Homemade Peppermint Patties

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Cool, creamy, and cloaked in glossy dark chocolate, these Homemade Peppermint Patties are the kind of treat that makes the whole house smell like the holidays. One bite and you get that satisfying snap of chocolate followed by a melt-in-your-mouth peppermint center—like the best store-bought version, only fresher and far more indulgent.

They’re surprisingly simple to pull together with pantry staples, and they keep beautifully, which makes them perfect for gifting, cookie trays, and late-night fridge raids. If you love chocolate-mint anything, this is one of those candy projects you’ll want to make on repeat all season long.

---

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Peppermint Patties

Homemade peppermint patties taste noticeably richer and creamier than the packaged kind. The filling is velvety and cool from real peppermint extract, and you can choose a darker, higher-quality chocolate that actually tastes like chocolate instead of just sugar.

They’re naturally gluten-free, don’t require any fancy candy thermometers, and come together mostly in a mixing bowl. A quick chill, a dip in melted chocolate, and a shower of sprinkles turn a simple mixture of sugar, butter, cream, and mint into something that looks completely gift-worthy.

Another huge bonus: this is a flexible recipe. You can make the patties as bite-sized circles for snacking, larger discs for a more dramatic dessert, or even shape the filling with small cookie cutters for themed parties or holidays.

---

What Kind of Chocolate Works Best for Homemade Peppermint Patties?

For the best texture and flavor, reach for a good-quality dark or semisweet chocolate that melts smoothly. Chocolate chips work in a pinch, but chopped bar chocolate usually melts more evenly and gives you a shinier finish. If you’d like a softer shell that’s easier to bite into straight from the fridge, add a spoonful of coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate.

You can also play with the look: use all dark chocolate for a classic candy-shop vibe, swirl in a few white-chocolate patties for contrast, or decorate with festive sprinkles to match any holiday or party theme.

---

Ingredients for the Homemade Peppermint Patties

This recipe uses simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store, but each one plays an important role in creating that iconic creamy center and crisp chocolate shell.

• Powdered sugar – Forms the base of the peppermint filling and gives it that smooth, melt-away texture.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the filling hold together without becoming sticky.
• Heavy cream – Loosens the mixture just enough so you can roll and flatten it while keeping the centers tender.
• Peppermint extract – Provides the cool, refreshing mint flavor that defines a classic peppermint patty.
• Fine salt – A tiny pinch balances all the sweetness and makes the mint flavor pop.
• Dark or semisweet chocolate – Creates the glossy outer shell and adds a deep, cocoa-rich contrast to the sweet filling.
• Coconut oil or shortening – Thins the melted chocolate slightly so it coats the patties smoothly and sets with a soft bite.
• Holiday sprinkles (optional) – Add color, crunch, and instant festive flair to the finished candies.

---

How To Make the Homemade Peppermint Patties

Making peppermint patties at home is a lot like playing with grown-up frosting: you mix, chill, shape, and dip. Give yourself enough time for chilling so the centers stay firm when they meet the warm chocolate.

Step 1: Mix the Cool Peppermint Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, salt, and a splash of heavy cream. Start on low speed so the sugar doesn’t fly everywhere, then increase the speed until the mixture comes together into a thick, smooth dough.

If the filling looks crumbly, add a tiny bit more cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it presses together easily. You’re aiming for a soft, moldable texture—similar to playdough—that won’t stick heavily to your fingers.

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Patties

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop small portions of the peppermint mixture (about 1 tablespoon each), roll them into balls between your palms, then flatten gently into discs.

Arrange the discs on the prepared sheet in a single layer. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 15–20 minutes, until they’re very firm. This step keeps the centers from melting or breaking apart when you dip them in chocolate.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating

Place the chopped chocolate and coconut oil or shortening in a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often, until completely smooth and glossy.

Once melted, remove the chocolate from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes so it’s warm but not piping hot—this helps the coating cling to the patties without melting the centers.

Step 4: Dip and Decorate

Working with a few chilled patties at a time, use a fork to dip each disc into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl, then slide the patty onto a parchment-lined tray.

If you’re using sprinkles, scatter them over the tops while the chocolate is still wet so they stick. Repeat with the remaining patties, reheating the chocolate briefly if it begins to thicken.

Step 5: Let the Patties Set

Allow the chocolate-covered peppermint patties to set at room temperature until firm, or pop the tray into the fridge for about 15 minutes to speed things up. Once set, gently peel them off the parchment and transfer to a serving plate or storage container.

---

Serving Homemade Peppermint Patties

A batch of these Homemade Peppermint Patties makes about 24 medium-size candies, which is enough to serve 10–12 people if everyone takes two. They look beautiful piled onto a platter for dessert, scattered across a cookie board, or wrapped in cellophane bags for edible gifts.

You can also use them as a topping: chop a few patties and sprinkle them over ice cream, layer them into brownie batter before baking, or press them into the frosting on a chocolate cake for an instant mint-chocolate upgrade.

---

Storing Homemade Peppermint Patties

Because the filling is rich with sugar and the chocolate shell protects it, these peppermint patties store very well. Once the chocolate has fully set, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.

They’ll keep at cool room temperature for about 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the patties in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; just thaw them in the fridge before serving so the chocolate doesn’t sweat.

Avoid leaving the patties in direct sunlight or near a warm oven, since the chocolate can bloom (develop pale streaks) or soften. The flavor will still be great, but they won’t look quite as polished.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can coat the peppermint patties in milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter candy. The overall flavor will be less intense and more kid-friendly, but the process is exactly the same.

Do I have to use heavy cream in the filling?
Heavy cream gives the creamiest texture, but you can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk if that’s what you have. Start with a little less and add it slowly so the filling doesn’t become too soft.

Why is my peppermint filling sticky and hard to shape?
If the filling is sticky, it usually means there’s a bit too much liquid. Add a spoonful or two of extra powdered sugar until the mixture firms up. Chilling the filling briefly before shaping can also make it easier to handle.

Can I make the peppermint patties ahead of time?
Absolutely. These candies are perfect for making in advance. Prepare and dip them up to several days before you need them, then store them in the fridge until party time or gifting.

How strong should the peppermint flavor be?
Peppermint extract is powerful, so start with the amount listed and then taste the filling. If you prefer a bolder mint, add a few extra drops at a time and mix well. Avoid adding large amounts at once, as the flavor can quickly become overwhelming.

---

Want More Candy and Dessert Ideas?

If chocolate-mint is your love language, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet treats too:

• Try these no-bake mint Oreo truffles when you want something creamy, fudgy, and minty with almost zero effort.
• For a peanut butter twist, make peanut butter buckeye balls with their irresistible chocolate-dipped shells.
• Dress up your holiday dessert tray with pumpkin pie cheesecake truffles, full of cozy fall flavor in bite-size form.
• Keep it classic and elegant with smooth chocolate truffles that you can roll in cocoa powder, nuts, or sprinkles.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save these Homemade Peppermint Patties to your favorite holiday dessert or candy board on Pinterest so you can find them quickly whenever a chocolate-mint craving hits.

When you make a batch, come back and let me know how they turned out. Did you go heavy on the peppermint or keep it mild? Did you use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or a mix of both?

I love hearing how you put your own spin on these treats. If you’re always hunting for new sweets to try, follow the Mad For Meals Pinterest board for even more dessert and candy inspiration.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?