Sometimes i just think about biting into a cool mint surprise that melts in my mouth, you know that feeling when chocolate and mint come together and it almost makes you forget whats happening around you. Peppermint patties are kinda like that, they mix a creamy mint filling with a choc coating thats both familiar and fresh. Lots of us grew up grabbing these during holidays or as a lil treat after dinner. That crisp mint punch makes them stand out from other candies and its sorta like a wake up call for your taste buds.
Im gonna show you how to make these at home with a recipe thats easy and i promise its better than the ones you buy in stores. When you make peppermint patties yourself you can tweak the flavor to exactly how you like it and use fresh stuff so it tastes way richer. Plus its fun to say you made candy from scratch right in your own kitchen.
Nowadays almost every sweet is made in some big factory but making your own candies is kinda special and you learn a bit of kitchen magic too. Sharing them at a party or giving them as gifts makes that moment extra warm. So let’s jump into this recipe and catch that holiday vibe in every minty bite!
Ingredients
To whip up homemade peppermint patties, grab these:
- Sweetened Condenced Milk: Its the base for the mint dough, gives it both sweetness and moisture.
- Powdered Sugar: You need this to get a smooth, creamy filling that holds together.
- Peppermint Extract: This is the main flavor, pick a good one or it wont be minty enough.
- Dark Chocolate or Semisweet Chocolate: For coating, use decent quality or its gonna taste blah.
- Coconut Oil (optional): A bit of this in the choc makes it melt smoother and shine nicer.
Try to use fresh, good quality ingredients so the patties turn out extra tasty and not too grainy.
Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Mint Filling
First, grab a bowl and mix the condenced milk with some powdered sugar. Add the sugar bit by bit so you dont get a huge mess. Stir with a spatula or use a mixer if you got one. The mix will get thick and dough-like.
Then pour in the peppermint extract. This part is crucial for that mint kick. Taste as you go till it feels right, but dont over do it or it will burn your tongue. If its too sticky add a tad more sugar so it holds together.
Step 2: Shaping the Patties
Once the filling is ready, scoop small portions and roll into balls about an inch across, then press them flat into discs. You can use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass if you want them all the same size.
A quarter-size is perfect for bite-sized treats. Lay each disc on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Work fairly fast but dont squash them or they wont look even later.
Step 3: Chilling the Patties
Pop the sheet in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the patties firm up. This helps when you dip them in chocolate so they dont fall apart.
Step 4: Melting the Chocolate
While they chill, melt your choc. The safest way is a double boiler: put a bowl over simmering water and let the chocolate melt gently, stirring now and then. If you hurry you can do a microwave but only do 20 second bursts, stir each time so it doesnt burn.
If you want them to look extra pro, temper the chocolate: melt, cool, and heat gently again so it snaps and shines when set.
Step 5: Coating the Patties
With the chocolate ready, take each chilled patty and dip it fully into the bowl. Lift it out with a fork, let extra choc drip off, you can tap the fork on the bowl edge.
Place coated patties back on the parchment. If you like, sprinkle crushed candy cane bits on top while the chocolate is still wet. Work quick or the chocolate will harden too soon.
Step 6: Final Cooling
Put the coated patties back in the fridge for another 15-20 minutes so the chocolate sets solid. Then theyre ready to eat!
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge so they stay fresh and firm.
Advice & Tips for Best Results
Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
- Common Pitfalls: Dont overmix the filling or it gets tough. And dont let the chocolate get too hot or itll melt your patties when coated.
- Variations: Try milk or white chocolate for a sweet twist, or mix in colored sprinkles for fun.
- Pairings: These are awesome with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or as a topper on brownies and cakes.
- Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge these last two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough idea per two-piece serving:
- Calories: About 100
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
If you want healthier, use low-sugar sweetened milk or sugar substitutes, and dark chocolate to cut down the sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Some fun ways to serve them:
- Presentation: Lay them on a pretty plate or in a clear jar so people can see the shiny coating.
- Gifts: Theyre great homemade presents. Put them in a box or bag with a ribbon.
- Pairings: Alongside cocoa, tea, or with ice cream and brownies.
FAQs
Can I make patties without sweetened condensed milk? Yeah, you can mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or use coconut cream for dairy-free.
What else works instead of peppermint extract? You can use food-grade peppermint oil or even spearmint extract, but use less cause it can be stronger.
How long do they last? In an airtight container in fridge up to two weeks, or freeze for three months.
Can I use different chocolate? Sure, milk, white, or flavored dark with sea salt are all good choices.
Are they gluten-free? Yes they are, but always check your chocolate labels to be safe.
Conclusion
Youve got all you need to make your own peppermint patties now. Its pretty cool to whip up candy in your kitchen and make it taste exactly how you like. Whether you treat your family or keep them all to yourself, its a sweet adventure you wont regret. Let us know how yours turn out and any fun tweaks you tried. Enjoy your candy making!
peppermint patties recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer optional
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 saucepan
- 1 refrigerator
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (about 60 ml)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (about 227 grams), for coating
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until it forms a smooth, thick dough. You can use an electric mixer on low speed for about 2 minutes if desired.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and flatten each ball slightly to form patties. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the patties for about 15 minutes or until firm.
- While the patties are chilling, melt the dark chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth. You can also use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until melted.
- Remove the patties from the refrigerator, and dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it evenly. Use a fork to lift them out, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the chocolate-coated patties back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate again for about 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Once set, your peppermint patties are ready to serve or store.
