Peppermint Patties Homemade: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Candy

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Who doesn’t love the combination of cool peppermint and rich chocolate? Making peppermint patties homemade is easier than you think, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of the year, especially during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peppermint patties homemade recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves candies but wants to avoid the preservatives and additives found in store-bought versions. By using just 4 ingredients, including sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and dark chocolate chips, you can create a healthier alternative that’s just as tasty.

Plus, the process is incredibly easy and fun, making it a great activity to do with kids or as a fun DIY project.

One of the best things about making peppermint patties from scratch is the ability to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking. Want a stronger peppermint flavor?

Simply add a bit more extract. Prefer a lighter coating of chocolate?

Use less chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a truly unique and delicious treat that’s all your own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious homemade peppermint patties:

1 can of sweetened condensed milk , This is the base of our peppermint patties, providing a creamy and sweet texture that’s essential for the candy’s structure.

1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract , This gives our patties their distinctive cool and refreshing flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but be careful not to add too much, as it can quickly become overpowering.

1 cup of dark chocolate chips , These provide the rich and indulgent coating for our peppermint patties. You can use any type of chocolate you prefer, but dark chocolate works particularly well with the peppermint flavor.

1 tablespoon of shortening (optional) , This helps to thin out the chocolate and makes it easier to coat the peppermint patties. You can omit it if you prefer a thicker chocolate coating.

Why These Ingredients

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it provides the creamy base for our peppermint patties. It’s made by heating milk and sugar together until the mixture thickens and caramelizes, creating a rich and sweet flavor that’s perfect for candies.

When combined with peppermint extract, it creates a delicious and refreshing flavor that’s hard to resist.

One of the benefits of using sweetened condensed milk is that it’s incredibly easy to work with. Simply open the can, scoop out the desired amount, and you’re ready to go.

It’s also a very forgiving ingredient, so don’t worry if you accidentally add a bit too much or too little , the recipe will still turn out delicious.

Peppermint Extract

Peppermint extract is what gives our patties their distinctive cool and refreshing flavor. It’s made by extracting the oil from peppermint leaves, which are known for their invigorating and refreshing properties.

When used in candies, peppermint extract creates a delicious and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a pick-me-up during the holiday season.

When using peppermint extract, it’s essential to be careful not to add too much, as it can quickly become overpowering. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more extract until you reach the desired flavor.

You can always add more, but it’s much harder to remove the flavor once it’s been added.

Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part , making our peppermint patties! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious treats:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Mixture , In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture , Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow it to chill and firm up. This will make it easier to shape the mixture into patties.

Step 3: Shape the Patties , Once the mixture has chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop small balls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should end up with around 20-25 patties, depending on the size.

Step 4: Flatten the Patties , Use your fingers or a flat tool to gently flatten each patty into a disk shape. Make sure they’re evenly sized so that they coat evenly with chocolate.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate , In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth and melted.

Step 6: Coat the Patties , Dip each patty into the melted chocolate, using a fork to fully coat the patty. Tap off any excess chocolate by gently tapping the fork against the side of the bowl.

Step 7: Chill and Serve , Place the chocolate-coated patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Once set, serve and enjoy!

How To Serve

These peppermint patties are perfect for snacking on their own or using as a topping for ice cream or other desserts. Here are a few ideas for serving:

Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator, for a cool and refreshing treat. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the chocolate and make them easier to bite into.

Use them as a topping for ice cream, milkshakes, or hot chocolate for a delicious and refreshing treat. The peppermint flavor pairs perfectly with rich and creamy textures.

Give them as gifts, packaged in cute bags or containers, for a thoughtful and unique present. You can also customize the packaging with festive ribbons or labels to make them more special.

Enjoy them during the holiday season, when peppermint flavors are particularly popular. You can also make them in advance and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead treat.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

These peppermint patties can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days, as long as they’re kept in an airtight container. However, be aware that the chocolate may soften and become sticky, so it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Refrigerator

Store the peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will keep them fresh and prevent the chocolate from melting or becoming sticky.

Freezer

For longer term storage, you can freeze the peppermint patties for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Top Tips

Use High Quality Chocolate

The type of chocolate you use can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your peppermint patties. Look for high-quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content for the best results.

Don’t Overmix the Mixture

When combining the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract, be careful not to overmix the mixture. This can cause it to become too stiff and difficult to shape into patties.

Experiment with Different Flavors

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious variations. Try adding a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of sea salt to give your peppermint patties an extra boost of flavor.

Make Ahead

These peppermint patties are perfect for making ahead of time, as they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator when you’re ready to serve.

Gift Ideas

Consider packaging the peppermint patties in cute bags or containers and giving them as gifts. You can also customize the packaging with festive ribbons or labels to make them more special.

Final Thoughts

Making peppermint patties homemade is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to create a delicious and unique treat.

With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can create a tasty and refreshing candy that’s perfect for any time of the year.