAQs
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark? Yes, though the candies will be sweeter and softer.
- Why is my filling too sticky? Add extra powdered sugar until smooth and moldable.
- Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint? Yes, but peppermint gives a purer flavor.
- How do I prevent chocolate streaks? Ensure patties are fully chilled before dipping.
- Can I make these ahead? Yes, they store beautifully and taste great for weeks.
- Why does my chocolate crack? The centers may be too cold; let them rest 5 minutes before dipping.
- Can I color the filling? Add gel food coloring for festive red or green fillings.
- Can I make mini peppermint patties? Absolutely—use a small cutter for bite-sized treats.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, it scales very well.
- Why is my chocolate too thick? Add ½–1 teaspoon coconut oil until silky.