Peppermint patties came into my kitchen during a particularly festive December when I decided it was time to stop buying candy and start making it. I wanted something simple, nostalgic, and ridiculously minty, the kind of treat that instantly says “holiday” without needing a single ornament.

I’ll be honest, the first batch was a little rough. I overworked the dough, the first round of chocolate clumped, and I learned very quickly that peppermint extract is powerful stuff. One tiny extra drop and suddenly it tasted like toothpaste. But somewhere between the powdered sugar clouds and melted chocolate mishaps, I realized these patties were worth the trouble.

There’s something magical about homemade peppermint patties. You can roll them out, cut them into shapes, dip them in chocolate, and somehow they taste better than anything store-bought. And watching them set? Pure holiday joy.

Peppermint Patties Recipe

Creamy peppermint rounds coated in rich chocolate and sprinkled with festive toppings make a sweet, minty, and irresistible holiday treat everyone will love.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 18

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 326

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/4 teaspoons peppermint extract or more to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 3/4 cups powdered sugar plus extra for sprinkling
• 3 cups dark chocolate candy melts such as Ghirardelli
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles

Equipment

• Mixer (stand or hand)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin (or flat surface for pressing dough)
• 1–1.5 inch round cookie cutter
• Baking sheet
• Freezer
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Fork (for dipping in chocolate)

Method

 

1. Start by putting the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract into a mixing bowl. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined.
2. Gradually add the rest of the powdered sugar and beat until you have a smooth, firm dough. Test by pinching a piece and rolling it into a ball—it should hold its shape. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
3. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on a piece of parchment paper. Place your dough on top, sprinkle a little sugar over it, and roll it out into a ½-inch thick circle.
4. Lightly coat a 1–1.5 inch round cookie cutter with cooking spray and cut out circles from the dough. If the dough is too soft to cut cleanly, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes.
5. Transfer the peppermint rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
6. While the patties chill, melt the chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth.
7. Using a fork, dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, place it back on parchment, and immediately add holiday sprinkles. Let the chocolate set completely. Store your treats in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Why You Will Love This Recipe?

• Minty Fresh: The peppermint flavor is bright without being overwhelming, like a breath of winter air.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy candy thermometer required, just pantry staples and chocolate.
• Customizable Sweetness: You can adjust the powdered sugar or chocolate coating to make them sweeter or richer.
• Fun to Make: Rolling, cutting, dipping—it feels like crafting edible ornaments.
• Perfect Holiday Treat: They scream festive without trying too hard.
• Shareable Joy: These patties are great for gifting, leaving on cookie trays, or just keeping all to yourself.
• Impress Without Stress: People think these are complicated, but they really aren’t.

Tips You Must Know!

• Measure Powdered Sugar Carefully: Too little makes the filling sticky; too much makes it crumbly. Balance is key.
• Peppermint Extract Is Strong: Start with less—you can always add more.
• Work Fast with the Dough: It can dry out if left sitting too long. I keep a little powdered sugar nearby to dust as I roll.
• Smooth Chocolate: Melt slowly and stir constantly. Microwave in short bursts if needed.
• Dip, Don’t Dunk: Use a fork to dip patties and let excess chocolate drip off to avoid a mess.
• Set on Parchment: Keeps the bottoms clean and prevents sticking.
• Sprinkle Immediately: Add holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is soft for the best look.
• Store Properly: Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature or in the fridge for a firmer bite.

Variations I Will Suggest You Try!

1. White Chocolate Coating: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a creamy alternative.
2. Mini Patties: Make bite-size versions for easier snacking.
3. Mint Chocolate Swirl: Mix white and dark chocolate together for a marbled effect.
4. Add Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle on top for extra crunch and color.
5. Peppermint Mocha Twist: Add a tiny pinch of instant coffee to the chocolate coating for grown-up flavor.
6. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle contrasting chocolate on top for decoration.
7. Use Flavored Extracts: Orange or almond extracts give a fun, unexpected twist.

Storage and Leftover Tips!

• Airtight Container: Keeps best at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• Separate Layers: Use parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Fridge Option: Refrigerate if your house is warm; it will firm the chocolate nicely.
• Freezing Works: Freeze in a sealed container for longer storage. Thaw before eating.
• Avoid Heat: Chocolate melts quickly, so keep it away from warm spots.

How I Like to Serve This Dish?

• On a Holiday Tray: They instantly make a dessert table look festive.
• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Perfect for dunking or nibbling while cozying up.
• As Gifts: Pack a few in a cute tin or box. People think you spent hours.
• Snack at Work: They travel well and always impress coworkers.
• After Dinner Treat: A small peppermint patty is the perfect sweet finish to a holiday meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use semi-sweet chocolate instead? Yes, but dark chocolate gives the best contrast to the sweet mint filling.
2. Do I have to use candy melts? Not necessarily; any good melting chocolate works.
3. Can I make them ahead of time? Absolutely. They keep for weeks in an airtight container.
4. What if my filling is too sticky? Add a little more powdered sugar until it firms up.
5. Can I make them vegan? Substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk and check chocolate ingredients.
6. Do the patties need to be refrigerated? Not always, but fridge helps keep chocolate firm in warm kitchens.
7. Can I freeze them? Yes, just thaw at room temperature before serving.
8. How big should each patty be? About 2 inches across works nicely for the classic size.