There’s something magical about biting into a peppermint patty. The snap of rich, smooth chocolate gives way to a soft, creamy mint filling that melts in your mouth and leaves a refreshing coolness behind. For many, peppermint patties are a nostalgic treat a candy that brings back memories of holidays, special occasions, or just sweet indulgent moments. But here’s the best part: making them at home is surprisingly simple, and the results are even better than store-bought.
What Is a Homemade Peppermint Patty?
A homemade peppermint patty is a confection made of a firm yet creamy peppermint-flavored fondant center, encased in a smooth shell of dark chocolate. Unlike mass-produced versions, homemade patties allow you to control the quality of ingredients, adjust the sweetness and peppermint intensity, and even play with the chocolate type. They’re an ideal make-ahead candy for gifting, holiday dessert trays, or stashing away in the fridge for when your sweet tooth calls.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This homemade peppermint patty recipe ticks all the boxes it’s rich, refreshing, and indulgent without being overly heavy. The recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, comes together in under an hour, and doesn’t require special candy-making equipment. The filling is creamy but firm enough to hold its shape, and the chocolate shell is glossy and smooth, giving you that satisfying bite. Plus, they store well, meaning you can make them ahead for parties or keep a secret stash for yourself. The flavor balance is perfection: bold, cool peppermint paired with deep, slightly bitter chocolate a match made in candy heaven.
How Does It Taste?
Each bite delivers three distinct experiences:
- The Chocolate Snap – The thin dark chocolate shell cracks gently under your teeth, releasing the minty center.
- The Cool Mint Burst – The filling has a refreshing, icy sensation thanks to the peppermint extract, which lingers pleasantly on your palate.
- The Balanced Sweetness – The sugar sweetness complements the bitterness of the chocolate, keeping the candy from being cloying.
It’s like a little edible breath of fresh air wrapped in chocolate.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
While peppermint patties are undeniably a treat, they have some surprising perks when made at home:
- Peppermint Extract – Known to aid digestion and freshen breath.
- Dark Chocolate – Contains antioxidants and may improve heart health in moderation.
- Coconut Oil – Helps give the chocolate shell a smooth texture and easy snap.
- Homemade Control – You can choose organic, dairy-free, or low-sugar options to fit your preferences.
When you make them yourself, you skip preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess fillers found in commercial versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
10 ounces dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped or chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Fork or dipping tool
Small saucepan and heatproof bowl (for melting chocolate)
Optional Substitutions & Additions
Chocolate – Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate for a sweeter variation.
Peppermint Strength – Reduce extract for milder flavor or increase slightly for extra mint punch.
Vegan Option – Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and vegan chocolate.
Festive Touch – Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before chocolate sets for a holiday twist.
How to Make
- Prepare the Peppermint Filling – In a mixing bowl, beat together powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, and cream until a smooth dough forms. The mixture should be firm but pliable.
- Shape the Patties – Roll the filling into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter), then flatten into discs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 15–20 minutes until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate – In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the Patties – Using a fork, dip each peppermint disc into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Set and Store – Refrigerate until chocolate is fully set, about 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
What to Serve With
A cup of hot coffee or peppermint tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Crumbled over ice cream for a mint-chocolate sundae.
Alongside other homemade candies for a holiday platter.
Tips for Success
Chill the peppermint discs before dipping to prevent melting into the chocolate.
Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the filling.
Work quickly when dipping — the chocolate should be fluid but not too hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Much Cream – Makes the filling too soft to shape.
Overheating Chocolate – Can cause it to seize or lose its shine.
Skipping Chill Time – Results in messy, uneven chocolate coating.
How to Store & Reheat
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheat – Not applicable, but if chocolate gets dull, a quick polish with a soft cloth works wonders for presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh mint leaves instead of extract? Yes, but you’ll need to infuse them into the cream first, then strain before mixing.
Can I make these sugar-free? Yes, use a powdered sugar substitute like erythritol and sugar-free chocolate.
Do I need a candy thermometer? No — this is a beginner-friendly recipe without tricky temperature stages.
Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)
Calories: 130
Carbs: 17g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Homemade peppermint patties are a simple yet luxurious treat you can whip up in your own kitchen. With their refreshing mint center and smooth chocolate shell, they’re perfect for gifting, entertaining, or just indulging yourself. Once you try this recipe, you may never go back to store-bought the freshness, texture, and flavor are unmatched.
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Homemade Peppermint Patties – A Cool, Creamy, and Chocolatey Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 patties 1x
Description
Cool, creamy, and coated in rich dark chocolate, these homemade peppermint patties are a refreshing and indulgent treat perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
10 ounces dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped or chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, beat together powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, and cream until a smooth dough forms.
Roll the filling into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, then flatten into discs.
Place the discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15–20 minutes until firm.
In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil, stirring until smooth.
Using a fork, dip each peppermint disc into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off, then return to the parchment-lined tray.
Refrigerate until chocolate is fully set, about 15 minutes.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
For a festive twist, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the patties before the chocolate sets.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and vegan chocolate.
Adjust peppermint extract to taste for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Keywords: peppermint patties, homemade peppermint candy, chocolate mint candy, holiday candy, no bake dessert
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