If you adore that irresistible combination of cool peppermint and silky dark chocolate, Homemade Peppermint Patties are your new must-make treat. Their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth centers and glossy chocolate shells pack all the nostalgia of the classic store-bought candy, but with a freshness and richness that only homemade versions deliver. Whether you’re satisfying a craving or prepping for gifting, these little candies are surprisingly simple to whip up and will instantly impress anyone who tries them!

Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making decadent Homemade Peppermint Patties doesn’t require a long shopping list. Each ingredient has a special role, from creating that creamy, minty filling to achieving the perfect snap of chocolate on the outside.

Powdered sugar: This finely milled sugar gives the filling its signature smoothness and helps bind everything together.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the peppermint center hold its shape.
Peppermint extract: The star of the show—this infuses the filling with a fresh, cooling mint flavor that’s utterly craveable.
Heavy cream: Delivers a velvety texture to the candy’s center and keeps the dough from drying out.
Semisweet or dark chocolate (chopped): Creates a perfectly bittersweet shell that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, minty core.
Coconut oil or shortening (optional): Just a tablespoon makes the melted chocolate ultra-smooth for a flawless candy coating.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties

Step 1: Create the Peppermint Patty Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until a thick, smooth, and slightly stiff dough forms. If you find it too sticky to handle, simply add a bit more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you get a workable consistency. The dough should be firm enough to scoop and roll, but still moist and creamy inside. This is where all that cool, creamy magic happens!

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball with your hands. Flatten each ball into a disc about 1/4 inch thick—this classic shape is what makes them instantly recognizable. Place each disc on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Once you’re done, pop the tray into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. The cold will firm up the patties and make dipping them in chocolate a total breeze!

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

While your peppermint centers are chilling, melt the semisweet or dark chocolate, along with the coconut oil or shortening if using, for a velvety-smooth coating. You can use a heatproof bowl over a gently simmering pot of water (the double boiler method) or microwave the chocolate in short 20-second bursts, stirring often. Stir until the chocolate is luxuriously smooth and shiny, ready to enrobe each patty in chocolaty goodness.

Step 4: Dip and Chill

Now for the fun part: using a fork, dip each peppermint disc into the melted chocolate, gently tapping off any excess to avoid messy puddles. Return each chocolate-dipped patty to the parchment-lined sheet. Once they’re all coated, place the tray in the fridge so the chocolate can set perfectly. In about 10–15 minutes, you’ll have a tray of gorgeous, glossy treats ready to devour!

Step 5: Get Creative! (Optional)

If you’re in the mood for a festive touch, lightly sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on top of your Homemade Peppermint Patties before the chocolate sets. This not only adds a fun pop of color, but also gives a burst of crunch and extra mint flavor that’s completely irresistible.

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties

Garnishes

Dress up your Homemade Peppermint Patties by garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra melted chocolate, or a swirl of white chocolate. For the holidays, a pinch of crushed peppermint candy or edible glitter makes them sparkle on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair these cool and creamy candies with a piping hot cup of coffee, frothy hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert combo. On a party platter, they fit beautifully alongside your favorite cookies, brownies, or sliced citrus fruits for a refreshing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting these treats, package them in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon or line a small tin with festive tissue paper and stack the patties inside. For parties, arrange them in tidy rows on a decorative platter or tuck them in mini cupcake liners for an extra polished look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Homemade Peppermint Patties are set, transfer them to an airtight container, layering with parchment if stacking. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks—though good luck keeping them around that long!

Freezing

These candies freeze beautifully. Place the patties in a single layer on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just let them thaw for 10 minutes at room temp before indulging.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Homemade Peppermint Patties as they’re perfect cold or at room temperature. If the chocolate looks a little dull after storage, letting the patties sit at room temperature for a few minutes restores their glossy finish and creamy center.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark or semisweet?

Absolutely! While the traditional patties call for dark or semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate creates a sweeter, creamier coating. Just melt as directed and dip away—pick the version you like best.

Is there a dairy-free option for Homemade Peppermint Patties?

Yes, you can substitute the butter and cream for dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream. Make sure your chocolate is dairy-free as well, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly candy that’s just as tasty!

Why is my filling too sticky or too dry?

If your filling is sticking to your hands, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it firms up. If it feels dry, drizzle in another teaspoon of heavy cream to help it come together smoothly.

Can I make these candies in advance for gifting?

Yes, that’s one of the joys of Homemade Peppermint Patties! They’re excellent make-ahead treats, since they store well in the fridge or freezer. Prepare them a few days ahead for gift boxes or party trays.

What’s the best way to dip the patties neatly?

Use a fork to lift each chilled patty into the chocolate, then tap it gently against the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place the coated patty on parchment paper, and if any chocolate pools at the bottom, simply trim it off with a small knife once set for a clean, professional look.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, show-stopping treat, Homemade Peppermint Patties truly can’t be beat. With just a handful of ingredients and a little hands-on fun, you can create a batch of candies that taste fresher and more fabulous than anything from the store. Share them, savor them, and enjoy every creamy, chocolaty bite—you’re sure to fall in love!

Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 patties 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Homemade Peppermint Patties at home with this easy recipe. These sweet treats are perfect for the holidays or any time you’re craving a minty chocolate delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Coating:

10 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother coating)

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Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream. Mix until a smooth, stiff dough forms.
Shape the Patties: Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of the dough and roll into balls, then flatten into discs about 1/4 inch thick. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm.
Coat the Patties: Melt the chocolate and coconut oil, then dip each peppermint disc into the chocolate, tapping off excess. Refrigerate until set.