Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There’s something truly magical about the classic combination of cool, refreshing peppermint and rich, dark chocolate. And today, we’re taking that beloved pairing and transforming it into an even more delightful confection: Homemade Peppermint Patties. These aren’t just candies; they’re smooth, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mint centers enrobed in decadent chocolate. They’re incredibly easy to make, beautifully elegant, and utterly irresistible – perfect for satisfying that sweet and refreshing craving!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a treat that brings pure joy with every bite and requires no baking? I am completely obsessed with Homemade Peppermint Patties because they perfectly capture that iconic balance of cool mint and rich chocolate that everyone adores. They’re surprisingly simple to prepare, yet they look and taste incredibly gourmet, making them fantastic for holiday cookie platters, homemade gifts, or just a special treat for yourself. The texture of the creamy mint filling is heavenly, and dipping them in chocolate is a fun, rewarding process. Plus, being a no-bake recipe means less fuss and more time enjoying these delightful morsels!

The Cool History of Peppermint Patties

The peppermint patty, a classic American confection, has a history dating back to the early 20th century. One of the most famous versions, the York Peppermint Pattie, was first produced by the York Cone Company in 1940 in York, Pennsylvania. It quickly became known for its signature firm, yet creamy, cool mint center covered in dark chocolate, with the slogan “Get the Sensation.” The combination of mint and chocolate has long been a popular pairing, as the coolness of mint provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of chocolate.

Making peppermint patties at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the intensity of the mint flavor and the thickness of the chocolate coating. This recipe embodies that timeless appeal, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to create a classic candy that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully decadent, perfect for any occasion, especially the holiday season.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these cool and creamy Homemade Peppermint Patties:

For the Peppermint Filling:

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more to taste, start with less)
• Optional: 1-2 drops green food coloring (gel works best)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 2 cups dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother melting)

Swaps and Notes

• Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar is crucial for a smooth, lump-free peppermint filling.
• Butter: Ensure your butter is completely softened to room temperature for easy blending into the filling.
• Milk: Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the filling reaches a stiff, but rollable, consistency. Too much milk will make it too sticky.
• Peppermint Extract: This is the key flavor! Start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste. Peppermint extract can be very strong, so add more gradually if you want a more intense mint flavor. Do not use mint extract (which can taste like spearmint) unless specified.
• Food Coloring: This is purely for visual appeal to make the patties green, if desired. Gel food coloring provides a vibrant color without thinning the mixture.
• Chocolate: Dark chocolate is classic for peppermint patties, as its slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet mint. Semi-sweet chocolate chips also work well. Use good quality chocolate chips or baking bars for the best melting and flavor. The coconut oil or shortening helps create a smoother, more fluid coating, making dipping easier.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s make these refreshing no-bake peppermint delights!

1. Prepare Peppermint Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
2. Add Liquid & Flavor: Add 2 tablespoons of milk and the 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract. Beat until fully incorporated. If desired, add 1-2 drops of green food coloring and beat until evenly colored.
3. Adjust Consistency: The mixture should be thick and stiff, similar to play-doh. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add remaining milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it comes together. If it’s too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar.
4. Roll & Cut Patties: Lightly dust a clean work surface with powdered sugar. Roll out the peppermint filling mixture to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 1 1/2-inch to 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circular patties. Gently gather and re-roll any scraps until all the mixture is used.
5. Chill Patties: Place the cut peppermint patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for 15 minutes, until very firm. This is crucial for easy dipping!
6. Melt Chocolate: While the patties chill, melt the dark chocolate chips (and optional coconut oil/shortening). Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
7. Coat Patties: Remove the firm patties from the refrigerator/freezer. Using a fork or a candy dipping tool, dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely. Tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
8. Set & Garnish: Immediately transfer the coated patty back to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining patties. If desired, you can create a decorative swirl on top with a toothpick, or sprinkle with a tiny bit of extra peppermint extract on top of the wet chocolate.
9. Final Chill: Return the coated patties to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm.

Tips for Success

• Sift Powdered Sugar: This is absolutely essential for a smooth, creamy filling.
• Start Slow with Liquid & Extract: Add milk and peppermint extract gradually. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Chill Firmly: This is the most crucial step for dipping! Cold, firm patties won’t fall apart in the warm chocolate.
• Melt Chocolate Properly: Melt chocolate gently and thoroughly. The coconut oil or shortening helps create a smoother, thinner coating that’s easier to work with.
• Work Quickly: Once the patties are dipped, the chocolate will start to set quickly, especially since the patties are cold.
• Thin Coating is Best: A thin, even chocolate coating provides the best balance of flavors and avoids a thick, brittle shell.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Homemade Peppermint Patties are a delightful treat on their own, but they’re also fantastic as part of a larger dessert spread:

• Dessert Platter: Arrange them elegantly on a platter alongside other holiday cookies and candies.
• Coffee or Hot Cocoa: Perfect as a sweet bite with a warm cup of coffee or a comforting mug of hot cocoa.
• Gifts: Package them in small decorative boxes or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts, especially during the holiday season.
• Ice Cream Topping: Chop them up and sprinkle over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful crunch and minty flavor. You could even top a no-bake dessert like This Smores Bark Is My Favorite No-Campfire Treat for Anytime Cravings with chopped patties.
• Cocktail Pairing: A rich, dark hot chocolate with a splash of peppermint schnapps (for adults) would be a decadent pairing.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Homemade Peppermint Patties are best stored chilled:

• Refrigerate: Store patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Peppermint patties freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours (or enjoy them frozen for a firmer treat!).

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed creating these delightful no-bake candies, you might also like these other sweet indulgences:

• For a truly indulgent chocolatey treat, you have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
• If you’re a fan of classic peanut butter and chocolate, my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot) is a definite winner.
• For a refreshing no-bake option with a minty twist, don’t miss This Grasshopper Pie Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twist.
• And for a fun and whimsical dessert that’s always a hit, check out How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.

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Final Thoughts

Homemade Peppermint Patties are a testament to how simple ingredients can create an incredibly refreshing, decadent, and utterly satisfying treat. They’re easy to make, beautifully presented, and guaranteed to bring a cool, sweet delight to anyone who tries them. Get ready to enjoy the sensation!

I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and experience pure mint-chocolate bliss! Let me know in the comments below if these become your new favorite homemade candy, or what other classic treats you love to recreate. I always love hearing from you! Happy no-baking!