Peppermint patties are a candy that lots of people love , with a cool mint taste and a sweet chocolate cover . They remind me of holidays and good times with family , and you can pop one in your mouth for a quick treat . Sure , you can buy them at a store but making them at home feels special and fresher .
When you make candies yourself you get to pick your favorite flavors and even try sugar-free or vegan versions . It’s simple enough for anyone to do and it feels great to share a homemade gift . Whether you’re baking for friends or just snacking while watching a movie , homemade peppermint patties are fun to create and yummy to eat .
History of Peppermint Patties
Peppermint patties first showed up in the 1940s , and people loved the fresh mint flavor paired with smooth chocolate . Bakers made small batches at first , focusing on the simple taste of mint and sweet chocolate . Over time these candies caught on fast and became a classic treat in stores .
As factories got bigger , they found ways to make patties the same every time and ship them far away . Different brands added their own twist but the heart of the candy stayed the same : a cool mint center wrapped in rich chocolate . It’s a taste that’s been passed down for generations .
Commercial vs. Homemade
Store-bought peppermint patties look almost identical and taste pretty sweet thanks to extra preservatives that help them last longer . But some people say the flavor isn’t as real or fresh as homemade ones .
When you make patties at home , you choose the chocolate , decide how firm the center is , and even adjust the sweetness . You’ll know every ingredient inside and can keep it simple or add new flavors . That hands-on work makes your candies feel like they really belong to you .
Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Patties
To whip up your own peppermint patties you only need a few basic items :
- Powdered sugar for a smooth, sweet filling
- Peppermint extract for that classic minty kick
- Chocolate (dark, milk, or white) for coating
You can also try these optional add-ins :
- Vanilla extract for extra depth
- Sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol
- Vegan chocolate if you want a dairy-free treat
Detailed Peppermint Patties Recipe
Making your own peppermint patties is easy and only takes about 30 minutes of prep . Here’s how :
Preparation Time and Yield
Total time: 30 minutes prep + chill time. Makes about 24 patties.
Making the Filling
In a big bowl mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons peppermint extract and a few tablespoons water until you get a soft dough . Knead it gently then roll into small balls . Flatten each ball into a disk about ¼ inch thick on a parchment-lined tray .
Coating the Patties
Melt 8 ounces of chocolate in a microwave or double boiler , stirring so it doesn’t burn . Dip each mint disk into the melted chocolate and lift with a fork so extra drips back into the bowl . Put the coated patties back on the tray .
Chilling and Serving
Chill the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes so the chocolate sets . Once they’re firm , they’re ready to eat or gift in a nice box .
Tips for Perfect Patties
If your filling feels too dry it will crack ; if it’s too wet it might slip off the chocolate . Adjust the water and sugar until it’s just right . If the mint is too strong , add a drop of vanilla to mellow it out .
Comparison of Store-Bought vs. Homemade
Taste Test and Texture
Store-bought patties taste the same every time but can seem bland . Homemade ones taste fresher and you get to pick how minty or sweet they are . Most people say homemade wins for flavor and texture .
Health and Ingredients
Homemade candies have no weird additives or preservatives . You control the sugar, can pick organic chocolate, and even make them vegan . That kind of custom choice isn’t possible with store treats .
Creative Variations of Peppermint Patties
Flavored Patties
Try orange zest in the mint for a chocolate-orange combo or add a splash of bourbon for an adult twist . You can get really creative here .
Presentation Ideas
Put each patty in foil or parchment squares , use cute tins or boxes , and add little tags . It makes your homemade candies look extra special for gifts .
Popular Uses Beyond Candy
Dessert Toppings
Chop peppermint patties and sprinkle them over ice cream , brownies, or cupcakes for a minty crunch .
In Beverages
Stir crushed patties into hot chocolate for a mint-chocolate drink or drop one into a cocktail for a festive twist .
FAQ Section
What is the history of peppermint patties?
They started in the 1940s and got popular fast because of that fresh mint and smooth chocolate combo .
Can I make peppermint patties vegan?
Yes—just use dairy-free chocolate and check your sugar is plant-based .
How do I store homemade peppermint patties?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge ; they stay good for a few weeks .
Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Sure—try vanilla, chocolate mint, or anything you like .
How long will homemade peppermint patties last?
Up to 2–3 weeks in the fridge if stored right .
Can I freeze homemade peppermint patties?
Yes—freeze in a box with parchment between layers and they’ll last about 3 months .
Conclusion
Making peppermint patties at home is fun and lets you play with flavors . It can become a sweet family tradition and a great gift idea . Gather your ingredients and enjoy the cool minty treat you made yourself !
Homemade Peppermint Patties
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 cookie cutter or round cutter
- 1 double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- 1 fork or chocolate dipping tool
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips For coating.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil Or shortening.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Mix well using an electric mixer or whisk until a smooth and firm dough forms.
- Place the dough on a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out circular shapes using a cookie cutter or round cutter.
- Place the cut-out patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Use a fork or a chocolate dipping tool to remove, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off before placing back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Once all patties are coated, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
