Cool, creamy, and wonderfully refreshing, these Homemade Peppermint Patties are a simple no-bake treat that combines a smooth peppermint center with a rich chocolate coating. The crisp chocolate shell gives way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint filling that makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
They’re especially fun during the holiday season, but there’s no reason to save them for Christmas. Keep a batch in the refrigerator whenever you want a refreshing little chocolate treat, or package them in small boxes or bags for homemade gifts.
The best part? You don’t need any complicated candy-making equipment. With a handful of ingredients and a little chilling time, you can make these delicious peppermint candies right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Patties
- No oven required
- Made with simple ingredients
- Rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavor
- Easy enough for beginners
- Perfect for holiday cookie trays
- Great for homemade gifts
- Can be made ahead of time
- Easy to customize with festive decorations
Ingredients
For the Peppermint Filling
- 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 10–12 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil, optional
The small amount of oil helps make the melted chocolate smoother and easier to work with while giving the finished coating a slightly shinier appearance.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties
1. Prepare the Peppermint Filling
Add the sifted powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl.
Add the softened butter, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and a small pinch of salt.
Stir everything together until a thick mixture begins to form.
At first, the mixture may look crumbly, but continue mixing until the ingredients start coming together.
2. Knead the Dough
Transfer the mixture to a clean work surface or knead it directly in the bowl using clean hands.
Gently knead until you have a smooth, soft, and pliable peppermint dough.
If the mixture feels too sticky, add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until it becomes easy to handle.
If it seems too dry or crumbly, add a tiny amount of cream and knead again.
The finished dough should be soft enough to shape but firm enough to hold its form.
3. Shape the Patties
Divide the peppermint mixture into small portions.
Roll each portion between your palms to create approximately 1-inch balls.
Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
Flatten each ball into a small disc approximately ¼ inch thick.
You can use your fingers, the bottom of a small glass, or a flat measuring cup to create evenly shaped patties.
Try to keep the patties similar in size so they are easy to dip and serve.
4. Chill Until Firm
Place the shaped peppermint discs in the freezer for approximately 20–30 minutes.
Chilling makes the filling firmer and much easier to coat with chocolate.
Don’t skip this step—the cold peppermint centers are less likely to break apart during dipping.
Melt the Chocolate
5. Melt the Chocolate Carefully
Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
If using vegetable oil or coconut oil, add it to the chocolate.
You can melt the chocolate using either of these methods:
Double Boiler Method:
Place the bowl over a saucepan containing a small amount of gently simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir frequently until completely smooth.
Microwave Method:
Microwave the chocolate in 20–30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Coat the Peppermint Patties
6. Dip Each Patty
Remove the chilled peppermint patties from the freezer.
Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully lower one patty into the melted chocolate.
Turn it gently so the entire surface is covered.
Lift it out and allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
Place the coated patty onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining patties.
7. Add Decorations
If desired, decorate the patties while the chocolate is still wet.
Try:
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Festive sprinkles
- A drizzle of melted white chocolate
- Red or green decorating sugar
- A small pinch of finely crushed candy cane
Work quickly because the chocolate will begin setting as soon as it cools.
Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature.
For faster results, place the tray in the refrigerator for approximately 15–20 minutes.
Once the chocolate is completely firm, the peppermint patties are ready to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Patties
Sift the Powdered Sugar
Sifting helps remove lumps and gives the peppermint filling a smoother texture.
Don’t Add Too Much Cream
Start with the amount listed in the recipe. If you add too much liquid, the filling can become sticky and difficult to shape.
Chill Before Dipping
Cold peppermint centers are much easier to coat. If they become soft while you’re working, return them to the freezer for a few minutes.
Use Good-Quality Chocolate
Since chocolate is one of the main flavors, using a chocolate you enjoy eating will make a noticeable difference.
Keep the Chocolate Warm, Not Hot
If the chocolate becomes too hot, it can soften the peppermint centers too quickly.
Make Uniform Patties
Keeping the patties approximately the same thickness helps them look more professional and makes the chocolate-to-filling ratio more consistent.
Festive Variations
Red and Green Peppermint Patties
Divide the peppermint filling into portions and add a tiny amount of food coloring to create red and green centers.
This is especially fun for Christmas parties and holiday gift boxes.
Candy Cane Peppermint Patties
Sprinkle finely crushed candy cane over the chocolate coating before it sets.
The crunchy peppermint pieces add both flavor and texture.
White Chocolate Drizzle
Once the dark chocolate has completely hardened, drizzle melted white chocolate over the patties.
Allow the drizzle to set before serving.
Dark Chocolate Version
Use high-quality dark chocolate for a deeper, slightly less-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet peppermint center.
Mini Peppermint Patties
Make smaller portions for bite-sized candies. These are perfect for dessert trays, parties, and edible gifts.
How to Store Homemade Peppermint Patties
Place the finished patties in an airtight container.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If stacking them, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
For longer storage, freeze the patties in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
Allow frozen patties to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can You Make Them Ahead?
Yes. These peppermint patties are excellent for preparing ahead of time.
You can make them several days before a party or holiday gathering and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve them.
They also make wonderful homemade gifts because they store well and can be packaged individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes. Milk chocolate creates a sweeter peppermint patty, while semi-sweet or dark chocolate provides more contrast with the sweet filling.
Why is my peppermint filling sticky?
The mixture may contain slightly too much liquid. Add powdered sugar gradually until the dough becomes soft but manageable.
Why does my filling crack when I flatten it?
It may be slightly too dry. Knead it again and add a very small amount of heavy cream until it becomes pliable.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than peppermint extract, so they should not automatically be substituted in equal amounts. For predictable flavor, peppermint extract is the easiest option for this recipe.
Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely. The peppermint centers are naturally white, and they look beautiful underneath a dark chocolate coating.
How do I stop the patties from sticking together?
Allow the chocolate to fully set and place parchment paper between layers when storing them.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 20–30 minutes
Chocolate Coating: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: Approximately 24–30 peppermint patties, depending on size
Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 2–3 months
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Peppermint Patties are proof that you don’t need complicated candy-making techniques to create an impressive homemade treat. The combination of a cool peppermint center and rich chocolate coating is simple, classic, and incredibly satisfying.
Make them plain for an elegant chocolate-covered candy, or decorate them with crushed peppermint, colorful sprinkles, or white chocolate for a festive holiday presentation.
Whether you’re preparing a dessert tray, making edible gifts, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, these homemade peppermint patties are a delicious treat to keep on hand.
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