There’s something incredibly satisfying about treating yourself to homemade sweets, especially when they require minimal effort and ingredients. When I first decided to whip up a batch of homemade peppermint patties, I never thought they could become my go-to dessert. The refreshing burst of mint wrapped in a rich chocolate layer is simply irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening snack, these delightful morsels come together with just five ingredients, making them a breeze to whip up on a whim.
Imagine the joy of indulging in a creamy, minty treat that feels both elegant and comforting—all without needing to bake a thing. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or simply want to savor a chocolate-covered delight, this no-bake recipe is your ticket to sweet satisfaction. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create these delicious peppermint patties that will leave everyone asking for more!
Why will you love homemade peppermint patties?
Simplicity at its Best: With just five ingredients, this no-bake recipe is not only easy to follow but also saves you time during busy holiday seasons.
Refreshing Flavor: The blend of creamy peppermint and rich chocolate brings a perfect balance, making these treats irresistible for mint lovers.
Versatile Variations: Play around with different chocolates and toppings, from milk chocolate to festive sprinkles, allowing you to customize each batch for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for sharing at parties or gifting, these homemade delights are sure to impress your friends and family.
Instant Gratification: Enjoy the satisfaction of whipping up a delicious treat that feels gourmet, all within a matter of minutes!
Homemade Peppermint Patties Ingredients
• To make your delightful peppermint sweets, gather these simple ingredients!
For the Filling
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – This ingredient adds a rich, creamy sweetness that defines the filling; avoid low-fat versions for best texture.
- Peppermint Extract – It gives the patties their classic refreshing mint flavor; feel free to adjust to taste and add more for a stronger kick.
- Vanilla Extract – This rounds out the flavors, creating a fuller taste; it’s optional but highly recommended for extra depth.
- Powdered Sugar – Essential for forming the doughy texture you need; remember to store any excess in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
For the Coating
- Dark Melting/Dipping Chocolate – This coats the patties and adds a rich chocolatey finish; you can swap it for milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter indulgence.
- Optional Sprinkles – Use these for a festive flair, perfect for special occasions or holiday celebrations!
Now that you have everything you need, get ready to create your delicious homemade peppermint patties!
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties
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Prepare the Filling: In a stand mixer, combine sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar until the mixture forms a smooth, doughy consistency that is easy to handle.
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Shape the Filling: Sprinkle powdered sugar on a sheet of parchment paper, then knead the dough until it’s smooth. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness, then cut into circles measuring 1 to 1 ½ inches.
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Chill: Place the cut patties on a baking sheet and freeze them for 15 minutes to firm up. This step helps maintain their shape when coated in chocolate.
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Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and slightly cooled to avoid overheating.
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Dip Patties: Coat each chilled peppermint patty in the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully covered. Return them to the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, add festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
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Set: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated patties for 20 minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden completely.
Optional: Drizzle some extra chocolate on top for a decorative touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Peppermint Patties are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the filling and shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the cut patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ensuring they are separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, just take them out and coat them in melted chocolate; they will taste just as fresh and delightful! For longer storage, these treats can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before dipping in chocolate for a special treat anytime.
What to Serve with Homemade Peppermint Patties?
Enjoy your minty chocolate affair with these delightful pairings that enhance the experience of these luscious treats.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate complements the refreshing mint, creating a heavenly flavor duet. It’s like a cozy hug in a mug!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the firm, minty patties, making every bite a nostalgic indulgence.
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Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread adds a crunchy texture that balances the creamy filling of the patties. Perfect for dipping or enjoying alongside!
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Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee enhance the sweet chocolate, making for a delightful treat after dinner or during a coffee break.
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Cheesecake Bites: These rich, creamy morsels offer a touch of indulgence that pairs superbly with the peppermint overtones, creating a delicious medley of flavors.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: Refreshing sparkling water cleanses the palate while enhancing the minty freshness of the patties. A perfect light pairing for a sweet treat!
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Chocolate-Dipped Fruits: Mixed berries or banana slices drizzled in chocolate can mimic the flavors and textures of the patties, elevating your dessert table with variety.
