If you’ve only ever eaten peppermint patties in glossy wrappers, you’ll know they’re delicious. This homemade version wraps your favorite cool, minty-scented core in a thicker, smoother chocolate shell that’s unlike any store-bought version. No special materials or tools required. Just grab a bowl and a mixer and let it cool a bit in the fridge.
For another fun and easy snack, create a mud buddy!
why my recipe
It uses just a handful of simple ingredients and tastes so much better than store-bought. Use cookie cutters or shape by hand. Coat the patty with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. You choose!
I love how easy these are to make, and you will too! If you want to be precise, you can use a circular cookie cutter to cut out the shapes, or you can use the “pinch and crush” method to shape them by hand. Either way, they mix together quickly and taste great. Perfect for gifts, cookie trays, or to sneak out of the fridge when no one is looking. It disappears surprisingly quickly.
Ingredient memo
Powdered sugar: You need 6 cups, just a little less than 32 oz. Sweetened condensed milk: Use the entire 14-ounce can. This will add moisture and help the contents stick together. Peppermint Extract: Make sure it says peppermint on the bottle. Mint extract is different and does not have the classic flavor. Vanilla Extract: Just a little to balance the peppermint flavor. Chocolate Melting Wafers: Melts easily and hardens with a smooth finish. Look for it in the baking aisle near the chocolate chips. Coconut oil (optional): Adding a little coconut oil will thin the chocolate and make it easier to dip. It also adds a nice shine to the chocolate as it hardens.
Peppermint vs. Mint: What’s the Difference?
It may seem like a small thing, but peppermint and mint extract are not the same.
Peppermint has a sharp, clean flavor that gives this patty its signature taste.
Mint extract is usually a blend of peppermint and spearmint, so the flavor can be a little cloudy or grassy.
For best results, double check the label and make sure to use peppermint extract.
Fun flavor variations
These patties are perfect on their own, but if you want to get creative, it’s fun to experiment with flavors. You won’t find these in stores!
Try using almond extract instead of peppermint patties. Or try a chocolate and orange combo made with orange extract.
Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive Christmas feel.
You can also swap out the chocolate wafers for white, dark, or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. If you want something colorful, candy wafers are also available in a variety of colors.
Molding options + tips
There are two great options for shaping peppermint patties, and both work well.
It’s very easy to scoop and flatten with your hands, giving it a homemade charm. Pinch a small amount, roll into a ball, and flatten with your fingers or palm.
Need cleaner edges? Use the roll and cut method. Roll out the dough into an even layer, using a round cookie cutter about 1 1/2 inches wide.
Don’t overthink or focus too much on perfection. They all look amazing when dipped in chocolate.
Does the fabric look dry?
When you first start working with the dough, you may notice that the outside becomes a little crumbly or dry if you leave it out. This is completely normal. Fabric tends to dry quickly when exposed to air, especially when it is being shaped or cut. If this is the case, don’t stress. Just knead it gently with your hands for a few seconds and it will become soft in no time.
To make things go more smoothly, it helps to loosely cover unused dough with plastic wrap or tuck it under a parchment paper. However, even if you forget and neglect it for a while, you can easily restore it by hand. The dough is very forgiving, so it’s perfect for working in batches or getting your little helpers involved.
Soaking tips
Soaking can quickly become a chore, but it can be made easier with a few simple tricks.
Use a fork to lower each patty into the melted chocolate, tapping the fork against the edge of the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off. Using a toothpick or another fork, slide the patty onto the parchment paper and press down gently.
If the chocolate in the bowl starts to thicken before it’s done, warm it up a little at a time to keep it smooth. Adding a little coconut oil will keep it shiny and make it easier to work with.
Coconut oil: is it optional?
In this recipe, you’ll see that the chocolate coating includes coconut oil as an option, but it’s worth knowing what it actually does. Melted chocolate can be a little difficult to dip as it hardens quickly. Adding just a little coconut oil changes the texture of melted chocolate, making it smoother and easier to work with.
Science: Coconut oil contains saturated fat, which helps lower the melting point of chocolate. This means that the chocolate will stay fluid longer while steeping and will take on a slightly glossier finish as it cools. There is no noticeable effect on flavor and the patty will not taste like coconut unless you use unrefined (virgin) coconut oil. If that’s not your thing, using refined coconut oil will give you a neutral taste.
chocolate wafers or chocolate chips
You can also use chocolate chips for the dip if you have them. Just know that chocolate chips are designed to hold their shape when baked, so they won’t melt as smoothly as melted wafers. You may need to stir it a little more and wait patiently until it melts.
This is where coconut oil really comes in handy. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to 3 cups of chocolate chips for a smoother, easier-to-dip texture. Also, the cold chocolate will harden and the finished product will be better.
If using chocolate chips, melt them in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring slowly to avoid burning. Once smooth, add the coconut oil, mix, and the dip is ready.
save for gift
Once the chocolate hardens, the peppermint patties will keep very well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If you’re making them in advance for the holidays, layer them with parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to keep them from sticking.
Would you like to give it as a present? Pack some into cellophane bags or small treat boxes and keep them cool until you’re ready for delivery.
Would you like to add them to your cookie platter? Many people find that when they eat peppermint-flavored treats, every treat on the platter ends up tasting like peppermint. I tested them for 24 hours by putting them in the same container as the exposed fudge and they had no effect on the fudge. The chocolate coating is supposed to lock in the flavor, but keep that in mind.
Precautions for storage
Patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
For gifts, pack the patties in a small treat box or cellophane bag and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to give. It is best preserved when stored cool, away from direct sunlight and heat.
