Homemade Peppermint Patties are one of those classic treats that never go out of style. They’re cool, refreshing, creamy on the inside, and perfectly coated in a crisp layer of chocolate on the outside. Whether you’re preparing something special for the holidays, gifting handmade sweets, or simply craving a bite-sized dessert with a mix of sweet and minty flavours, peppermint patties always deliver an unforgettable experience.

While many people purchase them from stores, the truth is: homemade peppermint patties taste far superior. They’re softer, fresher, and customizable. Making them from scratch also ensures that you know exactly what goes into your candy—no preservatives, artificial fillers, or low-quality chocolate.

What Makes Homemade Peppermint Patties So Special?

Peppermint patties hold a unique place in the world of candy. Their signature texture—creamy, slightly firm, melt-in-your-mouth filling wrapped in a crisp chocolate shell—creates a perfect contrast. Homemade versions elevate this experience with:

1. Fresh Ingredients

You control the freshness of your chocolate, cream, butter, and flavoring, resulting in a noticeably superior product.

2. Custom Flavors

Mint is classic, but you can experiment with lemon, almond, orange, or even mocha.

3. Better Texture

Homemade patties are softer than store-bought ones and less sugary.

4. No Artificial Additives

You avoid processed oils, stabilizers, and preservatives.

5. Fun and Creativity

Candy-making is enjoyable and therapeutic. The process allows creative decorating with white chocolate drizzle, crushed peppermint, colored designs, and more.

Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Patties

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients—many of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, improves melting)

Each ingredient plays a role in texture and flavor:

Powdered sugar forms the base of the filling.
Butter gives richness.
Cream provides smoothness.
Peppermint extract adds coolness.
Chocolate delivers the perfect crisp contrast.

Equipment You Will Need

Candy-making doesn’t require special tools. Ordinary kitchen equipment works beautifully:

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Microwave-safe bowl
Fork or dipping tool

If you have a candy-dipping toolset, that works even better, but it’s optional.

Step-by-Step Directions for Making Peppermint Patties

Making peppermint patties may look complicated at first glance, but once you understand the process, it becomes extremely simple and enjoyable.

1. Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, heavy cream, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt.
The mixture will form a smooth dough—soft but firm enough to hold shape.

Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. If too dry, add a teaspoon of cream.

2. Shape the Patties

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then flatten each ball gently between your palms to form small discs.

Place each disc onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Expert Tip:
To create perfectly round patties, lightly press them with the bottom of a glass or use a small round cookie cutter.

3. Chill the Filling

Refrigerate the shaped discs for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because:

Cold filling is easier to dip.
Warm filling melts in chocolate.
Proper chilling prevents cracks.

4. Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and optional coconut oil.
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy.

Important:
Do not overheat the chocolate. Overheating leads to grainy texture or seized chocolate.

5. Dip the Patties

Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled disc into the melted chocolate.
Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing back onto parchment paper.

Repeat until all patties are coated.

6. Set the Chocolate

Let them set at room temperature, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until the coating hardens.

Once set, your peppermint patties are ready for serving, gifting, or storing.

Preparation Time

Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 120
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g

These values may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and chocolate choice.

Expert Tips for the Best Peppermint Patties

1. Adjust Mint Strength Carefully

Peppermint can become overpowering quickly. Start with half a teaspoon and increase only if needed.

2. Get Smooth Edges

If you want professional-looking patties, level each disc with a cookie cutter after shaping.

3. Melt Chocolate Slowly

Rushing the melting process causes seizing. Stir often.

4. Use Good Quality Chocolate

The flavor of your patties heavily depends on the chocolate you choose.

5. Keep Hands Cool

Warm hands melt the dough—run cold water over your hands before shaping.

6. Do Not Skip Chilling

Skipping this step will make dipping extremely messy.

7. Use Vegetable Shortening for Gloss

A tiny amount helps chocolate coat smoothly without streaks.

Creative Variations

1. White Chocolate Peppermint Patties

Replace dark chocolate with white for a sweeter version.

2. Chocolate Mint Swirl

Dip in dark chocolate, then drizzle white chocolate in a swirl pattern.

3. Holiday Peppermint Patties

Top with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.

4. Almond or Orange Patties

Swap peppermint extract with almond or orange extract for a brand-new flavor.

5. Vegan Peppermint Patties

Use:

Dairy-free butter
Coconut milk instead of cream
Vegan chocolate

6. Sugar-Free Version

Use a sugar-free confectioners’ substitute and sugar-free chocolate.

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

1. Filling Too Sticky

Add more powdered sugar.

2. Filling Cracks

Dough is too dry—add a drop of cream.

3. Chocolate Not Coating Smoothly

Chocolate may be too thick—add a teaspoon of coconut oil.

4. Patties Melting During Dipping

They were not chilled long enough.

5. Patties Sticking to the Tray

Use high-quality parchment paper or lightly grease it.

FAQs

Can I freeze peppermint patties?

Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months with parchment paper between layers.

Can I make them ahead?

Absolutely—they stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Can I use mint oil instead of extract?

Yes, but use only a tiny amount. Mint oil is very strong.

Can kids help make these?

Yes! This is a fun recipe for families.

Can I make mini or jumbo patties?

Yes. Just adjust the chilling time accordingly.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer

Freeze for 3 months. Let thaw for a few minutes before eating.

Room Temperature

Safe for serving during events but not recommended long-term.

Serving Suggestions

Peppermint patties can be enjoyed:

After dinner as a refreshing dessert
With hot chocolate or coffee
Packed into holiday gift boxes
Used as cupcake toppers
Added into ice cream

Why You Should Make Peppermint Patties at Home

They taste fresher, creamier, and more flavorful.
You control the ingredients—no unnecessary additives.
They’re budget-friendly compared to gourmet candy shops.
You can pack them beautifully for holiday gifting.
They require no baking and very little effort.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Peppermint Patties are refreshing, elegant, and unbelievably delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. With basic pantry ingredients and a little time, you can create a treat that outshines store-bought versions in every way.

And the best part? This guide gives you enough knowledge to experiment, create exciting variations, and customize these patties exactly to your liking. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and share the sweetness with the people you love.

Maria Shriver