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Mint Mojitos: A chilly mint mojito adds a party vibe to your dessert adventure, echoing the minty essence of your homemade treats with a refreshing twist!
Expert Tips for Homemade Peppermint Patties
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Chill the Dough: If the dough feels sticky while shaping, chill it for a bit longer. This makes it easier to cut clean circles.
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Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in your finished homemade peppermint patties!
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Peppermint Power: Adjust your peppermint extract to your taste. Experiment a little; ¼ teaspoon more can provide a delightful minty explosion.
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Cutting Aid: To ensure uniformity in size, dip your cookie cutter in powdered sugar before cutting each patty. This prevents sticking.
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Storage Smarts: Keep homemade peppermint patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer freshness.
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Peppermint Patties
Fridge: Keep your homemade peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw the frozen peppermint patties in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to preserve their delightful taste and texture.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat; enjoy them chilled right from the fridge or at room temperature for the best flavor!
Homemade Peppermint Patties Variations
Feel free to customize your peppermint patties with these fun and delicious ideas for a truly unique treat!
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Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter and creamier coating. This is perfect if you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor.
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Extra Peppermint: Boost the mint flavor by adding an additional ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. It enhances the refreshing taste, making every bite a minty delight.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Elevate your patties by adding festive sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets. Choose colors that match the theme of your occasion for a fun twist.
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Nutty Add-In: Mix in finely chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the filling for a delightful crunch and extra texture. This adds a lovely contrast to the creamy interior.
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Coconut Flake Delight: Incorporate shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical twist. This gives your patties an interesting flavor profile that balances perfectly with chocolate.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate coating for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. It’s an adventurous take on the classic favorite!
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Vegan-Friendly: Replace sweetened condensed milk with a can of coconut cream and use vegan chocolate for an equally scrumptious vegan version. It’s a guilt-free indulgence everyone can enjoy.
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Mini Bites: Instead of cutting large circles, use a mini cookie cutter for smaller, bite-sized patties. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to pop into your mouth!
Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right peppermint extract?
Absolutely! When selecting peppermint extract, look for pure extracts without any artificial additives or flavors. The strength can vary significantly between brands, so I recommend starting with a reputable one. For a more intense flavor, you can increase the amount by adding an extra ¼ teaspoon to your mixture!
What’s the best way to store homemade peppermint patties?
To keep your homemade peppermint patties fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re extending their lifespan, freeze them! Place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay fresh for about 2 months in the freezer.
Can I freeze homemade peppermint patties?
Absolutely! Freezing homemade peppermint patties is a fantastic way to preserve them. Simply lay them on a baking sheet so they don’t touch each other and freeze until solid. Once firm, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. They will keep well for about 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
What should I do if my filling is too sticky?
If you find your filling mixture is too sticky to handle, don’t fret! You can remedy this by chilling it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to shape into patties. Additionally, sprinkling some powdered sugar on your hands while handling the mixture helps to prevent it from sticking.
Are these peppermint patties safe for pets?
No, unfortunately! While the ingredients in homemade peppermint patties might look harmless to us, they aren’t safe for pets. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, and excessive sugar could lead to various health issues. Always keep your delicious creations out of reach from your furry friends!
Can I make these peppermint patties without sugar?
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, consider using alternative sweeteners like powdered erythritol or xylitol, which are popular sugar substitutes. However, make sure they’re pet-safe if you have animals around! Just remember that this will alter the flavor slightly, so it may require some experimentation to get it just right.
Homemade Peppermint Patties: Easy 5-Ingredient Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, combine sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar until the mixture forms a smooth, doughy consistency.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on a sheet of parchment paper, then knead the dough until it's smooth. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness, cut into circles measuring 1 to 1 ½ inches.
- Place the cut patties on a baking sheet and freeze them for 15 minutes to firm up.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Coat each chilled peppermint patty in the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully covered. Add festive sprinkles if desired.
- Refrigerate the chocolate-coated patties for 20 minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden completely.