Homemade Peppermint Patties
There’s something magical about making your own candy at home, and that’s exactly what I felt when I created these Homemade Peppermint Patties. Every holiday season, my family would gather in the kitchen, and one of our favorite traditions was whipping up these delightful treats. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. I still remember the first time I sampled one of these homemade wonders; it was a burst of minty freshness that instantly brought back cheerful memories of our family gatherings. Making Homemade Peppermint Patties isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the joy of creating something special together, sharing laughter, and indulging in the sweet rewards of our efforts.
Recipe Snapshot
45 mins
45 mins
0 mins
Medium
90 kcal
1 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
4 g
Frying Pan, Blender, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon
These Homemade Peppermint Patties stand out for numerous reasons. First and foremost, they are a nostalgic treat that evokes the warmth of family traditions during the holidays. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to have a hands-on experience, perfect for involving kids or friends. The vibrant and refreshing taste of peppermint is an instant mood-lifter, and the creamy texture of the patties melts in your mouth, making every bite a delightful experience. You can customize them with sprinkles or enjoy them plain, adding a personal touch to each batch. Plus, they make fantastic gifts for neighbors or as a sweet addition to any holiday dessert table.
Homemade Peppermint Patties Are Easy to Make
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these delicious candies in no time. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract creates a dough that’s easy to work with, allowing you to cut out perfect rounds without any fuss. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find that following the steps is straightforward and rewarding.
Perfect for Any Occasion
While these Homemade Peppermint Patties are a holiday favorite, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a cozy movie night, or simply a treat to brighten your day, these candies will be a hit. They also make wonderful party favors wrapped in festive packaging.
Endless Customization Options
One of the best parts about making Homemade Peppermint Patties is the endless customization opportunities. Want to add a touch of color? Include festive sprinkles! You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for dipping, such as white chocolate or milk chocolate, to create variations that suit your taste.
Healthier Than Store-Bought Options
With homemade treats, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can avoid artificial flavors and preservatives often found in store-bought candies. This way, you ensure a wholesome treat that your family can enjoy guilt-free.
A Fun Activity for All Ages
Making Homemade Peppermint Patties can be a delightful family activity. Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, pouring ingredients, and shaping the patties. It’s a great way to create lasting memories and teach them the joys of cooking.
Homemade Peppermint Patties Shopping List
When creating Homemade Peppermint Patties, it’s crucial to use high-quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The key players in this recipe include sweetened condensed milk, which provides a creamy base, and powdered sugar, which gives the patties their delightful sweetness and smooth texture. These ingredients come together to create a candy that is not only delicious but also easy to make!
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk: This forms the base of your patties, giving them that rich, creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives these candies their refreshing taste.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: This sweetens the mixture and helps it hold its shape.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: Used for dipping, adding a rich chocolatey flavor.
- 3 teaspoons vegetable oil: This helps to smooth out the chocolate for dipping.
- Holiday sprinkles (optional): For a festive touch on your finished candies.
How to Prepare Homemade Peppermint Patties
Getting ready to make your own Homemade Peppermint Patties is an exciting process, and I can’t wait to guide you through it! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying these delicious treats in no time. Let’s dive into the preparation.
- Start by adding sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar into a large bowl. Mix them together with an electric mixer until you get a thick dough that holds together well. Look for a consistency that’s thick but still pliable enough to shape.
- Next, line two baking pans with parchment paper or wax paper. This is essential for preventing the patties from sticking and for easy cleanup later. Sprinkle some powdered sugar onto a clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop, to keep the dough from sticking.
- Take the peppermint dough and place it on the powdered sugar-covered surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cutting and a consistent texture.
- Using a small round cookie cutter that is approximately 1 inch across, cut out the peppermint patties from the rolled dough. Place the cut patties on the cookie sheet, ensuring they are closely placed but not touching. This helps save space while they chill.
- Reroll any leftover dough and repeat the cutting process until all the dough has been used. You’ll be amazed at how many patties you can get from this simple recipe!
- Once your patties are cut, it’s time to refrigerate them. Place the pans of peppermint patties in the refrigerator and chill for about 45 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes dipping in chocolate easier.
- After the chilling period, take your chocolate chips and vegetable oil and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize easily!
- Remove the chilled peppermint candies from the refrigerator. Using a fork, dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
- If desired, sprinkle some holiday sprinkles on top of the chocolate-coated patties before the chocolate sets. This adds a festive flair to your delicious homemade candies!
