Name: Peppermint Patties Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 24-30 patties
Ingredients: 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more, to taste); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (or chocolate chips); 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)

Peppermint patties homemade – the very words conjure up images of cool, refreshing chocolate bliss! Have you ever bitten into a perfectly crafted peppermint patty, the smooth, dark chocolate shell cracking to reveal a creamy, minty center that melts in your mouth? It's an experience that's both invigorating and comforting, a delightful treat that has captivated taste buds for generations.

While commercially produced peppermint patties have been a beloved confection since the early 20th century, the idea of combining chocolate and mint dates back even further. Mint has long been prized for its digestive properties and refreshing flavor, and chocolate, well, who doesn't love chocolate? The combination is a match made in culinary heaven!

But why settle for store-bought when you can create your own peppermint patties homemade, tailored perfectly to your preferences? The beauty of making them yourself lies in the control you have over the ingredients and the level of minty intensity. Plus, there's a certain satisfaction that comes from crafting these delightful treats from scratch. People adore peppermint patties for their simple yet elegant flavor profile, the contrasting textures of the crisp chocolate and the soft, creamy filling, and the sheer joy they bring with every bite. So, let's embark on this delicious adventure and create some homemade peppermint patty magic!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more, to taste)
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Coating:

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (or chocolate chips)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)

Preparing the Peppermint Filling:

Alright, let's get started with the heart of our peppermint patties – the creamy, minty filling! This is where the magic happens, so pay close attention to the details.

Sift the Powdered Sugar: This is a crucial step! Sifting the powdered sugar ensures that there are no lumps, giving you a smooth and velvety filling. Trust me, you don't want any gritty surprises in your peppermint patties. Use a fine-mesh sieve and sift all 4 cups into a large mixing bowl.
Cream the Butter: In the same mixing bowl (after sifting the sugar, of course!), add the softened butter. Make sure your butter is truly softened – it should be easy to press with your finger, but not melted. Use an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer) to cream the butter until it's light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the heavy cream, light corn syrup, peppermint extract, and salt to the bowl with the creamed butter. The corn syrup helps to keep the filling smooth and prevents it from becoming grainy. The peppermint extract is what gives our patties that signature minty flavor, so don't skimp on it! Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste, if desired.
Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar: This is where patience comes in handy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Add about 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time, mixing well after each addition. This prevents the powdered sugar from flying everywhere and creating a huge mess.
Mix Until Smooth: Once all the powdered sugar has been added, increase the mixer speed to medium and mix until the filling is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough. The filling should be firm enough to hold its shape, but still soft and pliable. If the filling seems too dry, add a tiny bit more heavy cream (a teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too wet, add a little more powdered sugar.
Chill the Filling: This is a very important step! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour. Chilling the filling makes it much easier to shape into patties.

Shaping the Peppermint Patties:

Now that our filling is nice and chilled, we can start shaping those patties! This part can be a little messy, but it's also kind of fun.

Prepare Your Work Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the patties from sticking to the sheet.
Scoop and Shape: Take a small amount of the chilled filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. Then, flatten the ball into a disc shape, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use your fingers to shape the patties, or you can use a small cookie cutter for a more uniform look.
Place on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped patties onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each patty.
Chill Again: Once all the patties have been shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This will help the patties firm up even more, making them easier to dip in the chocolate. You can even freeze them for longer if you want to make them ahead of time.

Melting the Chocolate:

Time for the chocolate! This is the final step before we get to enjoy our homemade peppermint patties. Melting the chocolate properly is key to a smooth and shiny coating.

Chop the Chocolate: Finely chop the semi-sweet chocolate (or use chocolate chips). This will help it melt more evenly.
Combine Chocolate and Coconut Oil: Place the chopped chocolate and coconut oil (or vegetable shortening) in a heat-safe bowl. The coconut oil helps to thin the chocolate and gives it a nice shine.
Melt the Chocolate: There are two ways to melt the chocolate:
- Double Boiler Method: Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the heat-safe bowl with the chocolate and coconut oil on top of the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir the chocolate constantly until it's completely melted and smooth.
- Microwave Method: Microwave the chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily. Stop microwaving when there are still a few small pieces of unmelted chocolate and stir until the chocolate is completely smooth.
Maintain the Chocolate's Temperature: Once the chocolate is melted, keep it warm by placing it over a warm (but not hot) water bath or by microwaving it in very short intervals (5-10 seconds) if needed. This will prevent the chocolate from hardening while you're dipping the patties.

Dipping and Finishing:

Almost there! This is the final step – dipping the peppermint patties in the melted chocolate. Get ready for some chocolatey goodness!

Prepare Your Dipping Station: Have your melted chocolate ready in a bowl, and your chilled peppermint patties on the baking sheet. You'll also need a fork or dipping tools to help you dip the patties.
Dip the Patties: Take a peppermint patty from the freezer and carefully dip it into the melted chocolate, making sure it's completely coated. Use a fork or dipping tools to lift the patty out of the chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
Place on Baking Sheet: Place the chocolate-covered patty back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Optional: Sprinkle with Toppings: If you want to add some extra flair, you can sprinkle the chocolate-covered patties with toppings like crushed peppermint candies, sea salt, or sprinkles. Do this while the chocolate is still wet so the toppings will stick.
Repeat: Repeat the dipping process with the remaining peppermint patties.
Chill to Set: Once all the patties have been dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. This will help the chocolate harden and prevent it from melting when you handle the patties.

Storage:

Store your homemade peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let's be honest: you've scrolled this far because you're intrigued, right? And you should be! These homemade peppermint patties are not just a treat; they're an experience. They're a burst of cool, refreshing mint encased in a rich, dark chocolate shell that will absolutely blow the store-bought versions out of the water. Seriously, once you taste the difference, you'll never go back. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling combined with the satisfying snap of the chocolate is a symphony of textures and flavors that's simply irresistible.

But beyond the incredible taste, what makes this recipe a must-try is its simplicity. Don't let the idea of making candy intimidate you. I promise, with just a few readily available ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in no time. And the best part? You get to control exactly what goes into them, so you can avoid all those artificial additives and preservatives found in commercial candies. You're essentially creating a healthier (well, relatively!) and infinitely more delicious version of a classic.

Now, let's talk serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! Of course, these peppermint patties are perfect enjoyed straight from the fridge or freezer for a refreshing after-dinner treat. But you can also get creative! Imagine crumbling them over ice cream for a decadent sundae, or using them as a topping for brownies or cupcakes. For a festive twist, try adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes to the chocolate coating before it sets. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different extracts in the filling, like vanilla or almond, to create your own unique flavor combinations. You could even dip them in white chocolate for a contrasting look and taste!

And speaking of variations, consider making mini peppermint patties for a bite-sized indulgence. These are perfect for parties or for portion control (though, let's be real, portion control might be a challenge with these!). You could also use different types of chocolate, like milk chocolate or even a flavored chocolate, to customize the patties to your liking. The key is to have fun and experiment until you find your perfect combination.

But really, the best way to experience the magic of these homemade peppermint patties is to simply make them yourself. So, I urge you, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure. I'm confident that you'll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to create these little bites of heaven. And once you do, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your tips, and your variations in the comments below. Let's create a community of peppermint patty enthusiasts and spread the joy of homemade candy far and wide. Happy candy-making!

Don't forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think. I can't wait to see your creations!