Homemade Peppermint Patties
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 patties
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Peppermint Patties are the ultimate minty-chocolate treat, featuring a soft, refreshing peppermint center coated in rich, smooth chocolate. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a refreshing sweet treat. You can customize them with sprinkles for extra festive flair or enjoy them simple and classic.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 pound chocolate almond bark
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set it aside. Clear space in your freezer for the tray.
- In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract.
- Using an electric mixer, gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until the mixture forms a stiff, non-sticky dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, then gently flatten each ball into a thick disc shape. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze the patties for 1 hour to firm them up.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate almond bark in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth.
- Quickly dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, shaking off any excess or scraping the bottom against the side of the bowl.
- Return the dipped patties to the lined baking sheet and top with sprinkles, if desired.
- Let the chocolate set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow thawing at room temperature before serving.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and dark chocolate for a vegan version.
- Mini Patties: Make bite-sized patties for a fun twist.
- Chocolate Options: Almond bark, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate can all be used for coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peppermint Patties are a classic, and this homemade version is incredibly easy to make! With a soft and refreshing peppermint center, coated in a smooth chocolate layer, these treats offer the perfect bite. The best part? You can make them at home with minimal ingredients, and they’ll taste even better than store-bought versions. They’re customizable with sprinkles for extra festive flair or left simple for a smooth, chocolatey indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 pound chocolate almond bark
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set it aside. Clear a space in your freezer that can accommodate the baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract together.
- Using an electric mixer, gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until you have a stiff dough that is not sticky.
- Roll the dough into small balls, then place them onto the lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball to form a thick disc shape.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up the patties.
- When you’re ready to dip the patties, melt the chocolate almond bark in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Quickly dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, shaking off any excess or scraping the bottom on the side of the bowl.
- Return the dipped patties to the lined baking sheet and immediately top with sprinkles, if desired.
- Allow the chocolate to fully set before serving or storing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 20-24 patties (depending on size)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freezing Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and dark chocolate for a vegan version of this treat.
- White Chocolate: Swap the almond bark for white chocolate to create a different flavor and look.
- Flavored Filling: Add a little bit of food coloring or a different extract, like chocolate or orange, to make different flavored patties.
- Mini Patties: Make smaller, bite-sized peppermint patties for a fun, more portion-controlled treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: These patties freeze wonderfully. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These treats don’t require reheating. Simply let them thaw at room temperature if frozen.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate besides almond bark?
Yes, you can substitute almond bark with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
How do I make sure the peppermint filling doesn’t stick to my hands?
If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra powdered sugar to help form the patties. You can also lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar before rolling the dough.
Can I skip the sprinkles on top?
Yes, sprinkles are optional, but they add a fun and festive touch. You can skip them if you prefer a cleaner look.
How can I make the filling more minty?
If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, increase the amount of peppermint extract by ¼ teaspoon at a time, but be careful not to overdo it as peppermint extract can be potent.
Can I make this recipe without sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a homemade vegan version using coconut milk and sugar or another dairy alternative.
How thick should the chocolate coating be?
For a nice, even coating, dip the patties quickly and ensure the chocolate covers the entire surface. You can scrape the bottom on the side of the bowl to prevent excess chocolate.
Can I use regular milk chocolate instead of almond bark?
Yes, you can use regular milk chocolate. However, almond bark is typically easier to melt and coat the patties with, which is why it’s often used in this recipe.
How long should I freeze the peppermint patties?
Freeze the patties for about 1 hour. This ensures they firm up and are easier to dip into the melted chocolate.
Can I add nuts to the chocolate coating?
Yes, you can sprinkle crushed nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, on top of the chocolate for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when the chocolate has fully set?
The chocolate will look matte and hard to the touch. You can gently press the surface to check for firmness.
Conclusion
Homemade Peppermint Patties are a sweet, minty, and chocolatey treat that everyone will love. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a festive treat with sprinkles or a simple, chocolate-covered indulgence, these peppermint patties are sure to satisfy your cravings for something fresh and delicious!
