Ready to make the most amazing homemade peppermint patties? These little bites of minty chocolate heaven are easier to make than you'd think! Whether you're craving that classic mint-chocolate combo or looking for the perfect holiday gift, this recipe will show you exactly how to create these irresistible treats right in your kitchen.
Why Make These From Scratch?
Ever bite into a peppermint patty and think, "I wish I could make these at home"? Well, now you can! These homemade treats aren't just delicious - they're actually fun to make. Plus, there's something special about handing someone a tin of candies you crafted yourself. Trust me, once you learn how to make these minty-fresh delights, you'll never go back to store-bought.
What You'll Need
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups, sifted - this makes your centers smooth and sweet
- Evaporated Milk: 3 tablespoons for that creamy texture
- Light Corn Syrup: 3 tablespoons - helps everything stick together
- Coconut Oil: 2 tablespoons, softened
- Peppermint Oil: 1/4 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon extract)
- Dark Chocolate: 12 ounces good quality for dipping
- Candy Canes: 2-3 crushed (optional) for topping
Let's Make Some Magic!
- Mix Your Center
- Beat together your powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, coconut oil, and peppermint until it feels like play-dough. If it's too sticky, dust in more powdered sugar.
- Shape 'Em Up
- Split the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. This makes it way easier to work with!
- Roll and Cut
- Dust your counter with powdered sugar, roll the dough about 1/4-inch thick, and cut into circles. A small cookie cutter or jar lid works great.
- Freeze Time
- Pop those circles in the freezer for 30 minutes - this is crucial for perfect dipping later!
- Chocolate Magic
- Melt your chocolate slowly in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Patience is key here - nobody likes burnt chocolate!
- Dip and Decorate
- Use a fork to dip each frozen patty in chocolate. Tap off the excess, slide onto parchment, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes if you're feeling festive.
- Let Them Set
- Give them about an hour to firm up at room temp. The wait is tough, but worth it!
What Makes These Special
There's something magical about making candy at home. The kitchen fills with that wonderful minty smell, and you get to control exactly how minty and sweet they turn out. Plus, these taste fresher and creamier than anything you'll find in a wrapper.
Getting That Perfect Center
The secret to amazing peppermint patties is all in that creamy center. It should be firm enough to handle but soft enough to melt in your mouth. If your mixture feels too sticky, just add a bit more powdered sugar. Too dry? A drop of milk fixes that right up.
Chocolate Dipping Made Easy
Don't stress about the dipping part! Here's a pro tip: keep your patties frozen and your chocolate just barely melted. Use a fork to dip, tap off the excess, and slide onto parchment paper. If you make a mess, hey - that's what taste-testing is for!
Wrap Them Up Pretty
These little beauties deserve to be shown off! Line a pretty tin with parchment paper, stack them carefully, and maybe add a festive ribbon. They make perfect gifts - if you can resist eating them all yourself!
Keep 'Em Fresh
Store your patties in the fridge for up to a week (they'll last longer but probably won't make it that far!). Want to plan ahead? They freeze beautifully for up to a month. Just thaw them in the fridge when you're ready for a minty treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Need different mint?
Extract works fine. Less than oil though. Start real small. Taste as you go. Can't fix too much.
- → Melting chocolate right?
Short heat bursts. Stir lots between. Don't get water in. Watch it close. Patient works best.
- → Where keep em good?
Cold box works best. Box em up tight. Good few weeks. Stack with paper. If they last that long!
- → Want em thicker?
Roll less thin. Cut same size though. Still dip good. Might need more chocolate. Takes longer cold.
- → No round cutter?
Glass works fine. Shape by hand too. Keep size same. Whatever works. Still tastes good.
- → Getting too soft?
More sugar helps. Less butter maybe. Chill longer time. Keep em cold. Easy fix quick.
- → Taking em places?
Keep em cold packed. Box with sides good. Layer paper between. Worth ice pack. Maybe backup treats.
- → Need em faster?
Freeze bit helps. Have stuff ready. Quick dip works. Still needs set time. Worth short wait.
- → Making big batch?
Double works fine. Need more space. More chill time. Keep stuff cold. Makes good gifts.
- → Want more mint kick?
Add slow though. Strong stuff works. Taste as you go. Can't fix too much. Fresh mint looks nice.
- → Chocolate not smooth?
Heat slower way. Stir more often. Strain lumps out. Start fresh maybe. Worth doing right.
- → Centers too sticky?
More sugar helps. Chill longer time. Cold hands work. Dust with sugar. Patient helps lots.
Conclusion
Love these? Try mint cookies next. Or make chocolate mint bark. Both perfect for gifts.