As a child, nothing felt more magical than the holidays. The scent of fresh pine filled the air, twinkling lights lined the streets, and the kitchen was always warm with baking treats. But among all the festive sweets, the one that always stood out was the cool, chocolate-covered peppermint patty. My grandmother would pull out her worn recipe card, edges curled from years of use, and let me help mix the creamy filling, my tiny hands dusted in powdered sugar. I remember the anticipation of waiting for the chocolate to harden, sneaking a taste of the minty dough when she wasn’t looking, and finally biting into the perfect balance of crisp chocolate and smooth peppermint.
JUMP TO THE INGREDIENTS
Now, every time I make these homemade peppermint patties, it’s like stepping back in time, reliving those cozy winter nights spent in her kitchen. And the best part? Each patty tastes even better than the store-bought kind.
Why Make Homemade Patties?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making peppermint patties at home, including a step-by-step process, ingredient tips, storage suggestions, and even some variations to customize your patties. Whether you’re making these patties for gifts, a holiday treat, or just because, this patty recipe is guaranteed to impress! Homemade peppermint patties are better than store-bought ones because they use fresh ingredients and have a thick chocolate coating that enhances their rich, homemade patty taste. They are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and don’t require any special equipment. These minty patties are perfect for holidays or as gifts, as they can be packaged in festive tins or bags for a thoughtful homemade patty present. They are also highly versatile, allowing you to adjust the peppermint patty flavor, experiment with different chocolate types, or add creative toppings for a customized party experience.
Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Patties
To make the perfect peppermint patties, you’ll need just a handful of basic pantry ingredients:
- Sweetened condensed milk (¾ cup) creates a creamy and smooth patty texture.
- Peppermint extract (1½ teaspoons): Provides the refreshing, cooling patty flavor.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Helps form the firm, yet creamy patty center.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (3 cups): This creates the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor for each patty.
- Shortening (2 teaspoons): Helps the patty chocolate melt smoothly and harden with a nice sheen.
- Optional: Use white chocolate for a patty twist, or sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top for extra crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Peppermint Patties
Make the Peppermint Patty Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously until a thick, patty dough-like consistency forms.
- Once the patty dough is no longer sticky, transfer it to a flat surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
- Roll the patty dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into small patty circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass.
Let the Patties Dry
- Place the cut peppermint patty rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow them to air dry for about 2 hours, flipping them halfway through to ensure even patty drying.
- This step is crucial as it helps the patty centers firm up before dipping into chocolate.
Melt the Chocolate for the Patties
- In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the patty chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the patty chocolate over low heat.
Dip the Peppermint Patties
- Using a fork, dip each peppermint patty round into the melted chocolate, coating completely.
- Let the excess chocolate drip off by tapping the fork against the side of the bowl.
- Place the dipped patties back onto the parchment paper.
- If desired, use a fork to make a small swirl design on top of the patty for a professional look.
Let the Patties Set
- Refrigerate the dipped patties for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Once set, enjoy a patty immediately or store for later!
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your peppermint patties fresh and delicious. If stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container with wax paper between the layers, your patties will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option, allowing your patties to last up to six months. Simply thaw the patties in the fridge before serving. If you prefer to keep your patties at room temperature, they will remain good for about five to seven days as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place. Freezing the patty centers before dipping them in chocolate can also make the dipping process easier and result in a smoother patty chocolate coating.
Variations & Customization Ideas
There are many ways to customize peppermint patties to suit your taste preferences. Using white chocolate instead of dark gives your patties a fun and unique twist. For those who love an extra minty patty kick, adding half a teaspoon of peppermint extract enhances the cooling effect. If you enjoy the taste of Thin Mints, adding a touch of vanilla extract and using dark chocolate creates a similar patty flavor. For a festive holiday version, sprinkle crushed candy canes or colored sprinkles on top before the patty chocolate hardens to give them a cheerful, seasonal look.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Peppermint Patty)
Each peppermint patty contains about 183 calories, making it a satisfying sweet patty treat without being overly indulgent. The carbohydrate content is approximately 33 grams, while the fat content is around 7 grams. Each patty serving provides about 1 gram of protein, with sugars making up about 27 grams of the total content. While these patties are meant to be enjoyed in moderation, they offer a delicious homemade patty alternative to store-bought varieties, allowing you to control the patty ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chocolate is on a peppermint patty?
Peppermint patties are traditionally coated in a bar of rich, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate. This chocolate complements the cool, minty filling by adding a slightly bitter depth to balance the sweetness. Some variations use milk or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste that offers a different patty experience.
Does Hershey make peppermint patties?
Yes, Hershey manufactures York Peppermint Patties, one of the most well-known peppermint patty brands. Introduced in 1940, York Peppermint Patties have a signature dark chocolate shell and a cool, minty interior, making them a favorite among candy lovers who enjoy the refreshing taste of peppermint patties.
Is Peppermint Patty on Charlie Brown a girl?
Yes, Peppermint Patty from the Peanuts comic strip is a girl. Created by Charles Schulz, she is known for her tomboyish personality, athleticism, and leadership skills. Often depicted with her best friend Marcie, she has a crush on Charlie Brown and frequently calls him “Chuck.”
Are peppermint patties a healthy candy?
Peppermint patties are a better candy choice due to their lower fat content than other chocolates. However, they still contain sugar and calories, so moderation is key. Their minty center gives the illusion of freshness, but they remain a sweet treat rather than a health food.
Homemade peppermint patties are a fun, easy, and delicious treat that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re making patties for a holiday dessert table, gifting them to friends, or simply indulging in a chocolate-minty craving, these homemade treats are far better than store-bought. Not only do they offer a refreshing peppermint flavor, but they also feature a rich chocolate coating that creates the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. Furthermore, the ability to customize your patties allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures, ensuring they match your taste preferences perfectly.
Did You Try This Patty Recipe?
We’d love to hear your patty thoughts! Leave a patty comment below with your patty experience and any creative patty variations you tried!