Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Cozy Holiday Treat
The first time I made homemade peppermint patties, I was convinced I’d bitten off more than I could chew, which is a very real possibility when you’re knee-deep in the holiday chaos that is life in the kitchen. I mean, raise your hand if you’ve ever had a culinary disaster while trying to show off your “chef skills”! Mine was not merely a kitchen adventure; it was a full-blown saga that involved an explosion of powdered sugar, a questionable amount of peppermint extract oops, and, you guessed it, a few choice words that my kids are probably too young to hear.
But that was the beauty of it, you know? It was messy, chaotic, and oh-so-good. With the holiday season swirling around us—the sweet melodies of carols softly filling the air and trees decked out in lights—it felt so comforting to create something from scratch, even if my attempts were less than perfect. These peppermint patties became a tradition, a cozy treat that reminded me of family gatherings and warm hugs on chilly nights.
In the spirit of the upcoming season, I’m thrilled to share this delightful easy recipe with you. These homemade peppermint patties are not just delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up, making them the perfect addition to your dessert table or a sweet treat to gift your favorite people. Trust me, you’re going to love how a handful of ingredients can transform into such minty bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to Make: Seriously, this is one of those quick family meals you can throw together in no time. With only five ingredients, you won’t be chasing down obscure items at the grocery store.
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Perfectly Minty: The balance of peppermint extract and creamy texture will make these patties the star of your dessert table. They strike the right note between refreshing and indulgent!
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Customizable: Want to jazz things up? You can add a dash of food coloring or sprinkle on your favorite toppings, turning these treats into a vibrant holiday centerpiece.
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Picky-Eater Approved: My kids devour these! If you have a little one who is skeptical about your healthy comfort food skills, these vibrant and tasty mals will convert even the toughest critics.
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Great for Gifting: Put them in a cute box or jar, and they become an irresistible homemade gift that your friends and family will adore.
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Storage Made Easy: These peppermint patties freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep or ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand when those cravings hit.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Let’s talk about flavors! The fresh, zesty punch of peppermint paired with the rich, dark chocolate creates a wonderful contrast that brings a smile to your face. I still remember the first time I tasted a peppermint patty from the store—how the chocolate melted in my mouth while the minty flavor sparked a little oasis of refreshment.
Making these from scratch takes me back to holiday memories. It feels like the aroma of baking wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm blanket of nostalgia and cheer. Plus, you can play with the flavors: if you want to be bold, dip them in white chocolate or even add a hint of orange zest to the mixture for a zesty twist that will bring a whole new dimension to this classic treat.
Ingredients
To make your own homemade peppermint patties, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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¾ cup sweetened condensed milk: This is where the creaminess comes from, making the center of your sweets melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I love using the brand that has a rich flavor and consistency.
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1 ¼ teaspoons peppermint extract: Mandatory! This is your magic ingredient, bringing the refreshing zing that makes peppermint patties a holiday favorite. Pro tip: Go for a pure extract for the best flavor.
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⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a splash of this will enhance all the flavors and give a warm aroma that pairs beautifully with peppermint. Just be careful not to overdo it; we want mint to shine here!
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4 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling: The bulk of our dough! It gives that sweet taste and the texture we’re after. Don’t do this: Avoid using granulated sugar as it won’t give you that smooth, easy-to-work-with dough.
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2 cups dark melting/dipping chocolate: This is the pièce de résistance. You can’t skip on the quality here; go for a nice dark chocolate that you love to eat. It can’t be too bitter either.
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Sprinkles (optional): Honestly, who can resist sprinkles? They add a festive touch and make the treats even more fun!
Let’s break this down even further with tips and tricks to guide you along the way.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making these peppermint patties feels like a cozy alchemy session in your kitchen. Follow along for a fun, carefree cooking experience!
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Start by Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, toss in your sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. As the mixer hums to life on low, gradually add about half of the powdered sugar. Honestly, don’t rush this step; go at a slow pace. You’ll want to watch as it begins to blend together into a beautiful mix.
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Add the Rest of the Sugar: Continue adding the remaining powdered sugar little by little. I promise, perfection isn’t the goal—so if you accidentally dump too much at once, it’s not a big deal! Just keep mixing until a dough forms that is slightly sticky but manageable. If it gets too tough, you can always add a splash more condensed milk to loosen it up.
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Knead Your Dough: Grab a large sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar on it. Transfer your dough onto this sweet cloud and knead it a few times until everything is nice and blended. I remember feeling like a true baker as I pressed and folded the dough.
