I’m so excited to share my homemade peppermint patties recipe with you today! There’s something magical about that cool, minty center wrapped in rich dark chocolate that makes these treats absolutely irresistible. With just five simple ingredients from your pantry, you can create these classic candies that rival anything from the store. They’re perfect for holiday gifting, weekend projects with the kids, or just because you deserve a little something special. Wonder what makes these peppermint patties so much better than store-bought versions?
Why You’ll Love these Homemade Peppermint Patties
When you taste these homemade peppermint patties, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought version. The cool, creamy centers balanced with rich dark chocolate create that perfect minty-sweet combination we all crave.
I’m smitten with how simple they’re to make—just five ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now.
The best part? You control the mint intensity. Want it subtler? Just dial back the peppermint extract a touch.
They’re perfect for holiday gifts, weekend projects with kids, or those moments when you need a small sweet treat without a trip to the store.
What Ingredients are in Homemade Peppermint Patties?
Making these delicious peppermint patties requires just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create that perfect balance of cool mint and rich chocolate.
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons cream
- 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
For the best results, make certain your butter is properly softened (not melted) and consider using high-quality dark chocolate with around 60-70% cacao content—it really makes a difference in the final flavor and guarantees a beautiful shine on your finished patties.
How to Make these Homemade Peppermint Patties
Combine 2½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 2 tablespoons cream, and 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract in a medium bowl.
Mix everything together until a smooth, pliable dough forms—you might need to use your hands toward the end to really bring it together.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Place the peppermint dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to about ¼-inch thickness.
This thickness gives you that perfect bite—not too thin that they’re flimsy, not too thick that they’re overwhelming.
Step 3: Cut Into Circles
Use a small round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut the dough into circles.
You can gather up the scraps and re-roll as needed to use all the dough, because who wants to waste any of that minty goodness?
Step 4: Freeze the Patties
Transfer the cut patties to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for 30 minutes.
This critical step guarantees they hold their shape when dipped in the warm chocolate.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
While the patties are freezing, chop 8 ounces of dark chocolate and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each session, until completely smooth and glossy.
For professional results, consider using premium chocolate supplies which will elevate the flavor and texture of your homemade peppermint patties.
Step 6: Dip the Patties
Remove the patties from the freezer and, working quickly, dip each one into the melted chocolate.
A fork works perfectly for this—slide it under the patty, dip, let excess chocolate drip off, then place on parchment paper.
Step 7: Let Them Set
Refrigerate your chocolate-covered patties for about 1 hour until completely set.
The waiting is honestly the hardest part, but patience delivers that perfect snap when you bite into them.
Step 8: Serve at the Right Temperature
For the best flavor experience, let the patties sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving.
This brief rest allows the mint flavor to really bloom and the chocolate to soften just slightly.
What to Serve with Homemade Peppermint Patties
These cool, invigorating treats need the right companions to truly shine. A steaming mug of hot coffee creates the perfect temperature contrast—the heat brings out the mint while the coffee’s bitterness balances the sweetness.
For something indulgent, try vanilla ice cream with a patty on the side (or chopped up and mixed in). Fresh berries, particularly raspberries or strawberries, provide a tart counterpoint that cuts through the richness.
For a grown-up pairing, these patties are surprisingly delicious with a glass of cabernet sauvignon or even bourbon—the mint plays wonderfully against those deep flavors.
These make fantastic after-dinner mints, holiday party offerings, or mid-afternoon pick-me-ups with tea.
Homemade Peppermint Patties Substitutions and Variations
- Chocolate choices: Try milk chocolate for a sweeter patty, or white chocolate for a striking visual contrast.
- Fun add-ins: Mix crushed candy canes into the filling for holiday crunch, or add a drop of food coloring for festive hues.
- Garnish ideas: Sprinkle sea salt, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or a dusting of matcha powder on the wet chocolate coating.
- Shape variations: Make hearts for Valentine’s Day or squares for an easier no-waste approach.
Leftovers and Storage for these Homemade Peppermint Patties
These delightful treats keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
They’re actually perfect for making ahead because the flavors continue to develop over time!
For longer storage, pop them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from freezing together.
When you’re ready to enjoy:
- From the fridge: Let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving (just as the recipe suggests) for the best texture and flavor
- From the freezer: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight
No need to worry about sogginess, but do keep them away from heat sources to prevent the chocolate from melting or developing a white “bloom” on the surface.
Final Thoughts
These homemade peppermint patties capture that magical balance of cool mint and rich chocolate we all crave, but with a freshness store-bought versions simply can’t match.
The simple ingredients transform into something truly special, with that satisfying snap of dark chocolate giving way to a creamy, minty center.
They’re particularly wonderful during holiday gatherings when everyone’s looking for something festive, but honestly, they make any ordinary day feel a bit more special.
With their make-ahead convenience and impressive presentation, these little rounds of joy remind us that sometimes the most memorable treats come from our own kitchens rather than a candy aisle.
