Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic York Peppermint Patties, you’re going to fall in love with this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. This delightful treat combines the cool, refreshing flavor of peppermint with a rich coating of chocolate. Not only are these candies fun to make, but they also offer a sweet burst of nostalgia with every bite.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday dessert platter, looking for an elegant homemade gift, or just craving something minty and chocolaty, these peppermint patties are the perfect solution. The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and the results are spectacular. Let’s dive into the world of homemade minty indulgence.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Simple Ingredients: Requires pantry staples and a touch of peppermint extract.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip store-bought candies and save by making your own.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness or chocolate type to your preference.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
- No Baking Required: Great for summer or when you want an easy no-bake dessert.
🧂 What You’ll Need to Prepare Homemade Peppermint Patties ?
✨ Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or sweetened condensed milk for extra richness)
- 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- Natural food coloring (if you want a colorful center)
- Crushed candy canes (for festive toppings)
- White chocolate for drizzling
🍬 How to Make Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Step-by-Step ?
🧾 Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Peppermint Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream. Mix until a smooth, non-sticky dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a little more cream; if too sticky, add more powdered sugar.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Dust your work surface with powdered sugar. Roll the peppermint mixture into small balls, then flatten each into a disk about ¼-inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Chill the Discs
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30–45 minutes. This will firm up the patties and make them easier to dip in chocolate without melting.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Dip the Patties
Using a fork, dip each peppermint disc into the melted chocolate, turning to coat fully. Let the excess drip off and return the patty to the baking sheet.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the dipped patties for about 15–20 minutes or until the chocolate is firm and set.
Step 7: (Optional) Decorate
Drizzle with white chocolate, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
🌀 Variations
This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is delightfully versatile. Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:
- White Chocolate Patties: Swap the dark chocolate with white chocolate for a milder, sweeter twist.
- Colorful Centers: Add a few drops of food coloring to the peppermint filling — think red or green for the holidays!
- Double Mint: Add crushed mint candies or a drop of spearmint extract for a complex mint profile.
- Textured Filling: Mix in coconut flakes or ground nuts for a chewy or crunchy surprise.
- Spiked Patties: A splash of peppermint liqueur in the filling creates an adult-friendly version.
- Mini Version: Make bite-sized patties for party trays or gifts.
Whether you’re going festive or fancy, there’s no end to how you can personalize these patties.
🍳 Cooking Note
Although this recipe requires no baking, precision is still key. The most crucial step is balancing the texture of the peppermint dough. It should be firm enough to shape, but not so dry that it cracks. Adding cream slowly while mixing helps maintain control.
The chilling stages are not optional. If you skip chilling the patties before dipping, they can melt or deform when they hit the warm chocolate. Also, always use good-quality chocolate it makes a big difference in flavor and coating smoothness.
Avoid overworking the filling once the peppermint is added, as this can make it too soft. And when dipping the patties, don’t let them linger in the chocolate. Dip, flip, and remove quick and clean.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade peppermint patties chilled for the best texture and flavor. They make a lovely finish to a holiday meal, an elegant after-dinner mint, or a cool summer dessert.
Pair with:
- A warm cup of coffee or espresso
- Hot cocoa with whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- Holiday cookie trays
- Chocolate fondue for dipping fun
Arrange them on decorative plates, wrap in cellophane bags, or gift in holiday tins.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use silicone mats or parchment: Prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Chill well: Always chill both before and after dipping for the best finish.
- Use gloves: To keep fingerprints off the chocolate and ensure hygiene.
- Double dip for thickness: Want a thicker chocolate layer? Let the first coat set and dip again.
- Choose the right chocolate: Dark chocolate works best, but you can mix dark and milk for a more balanced flavor.
- Powdered sugar is key: Do not substitute with granulated the texture won’t be right.
- Use coconut oil: Helps give the chocolate a glossy, snappy finish.
- Store correctly: Keep in the fridge in an airtight container, separated by wax paper.
🌟 Tips for the Best Homemade Peppermint Patties
- Don’t skimp on peppermint extract it’s the star!
- Test the dough consistency before shaping it should feel like playdough.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips or couverture chocolate for that “store-bought” finish.
- If your patties stick during dipping, freeze them longer.
- A dipping tool or fork with wide tines makes the coating process cleaner.
Consistency, temperature, and quality are the keys to nailing this candy every time.
⏱️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 45 minutes (initial) + 20 minutes (after dipping)
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no baking involved)
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Patty, Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Fat: 5.5 g
- Sugar: 17 g
❓ FAQs
Can I freeze peppermint patties?
Yes! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, dairy-free cream, and dairy-free chocolate.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but use sparingly. Peppermint oil is much stronger start with a few drops.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
No, this recipe doesn’t require one since it’s no-cook.
Why is my filling too sticky or too dry?
Sticky? Add more powdered sugar. Dry? Add more cream or a drop of water.
📝 Conclusion
With their smooth peppermint filling and crisp chocolate coating, these Homemade Peppermint Patties are the perfect combination of refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for holidays, birthdays, or a personal treat, they’re bound to impress. Simple, elegant, and endlessly customizable this is one homemade candy that rivals any store-bought version.
Give them a try today and treat yourself to a cool, chocolatey delight that melts in your mouth and lifts your spirits.❄️🍫