If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the crisp, refreshing taste of peppermint in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth candy, you’re going to adore this Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. Rich with creamy peppermint filling coated in a shiny chocolate shell, these delightful treats bring together the perfect balance of sweetness and cool minty zing. Whether for a holiday gift, party favor, or just a special indulgence, making peppermint patties from scratch is easier and more rewarding than you might think. Plus, creating them at home means you can tailor the mint intensity and sweetness exactly to your liking. Get ready to wow your taste buds and your loved ones with these beautiful little candies packed full of festive flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe plays a starring role in creating that signature creamy texture, refreshing flavor, and perfect coating. Simple pantry staples combine with a few special touches to bring these classic treats to life.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps the filling hold together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (whipping cream): Provides the creamy base that makes the filling luscious and tender.
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup: Keeps the filling soft and slightly glossy without crystallizing.
- 1+1/2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla: Boosts depth of flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
- 3 teaspoons pure peppermint extract: The star flavor that delivers that refreshing peppermint punch.
- 2+1/3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners sugar): Sweetens and thickens the filling to the perfect Play-Doh consistency.
- 1 tub Wilton Candy Dips (10 oz): The easy-to-melt coating that gives your patties their smooth, glossy chocolate shell.
- 3 candy canes, crushed: Adds festive crunch and extra peppermint flair when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peppermint Filling
Begin by combining the butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, Mexican vanilla, and peppermint extract in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix until all these ingredients form a smooth, fluffy base. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing steadily until the dough reaches a Play-Doh-like consistency—soft but firm enough to hold its shape. This mixture is the heart of your peppermint patties, packed full of flavor and ready to be shaped.
Step 2: Roll and Chill the Dough
Next, place the peppermint dough between two sheets of waxed paper. Roll it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness—thin enough to create that lovely bite-sized treat but thick enough to hold the flavors inside. Pop the rolled dough into the freezer for about 15 minutes until it firms up nicely, making it much easier to cut clean shapes in the next step.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Once firm, it’s time to make your peppermint patties come to life! Use a tiny biscuit cutter or even your hands to cut or shape small discs from the chilled dough. As you work, place the patties on a freezer-safe plate and return them to the freezer for another 10 minutes. This extra chill helps the patties maintain their form during the coating process.
Step 4: Melt the Candy Coating
While the patties are chilling, melt the Wilton Candy Dips using a melting pot or carefully in the microwave. This coating melts smoothly to form the classic shiny shell that encases each peppermint patty, giving both a beautiful look and that irresistible chocolate flavor contrast.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate the Patties
Remove a portion of the patties from the freezer to work with—keeping the rest chilled is key. Using a fork, dip each patty into the melted candy coating, ensuring it is fully covered on all sides. Then, place the coated patties onto parchment-lined paper and generously sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while the coating is still warm. This adds a delightful festive crunch and extra peppermint goodness.
Step 6: Repeat the Dipping Process
Keep repeating the dipping and decorating with the remaining patties still in the freezer until all have been coated and adorned with candy cane sprinkles. Allow the coated patties to set at room temperature or in the fridge until firm so that the shell hardens and snaps satisfyingly when bitten.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling crushed candy canes on freshly dipped peppermint patties not only adds festive appeal but also brings a refreshing texture contrast. If you want an extra touch of elegance, try a light dusting of edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate. The key is to keep the garnishes simple so the peppermint flavor stays front and center.
Side Dishes
Pair these homemade peppermint patties with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or fresh coffee for a perfect after-dinner treat. They also complement holiday cookie platters beautifully, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between richer desserts. You could even serve them alongside a bright citrus salad for a surprising but harmonious combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make your Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe feel extra special. Arrange the candies in mini cupcake liners or gift boxes tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. For parties, display them on a festive platter layered with evergreen sprigs or holly berries to enhance their seasonal charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your peppermint patties are fully coated and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, maintaining their signature texture and minty kick.
Freezing
You can freeze these peppermint patties for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until frozen solid, then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen peppermint patties will keep their delicious taste and texture for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to heat peppermint patties before enjoying them. If they were refrigerated or frozen, simply let them come to room temperature so the chocolate coating regains its perfect snap. Avoid microwaving, as this can soften the shell and diminish the crisp texture you love.
FAQs
Can I make peppermint patties without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes mixing easier, you can use a handheld mixer or even stir vigorously by hand. The key is to blend the ingredients until the dough has that smooth, pliable consistency.
What can I use if I don’t have Wilton Candy Dips?
If you can’t find Wilton Candy Dips, white chocolate or candy melts designed for coating candies work well too. Just be cautious when melting to prevent burning and adjust thickness with a little vegetable oil if needed.
How strong is the peppermint flavor? Can I adjust it?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of peppermint extract, which gives a pleasantly strong but balanced mint flavor. Feel free to add more or less according to your taste, but be careful—peppermint extract is potent, so small adjustments make a big difference.
Can these peppermint patties be made vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Make sure to choose vegan chocolate for coating, and you’ll have delicious dairy-free peppermint patties.
How long does it take for the chocolate shell to set?
Typically, the coating sets in about 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature. Chilling them briefly in the fridge can speed this up if you’re eager to enjoy your candies sooner.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making your own peppermint candies from scratch, and this Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe makes it perfectly accessible and fun. Whether for gifting or a little extra sweetness to brighten your day, these refreshing treats offer classic holiday charm with every bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the delightful aroma of peppermint fill your kitchen as you create these homemade favorites your family and friends will absolutely love.
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Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 30 candies
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties are a delightful, refreshing candy perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a minty sweet treat. Made with a smooth peppermint cream filling coated in a crisp candy shell, these patties are simple to make and require no baking. They boast a perfect balance of sweetness and peppermint flavor, topped with festive crushed candy canes for added crunch and color.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (whipping cream)
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla
- 3 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
- 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners sugar)
Coating and Decoration
- 1 tub Wilton Candy Dips (10 oz)
- 3 candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Make the Peppermint Dough: Add the butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, Mexican vanilla, and peppermint extract to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix until all ingredients are well blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the dough has a Play-Doh-like texture, smooth and pliable.
- Roll and Chill the Dough: Place the dough between two sheets of waxed paper and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Freeze the rolled dough for 15 minutes or until firm, which makes it easier to cut and shape.
- Cut or Form Patties: Use a small biscuit cutter to cut out rounds from the dough or shape the dough into small patties by hand. Place these on a freezer-safe plate and return them to the freezer for another 10 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Candy Coating: Melt the Wilton Candy Dips either in a Wilton melting pot or carefully in the microwave, stirring to ensure smoothness and prevent burning.
- Dip the Patties: Take about a quarter of the patties out of the freezer. Using a fork, dip each patty into the melted candy to fully coat it. Place dipped patties on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes for festive decoration and texture.
- Repeat Coating: Continue dipping the remaining patties in batches, placing them on parchment paper and topping with crushed candy canes. Allow the coating to harden before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, keep the peppermint patties chilled until ready to dip to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Use high-quality peppermint extract for the most authentic mint flavor.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with suitable alternatives.
- Store the finished patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Crushed candy canes add a lovely crunch and color, but you can omit or substitute with chopped peppermint candies.
