Homemade Peppermint Patties

Homemade Peppermint Patties are one of my favorite no-bake treats whenever I crave something sweet, chocolatey, and refreshing. I love the combination of a cool, creamy peppermint center surrounded by a smooth, rich chocolate coating. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of minty freshness and chocolate sweetness.

What I enjoy most about making these homemade peppermint patties is how simple the process is. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven required, I can create delicious homemade candies that look just as beautiful as store-bought treats. I especially love preparing them for Christmas, holiday dessert platters, homemade gifts, and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

I love that this homemade peppermint patties recipe uses only a few ingredients to create such a satisfying candy.

¾ cup sweetened condensed milk

1½ teaspoons peppermint extract

4 cups powdered sugar

1 pound chocolate almond bark

Sprinkles, optional

Directions

Prepare the Peppermint Base:

I begin by adding the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract to a large mixing bowl. I stir the ingredients together until they are completely combined and the peppermint flavor is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Make the Peppermint Dough:

Using an electric mixer on low speed, I gradually add the powdered sugar to the peppermint mixture. I continue mixing until a thick, smooth dough forms.

I look for a consistency that is firm enough to hold its shape without sticking excessively to my hands. If the dough feels too soft, I can incorporate a little additional powdered sugar until it becomes easier to handle.

Shape the Patties:

I line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Next, I roll the peppermint dough into small, evenly sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. I gently flatten each ball into a round disc approximately 2 inches wide and ¼ inch thick.

I try to keep the patties similar in size so they look uniform and are easier to coat with chocolate.

Freeze the Peppermint Centers:

I transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and allow the peppermint discs to chill for approximately 1 hour, or until they become firm.

I find this step especially important because the cold centers are much easier to dip into melted chocolate without breaking or losing their shape.

Melt the Chocolate Coating:

Once the peppermint patties are firm, I place the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl.

I microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval until it becomes completely melted and smooth.

I avoid overheating the chocolate because excessive heat can cause it to become thick or scorched.

Dip the Peppermint Patties:

Working with one frozen peppermint disc at a time, I carefully dip it into the melted chocolate until it is completely coated.

I use a fork or dipping tool to lift the patty from the chocolate, gently shaking off the excess coating. I also lightly scrape the bottom against the edge of the bowl to prevent a thick layer of chocolate from collecting underneath.

Decorate the Patties:

I place each chocolate-coated peppermint patty back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

If I want a festive appearance, I immediately sprinkle the tops with colorful decorations before the chocolate begins to harden.

I especially enjoy using crushed peppermint candies or holiday-themed sprinkles for Christmas dessert trays.

Let the Chocolate Set:

I allow the chocolate coating to set completely before handling or serving the patties.

Once the chocolate has hardened, I can enjoy the homemade peppermint patties immediately or transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Servings and Timing

I find this recipe convenient when I want to prepare a generous batch of homemade candy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 24 patties

Calories per serving: Approximately 190 kcal

Variations

I love experimenting with different flavors and decorations to make these homemade peppermint patties suitable for different occasions.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patties:

I sometimes replace the chocolate almond bark with dark chocolate melting wafers for a deeper, less sweet chocolate flavor. I especially enjoy how dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the peppermint filling.

White Chocolate Peppermint Patties:

For a sweeter variation, I dip the peppermint centers into melted white chocolate coating. I like decorating these with crushed peppermint candies for an attractive red-and-white holiday appearance.

Extra Minty Peppermint Patties:

When I want a stronger peppermint flavor, I add a few extra drops of peppermint extract. I make small adjustments because too much extract can easily overpower the chocolate.

Chocolate Drizzle Patties:

I sometimes drizzle melted white chocolate over dark chocolate-coated patties to create an elegant striped appearance. I find this variation especially attractive when assembling homemade candy gift boxes.

Mini Peppermint Patties:

I make smaller discs when I want bite-sized candies for dessert platters or parties. I adjust the number of servings accordingly and keep an eye on the chocolate coating to ensure each mini patty is evenly covered.

Festive Holiday Peppermint Patties:

For Christmas, I decorate the chocolate coating with red and green sprinkles or finely crushed candy canes. I love how these simple decorations transform the patties into festive homemade treats.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage:

I store homemade peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

I prefer placing parchment paper between layers to prevent the candies from sticking together or damaging their chocolate coating.

Freezer Storage:

When I want to prepare a larger batch in advance, I freeze the finished peppermint patties in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 2 months for the best quality.

I separate the layers with parchment paper and allow the patties to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Room Temperature Storage:

I prefer keeping these candies refrigerated, especially in warm or humid weather. For serving, I can leave them at a cool room temperature for a short period, provided the chocolate remains firm.

Reheating Instructions:

I never reheat peppermint patties because they are meant to be enjoyed as a cool, refreshing candy.

If I have frozen them, I simply let them thaw in the refrigerator until the centers reach my preferred texture.

FAQs

Can I make homemade peppermint patties without baking?

Absolutely! I love this recipe because it requires no baking at all. I simply mix the peppermint filling, shape it into discs, freeze the centers, and coat them in melted chocolate. The result is a delicious homemade candy without using an oven.

Why is my peppermint filling too sticky?

I usually find that sticky peppermint dough needs a little more powdered sugar. I gradually add small amounts until the dough becomes firm enough to roll and shape. Also I make sure the filling is properly chilled before dipping it into chocolate.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of chocolate almond bark?

Yes, I can substitute regular chocolate, although I prefer using chocolate melting wafers or almond bark for easier coating. If I use regular chocolate, I may need to temper it to achieve a firm, glossy finish that stays stable at room temperature.

How do I prevent the peppermint patties from falling apart while dipping?

I make sure the peppermint centers are thoroughly frozen before coating them. I also work in small batches, keeping the remaining patties in the freezer until I am ready to dip them. This helps maintain their shape and prevents the filling from becoming too soft.

Can I prepare homemade peppermint patties ahead of time?

Yes! I often prepare these candies several days before a holiday gathering or special occasion. Then I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until I am ready to serve them. I find that making them ahead of time saves effort when preparing multiple desserts.

Conclusion

Homemade Peppermint Patties are a wonderful combination of creamy peppermint filling and rich, smooth chocolate coating. I love how this easy no-bake candy recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a refreshing, delicious treat that feels special enough for holidays and celebrations.

Whether I am preparing a Christmas candy platter, assembling homemade edible gifts, or simply satisfying a chocolate-mint craving, I can always count on these peppermint patties to deliver a satisfying balance of sweetness and freshness.

What makes this recipe especially appealing to me is its simplicity and versatility. I can experiment with different chocolate coatings, add festive decorations, and prepare the candies ahead of time for convenient serving.

With their smooth chocolate shells and cool peppermint centers, these homemade peppermint patties have become one of my favorite sweet treats to make and share.

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