One December evening, after a long day at the office juggling end-of-year reports, I found myself standing in my kitchen with the soft hum of Christmas music playing in the background. The kids were sprawled on the living-room rug, still in their school uniforms, building a gingerbread village that leaned like the Tower of Pisa.

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My husband was trying—unsuccessfully—to untangle a string of twinkle lights. The house smelled faintly of pine needles from the tree we had just brought home. I wanted something sweet, but not heavy. Something that would feel like a little wintry bite of joy.

That’s when I thought of peppermint patties. They’re cool, creamy, and light enough that you don’t feel weighed down. I’d never actually made them from scratch before—usually I just bought them in a shiny foil wrapper—but I was curious to see if homemade could taste fresher. I rolled up my sleeves, tied my favorite candy-cane apron, and decided this was the night to give it a try.

What surprised me was how quick and forgiving this recipe turned out to be. No candy thermometer, no complicated steps, just honest mixing, rolling, cutting, dipping. The whole process felt almost meditative after a hectic day. By the time I was done, the patties looked so festive with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top that I couldn’t help but smile. The kids hovered, asking every two minutes if they were ready yet. When I finally let them have one, they each gave a little “mmm” and reached for another. That’s when I knew I had a new holiday (and maybe year-round) treat for the family.

Short Description

These homemade peppermint patties have a smooth, creamy mint center coated in rich dark chocolate. They’re simple to make, beautifully festive, and far fresher than store-bought versions.

Key Ingredients

¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
1¼ teaspoons peppermint extract
⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
2 cups dark melting or dipping chocolate
Sprinkles (optional for decoration)

Tools Needed

Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
1 to 1½-inch cookie cutter or small glass
Fork (for dipping patties in chocolate)
Baking sheet

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Set the mixer to low and gradually add half of the powdered sugar. Continue adding the remaining sugar a little at a time until a thick, pliable dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Roll

Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar on a sheet of parchment paper. Turn out the dough and knead it gently for a few seconds to bring everything together. Roll the dough into a circle about ½ inch thick. Dust the top lightly with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cut the Patties

Use a 1 to 1½-inch cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass to cut out circles. If the dough softens too much, pop it into the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up. Place the cut patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes to keep them firm for dipping.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Let the chocolate cool for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly, so it clings better to the patties.

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

Using a fork, dip each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, turning to coat both sides. Lift gently, let excess chocolate drip off, and set it back on the parchment-lined sheet. Sprinkle with decorations if you like. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate is set.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Cool: The creamy mint center tastes refreshing and not overly sweet.

No Special Equipment: No candy thermometer or complicated steps required.

Fun for Families: Kids can help with cutting shapes or adding sprinkles.

Make-Ahead Friendly: They store well in the fridge or freezer for weeks.

Perfectly Giftable: Wrapped in small treat bags or boxes, they make thoughtful homemade gifts.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dough Too Sticky: If your dough feels too soft to roll, knead in 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until it’s workable.

Cracking While Rolling: Dust lightly with powdered sugar, and let the dough rest at room temperature for a minute to loosen up.

Chocolate Too Thin: If the melted chocolate seems runny, let it cool for a few minutes before dipping so it thickens slightly.

Uneven Coating: Use a fork to gently tap off extra chocolate before placing patties on the sheet.

Chocolate Bloom (White Streaks): Make sure the patties are cold before dipping and avoid placing them near heat while setting.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Arrange on a dessert tray with sugar cookies, gingerbread, and chocolate bark for a holiday party.

Serve chilled after dinner as a light, refreshing dessert.

Pack them into small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for teacher gifts or party favors.

Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a minty mocha latte for a cozy winter treat.

For summer gatherings, keep them refrigerated and serve slightly chilled for a cool bite.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store patties in an airtight container, layered between parchment sheets, for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving.

Reheating: Not needed, but if you prefer them slightly softer, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but milk chocolate will make them sweeter and less intense in flavor.

2. Do I have to use a stand mixer?
No, a hand mixer works fine, or you can mix by hand with a sturdy spoon, though it will take more effort.

3. Can I use fresh mint leaves instead of extract?
Extract is best for consistent flavor, but you can steep crushed fresh mint in the condensed milk for 15 minutes, then strain it before mixing.

4. Why is my chocolate cracking when I bite into it?
The patties were probably too cold when dipped. Let them warm slightly before dipping to prevent this.

5. Can I make them smaller or larger?
Absolutely. Just adjust the cookie-cutter size and be mindful of chilling times—smaller patties set faster.

Tips & Tricks

Chill your rolling pin and cookie cutter for less sticking.

Work in batches: keep half the patties in the freezer while you dip the rest.

Add a drop of green food coloring to the dough for a festive twist.

Sprinkle crushed candy canes or edible glitter on top for a holiday vibe.

Use high-quality chocolate for a smoother, shinier finish.

Recipe Variations

Coconut Mint Patties: Mix ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical surprise.

Mocha Peppermint Patties: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the chocolate before melting for a coffee-mint combo.

Sugar-Free Version: Swap sweetened condensed milk for a sugar-free alternative and use sugar-free chocolate chips; adjust sweetness with a few drops of stevia.

Colorful Centers: Tint the filling pink or green with gel food coloring to match seasonal themes.

Double Chocolate Crunch: Stir in ¼ cup crushed chocolate cookies into the dough for texture.

Final Thoughts

Making peppermint patties at home felt like a small triumph in the middle of a busy week. The process was simple enough to squeeze in after work, yet the result looked impressive, like something you’d find at a boutique candy shop. I loved seeing the kids sneak into the fridge to check if they’d set yet. Even my husband, who usually prefers savory snacks, admitted they were addictive.

I’ve realized these patties aren’t just holiday treats. They’re the kind of sweets that fit into so many moments—tucked into a lunchbox, served at a friend’s baby shower, or offered with a cup of coffee after dinner. Making them myself made me appreciate how fresh and clean the flavors are compared to the packaged version.

Every now and then, I enjoy finding recipes that let me slow down and be creative without stress, and this one hit that sweet spot. If you’re like me and crave a little kitchen therapy after a long day, I think you’ll find these peppermint patties as rewarding to make as they are to eat.

Cool And Creamy Peppermint Patties