Chocolate-peppermint treats are an absolute must during the holiday season, and this peppermint patty recipe is a clear winner. Each peppermint patty is filled with a sweet, cooling peppermint dough center that’s coated in rich, luxurious chocolate.
This no-bake treat is beloved by all ages, and it’s a great pick to make with kids during winter break. The store-bought brand doesn’t hold a candle!
Peppermint Patty Recipe Ingredients
- Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar dissolves more easily into the dough than white sugar would, so it’s our go-to sweetener for this recipe.
- Butter: A tiny bit of butter makes the peppermint patties more pliable and easier to work with. Forgot to soften the butter? Here’s how to soften butter quickly.
- Peppermint extract: Peppermint extract gives these peppermint patties their iconic flavor. Don’t substitute peppermint extract with peppermint oil—the flavor of peppermint oil is much too strong.
- Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is the result of reducing cow’s milk until about 60% of its water has been evaporated. This makes evaporated milk a richer, sweeter liquid binder than plain ol’ milk.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Our Test Kitchen pros found the best chocolate chips to use in baking recipes based on their appearance, texture and flavor. They found that Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips were the best classic chocolate chips!
- Shortening: Shortening makes the melted chocolate smoother, shinier and easier to work with.
Directions
Step 1: Create the dough
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the confectioners’ sugar, butter, peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Pour in the evaporated milk, and beat well.
Step 2: Roll into balls
Roll the peppermint patty dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on a waxed paper or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Flatten and freeze
Using the bottom of a glass, flatten each dough ball to 1/4-inch thickness. Tightly cover the baking sheet with storage wrap, and freeze the dough for 30 minutes.
Editor’s Tip: If your patties are sticking to the glass, rub the bottom of the glass with a tiny bit of butter.
Step 4: Make the chocolate coating
Gently melt the chocolate chips and shortening on high in the microwave. Chocolate can burn easily in the microwave, so cook in 15-second intervals, giving the mixture a good stir after each interval. Stir until the chocolate coating is completely smooth.
Editor’s Tip: If melting chocolate in the microwave is too finicky for you, try one of our other trusted methods to melt chocolate.
Step 5: Dip the dough patties
With a fork, dip the patties into the chocolate coating, letting the excess drip off. Arrange the peppermint patties on waxed paper, and let stand until the chocolate is set. We recommend using two forks: one to dip the patty into the chocolate, and the other to push the patty off the fork and onto the wax paper. An offset spatula also works well for this.
Editor’s Tip: This is the perfect time to add sprinkles on top if desired. Sprinkle them on before the chocolate coating hardens—it happens quicker than you think!
Recipe Variations
- Add festive sprinkles: Decorate your peppermint patties with festive Christmas sprinkles!
- Finish with peppermint candies: Dress up these homemade peppermint patties with crushed peppermint candies for an extra-festive flair.
- Drizzle on white chocolate: Melt white chocolate, and drizzle it on each patty after the peppermint patty’s chocolate coating has set.
- Coat in a different chocolate: We love using semisweet chocolate for this peppermint patty recipe, but you could just as easily switch it out for dark, milk or white chocolate.
How to Store Peppermint Patties
To store the peppermint patties, let the chocolate coating completely set, then place the peppermint patties in an airtight container layered between sheets of waxed paper or parchment (this is also how we store cookies!). They can last in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can you freeze peppermint patties?
Yes, you can freeze peppermint patties. Store the peppermint patties in an airtight container in between sheets of waxed paper or parchment. Store in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, and enjoy!
Peppermint Patty Recipe Tips
My patties fall apart when I dip them in chocolate. Why is this happening?
Your peppermint patties may be falling apart for two different reasons. Your chocolate may be too hot when you dip. After melting the chocolate, wait a minute or two before dipping the patties.
The second reason might be that your dough is becoming too soft in a warm kitchen. If this is the case, keep the uncoated patty dough rounds in the freezer while you work. Work in batches, only taking a few out at a time. Homemade peppermint patties can be finicky, so be patient. The taste is so worth the effort!
Can you make peppermint patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can make peppermint patties ahead of time. To split up the work over the course of two days, follow the recipe through Step 3, and keep the peppermint patty dough rounds in the freezer for up to 24 hours. The next day, dip the patties in the chocolate coating whenever you’re ready!