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Roll It Out: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a circle about ½-inch thick. Sprinkle more powdered sugar on top to prevent sticking. This is where the fun comes in—take a moment to enjoy the festive smells swirling around your kitchen.
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Cut Out Your Patties: Use a 1 to 1 ½-inch cookie cutter (or the bottom of a glass, which is just as charming.) I admit, the first time I did this, my circles were more like abstract art pieces. Oops! If the dough warms up too much and becomes difficult to work with, pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
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Transfer to a Freezer Sheet: Place those cute mint circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes. This little chill session will firm them up, making the next chocolate bathe much easier!
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Melt the Chocolate: Now, let’s get to the good part! Melt your dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each one to avoid burning. Once it’s beautifully smooth and glossy, let it cool for just a few minutes. You want it warm, not scalding hot.
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Dip Away: Here comes the fun part! Using a fork, dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate. Flip it to coat both sides, then place it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’re feeling spunky, top with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
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Let Them Set: Refrigerate for about 20 minutes. Try to contain your excitement as you wait; these little treasures will be worth it!
And voila! You now have your very own homemade peppermint patties ready to be devoured!
Tips for Best Results
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Don’t Over-Whip the Dough: If the dough gets too airy, it can become difficult to manage. Stop mixing once your dough comes together.
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Keep It Cool: If you notice any melting as you roll or cut the patties, don’t hesitate to pop the dough back into the fridge for a short while.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Cheap chocolate tends to be waxy and won’t give you that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. Splurge a little, trust me!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
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Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter treat.
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Flavor Twists: To get creative, add unique flavors! A hint of orange zest or a splash of almond extract will introduce an exciting twist.
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Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, look for dairy-free sweetened condensed milk or make your own with coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade peppermint patties are a fantastic stand-alone treat, but why not pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive peppermint mocha to truly elevate your experience? And let’s be real—what’s better than finding a cozy corner of the couch wrapped in your favorite blanket, munching on these delicious morsels while watching a rom-com? Pure bliss.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
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Hot Cocoa: The warmth and indulgence of a homemade hot cocoa are a classic companion.
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Coffee: Enjoy them alongside a steaming cup to balance out the sweetness.
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Holiday Desserts: Pair with gingerbread cookies or even a slice of pumpkin pie for a festive platter.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store your peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though they might not last that long (trust me, once you taste them, it’s hard to resist!). Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
And if you ever have leftovers (savage, I know), they can be enjoyed straight from the freezer for a cool treat, or you can microwave them for a few seconds to take the chill off. Just be careful not to melt the chocolate!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
These peppermint patties can be prepped ahead of time! Make a big batch and store them in the freezer for the holiday season or any time you need a sweet fix. They’ll become your go-to treat, ready to whisk you away to holiday bliss with a mere unwrapping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Heat Control: Be cautious with chocolate melting—you want it warm enough to dip but not so hot that it melts the patties.
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Kneed Too Much: Over-kneading can lead to a tougher texture, so mix just until everything is combined!
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Not Enough Powdered Sugar: Seriously, no one wants runny peppermint patties, so don’t skimp on the sugar when forming your dough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other extracts?
Absolutely! Feel free to play around with lemon or orange extracts for a different flavor profile, just adjust the amount to taste.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Just add a bit more powdered sugar while kneading to achieve the right consistency!
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan sweetened condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate to meet your dietary needs.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter or small glass
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Microwave-safe bowl
Final Thoughts
As this peppermint patty adventure comes to a close, I can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside thinking about how these little delights have become such a part of my holiday traditions. They embody everything I love about the holiday season—warmth, joy, and a reminder that sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring the most joy.
I’d love to hear about your experiences in making these treats! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and cheer this holiday season!
Peppermint Patties
Ingredients
For the Patties
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk Makes the center creamy and delicious.
- 1 ¼ teaspoons peppermint extract Use pure extract for best flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavors without overpowering the mint.
- 4 cups powdered sugar Avoid granulated sugar for a smooth dough.
- 2 cups dark melting/dipping chocolate Quality chocolate is crucial for taste.
- to taste optional sprinkles For decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add half of the powdered sugar and mix on low until combined.
- Add the remaining powdered sugar little by little, mixing until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a surface dusted with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Roll dough out to a ½-inch thickness and cut into 1 to 1 ½-inch circles.
- Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments.
- Once melted, dip each peppermint patty in the chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with additional sprinkles if desired.
- Refrigerate for about 20 minutes until the chocolate is set.
