The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Peppermint Patties: Better Than Store-Bought!

There’s a special kind of magic that comes from creating delicious treats right in your own kitchen. While store shelves are packed with tempting options, nothing quite compares to the rich flavor and satisfying texture of homemade candy. And when it comes to classic confections, these homemade peppermint patties truly stand out. Forget those mass-produced, sometimes waxy-tasting mints; our recipe promises an easy, delightful experience that results in creamy, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint centers enrobed in a crisp chocolate shell. They’re not just better than anything you can buy – they’re incredibly simple to make, proving that gourmet candy is well within your reach!

The Joy of Crafting Homemade Candy

For many, the thought of making candy from scratch might seem daunting, reserved only for seasoned bakers or special occasions like the holidays. However, I’m here to tell you that the world of homemade candy is vast, welcoming, and endlessly rewarding! There’s an unparalleled joy in presenting a beautifully arranged tin of bite-sized, chocolate-covered delights to friends and family. The look of surprise and appreciation they give when they realize you’ve gone to the trouble of crafting these treats by hand is truly heartwarming. It’s a gesture of love and thoughtfulness that simply can’t be replicated with a store-bought box.

But let’s be clear: candy making isn’t just for the holidays. It’s a fantastic activity year-round, especially when the weather outside discourages turning on a hot oven. During those sweltering summer months, when you still crave something sweet and impressive, stove-top or no-bake candy recipes become your best friend. Imagine whipping up a batch of something delightful without heating your entire house! There are countless delicious homemade caramels – truly to die for – or vibrant, flavorful gumdrops, where the flavor possibilities are as endless as your imagination. These options are not only easy but also incredibly fun to customize.

Effortless Indulgence: No Heat Required!

What if you prefer to avoid the stove altogether? This is where our Homemade Peppermint Patties truly shine! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: the peppermint centers require absolutely no cooking. All you need is your trusty stand mixer, and you’re good to go. This makes them an ideal choice for a quick treat, a fun project with kids, or simply when you want something sweet without the fuss and heat of baking. The only heat you’ll encounter is for melting the chocolate coating, and even that can be done with minimal effort. I personally love using a mini crockpot for a perfectly smooth, consistently warm chocolate bath, which makes dipping a breeze. For a visual guide on this method, you can check out this post. Alternatively, a microwave or a classic double boiler works just as effectively for melting your chocolate – and that’s the extent of any heat required!

Perfect Texture and Longevity

Once you bite into these homemade peppermint patties, you’ll immediately notice their superior quality. The peppermint filling is exquisitely smooth and creamy, designed to melt delightfully in your mouth, offering a burst of cool, refreshing mint. The chocolate shell provides a satisfying snap, creating a perfect textural contrast. What’s more, these delectable treats are surprisingly robust. They hold up incredibly well and, unless your home is experiencing tropical temperatures, they don’t require refrigeration. This makes them ideal for gifting or preparing ahead of time for parties and gatherings. Stored in an airtight container, they’ll maintain their freshness and irresistible flavor for up to two weeks. The only real challenge will be keeping everyone’s hands off them for that long!

They are the perfect after-dinner treat when you crave something sweet but don’t want the heaviness of a full dessert. Light, refreshing, and just the right amount of decadent – these patties truly hit the spot.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Patties Every Time

• Consistency is Key: When mixing the peppermint dough, aim for a firm but pliable texture. If it’s too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too dry and crumbly, a tiny bit more corn syrup or water can help, but add sparingly. The freezer step is crucial for firming up the mints, making them easy to dip without falling apart.
• Melting Chocolate Mastery: Using chocolate almond bark or candy melts is highly recommended for ease, as they temper beautifully and set quickly, giving you a smooth, shiny, non-sticky coating. If using regular chocolate chips, you might need to add a touch of shortening or coconut oil to achieve a good dipping consistency and help it set without bloom. Ensure your chocolate stays warm during the dipping process; a mini crockpot is ideal for this, or you can use a double boiler over very low heat.
• Dipping Technique: For a perfect coating, dip the bottom of the frozen patty first, then place it on a fork. Using a spoon, pour chocolate over the top, letting the excess drip off. A gentle tap against the side of the melting pot or bowl helps remove excess chocolate and ensures a thin, even layer. Place them on wax paper or parchment paper to set.
• Creative Variations: While classic peppermint is delightful, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try substituting peppermint extract with spearmint, almond, or even orange extract for a different flavor profile. You could also drizzle white chocolate over the finished dark chocolate patties for an elegant look, or sprinkle with crushed candy canes during the holidays.
• Gifting Made Easy: These peppermint patties make fantastic gifts. Arrange them in decorative tins, small boxes, or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. They’re perfect for hostess gifts, holiday treats, or simply a thoughtful gesture for a friend.

The Recipe: Homemade Peppermint Patties

Ready to create your own batch of these irresistible mints? Here’s the straightforward recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household:

Yield: 12 large mints or 24 small mints

Homemade Peppermint Patties

Rating: 4.4/5 (75 Reviews)

Ingredients

• • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• • 1 1/2 tablespoons water
• • 1 teaspoon Peppermint extract
• • 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• • 12 ounces chocolate almond bark or candy melts

Instructions

1. Using a mixer, blend 1 cup powdered sugar with corn syrup, water, peppermint extract and shortening. Once completely blended, add in remaining powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time. (If dough is too stiff to use mixer, you can knead remaining sugar in by hand.)
2. Divide dough into 1 inch balls (or 1/2 inch balls for small mints) using your hands, pat dough into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick discs. Place on a wax paper lined tray and place in freezer for 4 hours.
3. When ready to coat in chocolate, follow package directions for melting chocolate. A mini crock pot is highly recommended for maintaining optimal temperature.
4. Line a second tray with wax paper. Remove mint discs from freezer. Dip the bottom side of each disc in melted chocolate, then place on a fork. Using a spoon, pour chocolate over the top of the mint to completely cover it. Gently tap off any excess chocolate, then place on the new wax paper-covered tray for the chocolate to set. Repeat with remaining mint discs.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

Notes

You will need to keep your chocolate warm while dipping, especially when coating the frozen mint discs, or it will cool and thicken quickly. Consider using a warming method for best results.

Recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

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Once you’ve tried these homemade versions, you’ll never go back to store-bought. The fresh, vibrant peppermint combined with rich chocolate is an unbeatable combination. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite!

Craving More Easy Treats?

If you loved making these peppermint patties, you’re sure to enjoy these other simple and delicious recipes:

Easy Cheese Danishes

Easy Chocolate Fondue

Easy Chocolate Ice Cream (No Machine Needed!)

Irresistible Turtle Bark