These Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Perfect special occasion Candy Idea are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their cool peppermint filling and rich chocolate coating, these candies are not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to enhance your dessert platter or gift something special, these peppermint patties stand out as a festive favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute holiday preparations.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the size or decorations to fit your personal style or occasion.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy peppermint and rich chocolate creates a taste that is simply irresistible.
- Great for Gifting: These homemade treats make wonderful gifts during the holiday season; package them up beautifully!
- Fun Activity: Making these peppermint patties can be a fun activity to enjoy with kids or friends during the holiday season.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your homemade peppermint patties, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine ingredients thoroughly without any mess.
- Electric mixer or whisk: An electric mixer speeds up the process of achieving a smooth dough, but a whisk works just as well for those who prefer hand mixing.
- Parchment paper: This non-stick surface makes it easy to transfer your peppermint patties without them sticking.
- Baking sheet: A reliable baking sheet ensures even freezing of the patties before coating them in chocolate.
Ingredients
To make these delightful peppermint patties, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Filling
- 2¼ cups (280 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Coating
- 8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)
Optional Garnish
- Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes
How to Make Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Perfect special occasion Candy Idea
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream until a smooth, stiff dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
- Shape the dough into small discs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
- While the discs are freezing, melt the chocolate (adding vegetable oil, if desired) in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Patties
- Dip each chilled peppermint disc into melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
- If desired, decorate with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes before chilling until the chocolate is set completely.
Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade peppermint patties this holiday season!
How to Serve Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Perfect special occasion Candy Idea
Serving your delicious homemade peppermint patties can enhance their charm and make them an even more impressive treat. Here are some creative ways to present this festive candy that everyone will love.
Gift Treats
- Wrap the peppermint patties in colorful cellophane or decorative boxes for a delightful homemade gift.
Holiday Dessert Platters
- Arrange the patties on a festive dessert platter alongside other sweets like cookies and brownies to create an enticing display.
Party Favors
- Place individual patties in small bags tied with ribbons for guests to take home after a holiday gathering.
Ice Cream Topping
- Chop the peppermint patties into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an added minty crunch.
Hot Chocolate Garnish
- Use crushed peppermint patties as a garnish for mugs of hot chocolate, adding both flavor and a festive touch.
How to Perfect Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Perfect special occasion Candy Idea
Perfecting your peppermint patties can elevate their taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out irresistible every time.
- Chill the filling – Make sure the filling is well-chilled before dipping in chocolate. This helps maintain their shape and prevents melting.
- Use quality chocolate – Opt for high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich coating that complements the mint flavor.
- Experiment with flavors – While peppermint is classic, try using other extracts like vanilla or orange for unique variations.
- Add texture – Consider mixing in crushed candy canes into the filling for an extra crunch and festive look.
- Keep them cool – Store your finished patties in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh longer.
- Decorate creatively – Use different colored sprinkles or edible glitter to match your holiday theme for added visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Perfect special occasion Candy Idea
Pairing side dishes with your homemade peppermint patties can create a delightful spread. Here are some great options that complement the sweet, minty flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – These classic cookies are always a hit during the holidays and pair well with peppermint flavors.
- Brownie Bites – Rich, fudgy brownie bites add another layer of sweetness that balances well with the freshness of the patties.
- Fruit Platter – Fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, and apples provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the candies.
- Cheesecake Squares – Mini cheesecake squares offer creamy goodness that pairs nicely with the coolness of peppermint.
- Mini Cupcakes – Festively decorated mini cupcakes can be a fun addition, giving guests variety while still being bite-sized treats.
- Hot Cocoa Bar – Set up a hot cocoa station where guests can customize their drinks, making it a perfect pairing with your minty candies.
- Nut Mix – A spiced nut mix can provide a savory option that contrasts well with sweet flavors and adds crunch.
- Holiday Fruitcake – This traditional treat brings warmth and nostalgia, making it an excellent accompaniment during festive gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade Peppermint Patties can be simple, but there are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the sifted sugar: Not sifting the powdered sugar can lead to lumps in your dough. Always sift before mixing for a smoother texture.
- Overmixing the filling: Mixing too much can make the filling too soft. Combine ingredients until just smooth to keep the right consistency.
- Not chilling before coating: Failing to freeze the discs before dipping them in chocolate may cause them to lose shape. Chill for at least 20 minutes for better handling.
- Using untempered chocolate: If you don’t temper your chocolate, it may not set properly. Use a double boiler or microwave on low heat for a glossy finish.
- Neglecting decorations: Without sprinkles or crushed candy canes, your patties may look plain. Always add festive touches for a more appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Perfect special occasion Candy Idea
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Make sure patties are fully cooled and wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties: A Perfect special occasion Candy Idea
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm patties for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until slightly warm.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties.
Can I use different extracts?
Yes! You can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for unique flavors.
How do I store Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness, or freeze them for longer storage.
How long do these candies last?
When refrigerated, they typically last about a week. Frozen patties can last up to two months.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative for similar results.
Final Thoughts
These Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or flavorings. Perfect as gifts or festive treats, they’re sure to bring joy during the holiday season! Try making them today!
Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties
Irresistible Homemade Peppermint Patties are a delightful holiday treat that brings a burst of refreshing mint to your festivities. These easy-to-make candies feature a smooth peppermint filling enveloped in rich chocolate, making them perfect for sharing or gifting.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 peppermint patties 1x
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups (280 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)
- Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small discs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20 minutes to set.
- While the filling is chilling, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler until smooth. Stir in vegetable oil if desired for a smoother coating.
- Dip each chilled disc into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off before returning them to the baking sheet.
- Optionally, decorate with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes before chilling until the chocolate is fully set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (18g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: For added texture, mix crushed candy canes into the filling. Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative for variations.