Homemade Peppermint Patties

Introduction

Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Festive Delight

Hey there, friend! Are you ready to dive into the world of homemade treats? Let’s talk about these delightful Homemade Peppermint Patties! Picture this: creamy, minty goodness wrapped in rich, dark chocolate. They’re the perfect little indulgence for holiday gatherings, a thoughtful gift for friends, or just a special treat for yourself when that sweet tooth hits.

I can still remember the first time I made these with my family. It was one of those chilly winter afternoons when the warmth of the kitchen felt extra cozy. We rolled up our sleeves, got a bit messy with the chocolate, and laughed as we tried to perfect the shape of each patty. The best part? The smell of mint wafting through the air as we mixed up the filling—it was absolutely heavenly!

What I love about these peppermint patties is how easy they are to whip up. Seriously, even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a pro by the end. The ingredients are simple, and the process is pretty forgiving. Plus, making them with friends or family adds a layer of fun that you just can’t get from store-bought candy.

Trust me, once you’ve tasted these homemade beauties, you’ll understand why I can’t resist making them year after year. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on this festive adventure. You’re going to love it, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons to fall in love with Homemade Peppermint Patties:

• Minty Freshness: The cool peppermint flavor is refreshing and invigorating, perfect for the holidays.
• Homemade Goodness: Making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them in pretty packaging for delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the mint flavor to your liking or experiment with different chocolate coatings.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You can create these delicious treats with basic kitchen tools.
• Great for Any Skill Level: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet satisfying for experienced bakers.
• Fun Activity: Involve the kids in the mixing and dipping process for a fun family activity.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even as a refreshing after-dinner treat.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare these in advance and store them for a quick and easy sweet treat whenever you need it.
• A Showstopper Dessert: Impress guests with your homemade confections during holiday gatherings.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: About 20 patties
• Calories per patty: Approximately 70 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 4g, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 1g, Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Homemade Peppermint Patties:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or melting chocolate
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoothness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet filling, essential for that classic patty texture.
• Peppermint Extract: Provides that refreshing minty flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Dark Chocolate: A rich coating that balances the sweetness of the filling, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Homemade Peppermint Patties:

Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Roll the Mixture: Dust your hands with powdered sugar and roll the mixture into small balls, then flatten them into discs about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Chill: Place the discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until firm.

Coat the Patties

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
2. Dip the Patties: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate.
3. Set on Baking Sheet: Place the chocolate-covered patties back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Let Them Set

1. Chill Again: Refrigerate the patties for an additional 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving ideas for your Homemade Peppermint Patties:

1. Festive Platter: Arrange the patties on a decorative platter for a beautiful dessert display.
2. Gift-Wrapping: Place them in a cute tin or box, wrapping with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
3. Candy Jars: Fill clear jars with patties for a sweet treat on your kitchen counter or for holiday parties.
4. Dessert Table: Include them as part of a holiday dessert table alongside other sweet treats.
5. Serve with Coffee: Pair these minty delights with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful after-dinner treat.
6. Add Toppings: Top with crushed candy canes or sea salt for an extra festive touch.
7. Chocolate-Covered Variety: Experiment with coating half the patties in white chocolate for a fun twist.
8. Holiday Dishes: Include them in holiday-themed dessert dishes or charcuterie boards.
9. Share with Friends: Bring them to holiday gatherings to share with friends and family.
10. Minty Milkshake: Blend a few patties into a milkshake for a minty, indulgent treat!

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Homemade Peppermint Patties with these helpful tips:

1. Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling time; it helps the patties hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
2. Quality Chocolate: Use good-quality chocolate for coating for the best flavor and texture.
3. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a few drops of food coloring to the filling for a festive look.
4. Keep Clean: Use a toothpick to help dip the patties without making a mess.
5. Storing: Keep the patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
6. Double the Recipe: If you’re making these for a crowd, feel free to double the ingredients!
7. Make Smaller Treats: Adjust the size of the patties for bite-sized versions that are perfect for sharing.
8. Add Crunch: Mix in some crushed nuts or crispy rice cereal to the filling for a crunchy texture.
9. Non-Dairy Option: Substitute coconut cream for sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
10. Be Creative: Get creative with other flavors by adding different extracts like orange or almond for a twist.

Recipe Variations

Consider these creative variations for your Homemade Peppermint Patties:

• Chocolate Mint Patties: Add cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate mint flavor.
• Flavored Coatings: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate for the coating for a different taste.
• Colorful Filling: Add food coloring to the filling for a fun holiday presentation.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the filling for a unique twist.
• Holiday Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes instead of traditional rounds.
• Mini Patties: Make mini versions for smaller bites and easier sharing.
• Alternative Extracts: Experiment with other extracts, like vanilla or almond, for different flavor profiles.
• Layered Patties: Layer different flavored fillings to create a visually appealing treat.
• Sugar-Free Option: Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar alternative for a sugar-free version.

Freezing and Storage

Ensure proper storage to maintain the quality of your Homemade Peppermint Patties:

• Storage: Keep leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Special Equipment

You may need these kitchen tools to create your Homemade Peppermint Patties:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: To chill the patties before and after coating.
• Parchment Paper: For lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate.
• Fork or Dipping Tool: To dip the patties in chocolate.
• Airtight Container: For storing the finished patties.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Homemade Peppermint Patties:

• Can I use different types of chocolate?
  Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate or white chocolate for the coating.
• How long can I store the patties?
  They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Can I make these gluten-free?
  Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free

; just ensure your chocolate is certified gluten-free.

• What can I do with leftover chocolate?
  Use it to coat other treats or create chocolate-covered fruit or nuts.
• Can I adjust the mint flavor?
  Absolutely! Feel free to add more or less peppermint extract to suit your taste.
• How do I prevent chocolate from seizing?
  Ensure no water comes into contact with the chocolate while melting, and melt slowly.
• Can I use natural sweeteners?
  Yes, consider alternatives like maple syrup or honey in the filling, but adjust the powdered sugar accordingly.
• What if my filling is too sticky?
  Add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Can I decorate the patties?
  Definitely! Drizzle additional melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive look.

Print

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try making your own Homemade Peppermint Patties! They’re not just delicious but also a fun and rewarding project that brings a festive spirit into your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping these up for a holiday gathering, giving them as thoughtful gifts, or just treating yourself, I promise you’ll be thrilled with how they turn out.

As you create these sweet treats, remember to get creative with the chocolate coating and the peppermint filling! Feel free to share your own twists and ideas—I’d love to hear how you personalize your patties. And once you’ve got them all made, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. I genuinely enjoy seeing your delicious creations and all the variations you come up with!

So roll up your sleeves, enjoy the process, and have fun! I can’t wait to see your peppermint patties and hear about your candy-making adventures. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the wonderful aroma of peppermint and chocolate!