- Finally, place the peppermint candies back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. Once they’re ready, enjoy your homemade creations!
Things Worth Knowing
- Always chill your patties: Chilling the dough before cutting ensures that the patties hold their shape and don’t get too soft when handling them.
- Use high-quality chocolate: The quality of your chocolate will directly affect the taste of your Homemade Peppermint Patties. Choose a chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own.
- Experiment with flavors: While peppermint is classic, you can try other extracts like orange or almond for a different twist.
- For a smoother chocolate coat: Adding a little vegetable oil to your melted chocolate can help to create a smoother finish when dipping.
Recipe Variations about Homemade Peppermint Patties
If you’re ready to shake things up, here are some variations to consider when making Homemade Peppermint Patties. These tips will add new flavors and textures to your creations, making each batch unique!
- Storage: These patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure they are completely set before storing to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these candies! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, and they will last for up to three months. Thaw before enjoying.
- Pairing: These patties pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make great additions to ice cream sundaes for a minty twist!
- Chocolate Variations: Try using white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor experience. You can even drizzle two types of chocolate on top for a beautiful effect.
- Flavor Infusions: Instead of just peppermint, consider adding crushed candy canes to the chocolate for extra flavor and a festive crunch.
- Holiday Presentation: Package these candies in decorative boxes or bags for gifts. They make great treats for neighbors or party favors!
Side Dish Ideas for Homemade Peppermint Patties
When it comes to serving Homemade Peppermint Patties, you have a world of options to enhance your experience. Here are some delightful suggestions.
- With Hot Chocolate: Serve these patties alongside a mug of rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat that pairs perfectly with the minty flavor.
- As Party Favors: Wrap individual patties in colorful foil or place them in small bags to give as party favors during holiday gatherings.
- Ice Cream Sundaes: Crumble some patties on top of vanilla ice cream for a delightful minty crunch in your sundae.
- Christmas Dessert Table: Feature these patties on your holiday dessert table to impress guests and add a festive touch.
- Snack Time: Enjoy them as a sweet snack throughout the day. Their small size makes them a perfect bite-sized treat!
- Gift-Wrapped Goodies: Consider packaging a batch of these patties in a decorative tin as a thoughtful gift for friends and family during the holidays.
FAQ
Conclusion
Making Homemade Peppermint Patties encapsulates the joy of candy-making at home. They’re not just treats; they embody memories of togetherness and festive cheer. I encourage you to try this easy recipe and bring some homemade joy into your kitchen. You’ll be delighted with every bite of these minty, chocolatey confections!
Homemade Peppermint Patties
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 3 teaspoons vegetable oil
- holiday sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Start by adding sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar into a large bowl. Mix them together with an electric mixer until you get a thick dough that holds together well. Look for a consistency that's thick but still pliable enough to shape.
- Next, line two baking pans with parchment paper or wax paper. This is essential for preventing the patties from sticking and for easy cleanup later. Sprinkle some powdered sugar onto a clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop, to keep the dough from sticking.
- Take the peppermint dough and place it on the powdered sugar-covered surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until it's about ¼ inch thick. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cutting and a consistent texture.
- Using a small round cookie cutter that is approximately 1 inch across, cut out the peppermint patties from the rolled dough. Place the cut patties on the cookie sheet, ensuring they are closely placed but not touching. This helps save space while they chill.
- Reroll any leftover dough and repeat the cutting process until all the dough has been used. You'll be amazed at how many patties you can get from this simple recipe!
- Once your patties are cut, it's time to refrigerate them. Place the pans of peppermint patties in the refrigerator and chill for about 45 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes dipping in chocolate easier.
- After the chilling period, take your chocolate chips and vegetable oil and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize easily!
- Remove the chilled peppermint candies from the refrigerator. Using a fork, dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
- If desired, sprinkle some holiday sprinkles on top of the chocolate-coated patties before the chocolate sets. This adds a festive flair to your delicious homemade candies!
- Finally, place the peppermint candies back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. Once they're ready, enjoy your homemade creations!
Notes
- Tip 1: These patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure they are completely set before storing to prevent sticking.
- Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze these candies! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, and they will last for up to three months. Thaw before enjoying.
- Tip 3: These patties pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make great additions to ice cream sundaes for a minty twist!
- Tip 4: Try using white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor experience. You can even drizzle two types of chocolate on top for a beautiful effect.
- Tip 5: Instead of just peppermint, consider adding crushed candy canes to the chocolate for extra flavor and a festive crunch.
