I’m so excited to share these homemade peppermint patties with you. There’s something magical about that first bite—the cool, minty filling giving way to rich chocolate coating. They’re surprisingly simple to make, no fancy equipment needed, just your hands and basic ingredients. Perfect for holiday gift-giving or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday. And unlike store-bought versions, you can adjust the mint flavor to your preference. Wait until you see how impressed everyone will be when you reveal you made them yourself.
Why You’ll Love these Homemade Peppermint Patties
While store-bought peppermint patties are convenient, nothing compares to the fresh, creamy goodness of homemade ones.
I’m convinced you’ll fall head over heels for these minty treats. The perfect balance of sweet, creamy filling with rich chocolate coating creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s simply irresistible.
Aren’t you tired of artificial flavors? These use real peppermint extract for that genuine, invigorating taste.
Plus, you control the sweetness and thickness. Make them thinner for a York-style patty or thicker for a more substantial treat.
Best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients.
What Ingredients are in Homemade Peppermint Patties?
These homemade peppermint patties require just a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create that perfect balance of creamy mint filling and rich chocolate coating.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 3½ cups powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Room temperature butter works best for this recipe, and you might want to take into account using high-quality chocolate chips as an alternative to chopped chocolate if you’re looking to save a bit of time during preparation.
How to Make these Homemade Peppermint Patties
Step 1: Mix the Butter, Corn Syrup, and Peppermint Extract
In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter with ⅓ cup of light corn syrup and 1½ teaspoons of peppermint extract.
Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they’re completely combined and smooth.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add 3½ cups of powdered sugar to your butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
The mixture will start to form a dough-like consistency, and might get a bit crumbly—don’t worry, that’s normal.
When it becomes too thick to stir, get in there with your hands and knead it together.
For best results, consider using a stand mixer to efficiently combine these ingredients without tiring your arms.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your work surface with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Roll the peppermint dough out to about ¼-inch thickness, making sure it’s even throughout for uniform patties.
Step 4: Cut Out the Patties
Using a small round cookie cutter (or even the rim of a glass), cut the dough into circles.
You want them to be about the size of a traditional peppermint patty, roughly 1½ to 2 inches in diameter.
Step 5: Chill the Peppermint Rounds
Transfer your cut patties to a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the refrigerator.
Let them chill until they’re firm to the touch, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
Firm patties are much easier to dip in chocolate!
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
While the patties are chilling, melt 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate.
You can do this using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Step 7: Dip the Patties
Working with a few patties at a time (keeping the rest chilled), dip each round into the melted chocolate.
A fork works well for this—balance the patty on the fork, dip it completely, then lift and tap gently to let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
Step 8: Let Them Set
Place the chocolate-coated patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to set completely.
For the quickest results, pop them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or let them sit at room temperature if you’re not in a rush.
What to Serve with Homemade Peppermint Patties
These homemade peppermint patties make the perfect after-dinner treat, but why stop there?
Try serving them alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for the ultimate chocolate-mint experience. For coffee lovers, a rich espresso or cappuccino creates a sophisticated pairing that cuts through the sweetness.
If you’re hosting a dessert gathering, arrange these patties on a platter with fresh strawberries and raspberries—the fruity tartness balances the cool mint wonderfully.
They’re also divine with vanilla ice cream, where the cold creaminess complements the chocolate coating.
For holiday gatherings, these patties make gorgeous additions to cookie platters or can be wrapped individually as sweet take-home treats.
Who knew something so simple could be so versatile?
Homemade Peppermint Patties Substitutions and Variations
Looking to customize your minty treats? Here are some simple swaps and creative twists:
- Butter alternatives: Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free patties, or use plant-based butter for vegan versions.
- Sweetener options: Honey or agave nectar can replace corn syrup, though texture may be slightly different.
- Chocolate choices: Dark chocolate makes a sophisticated coating, while white chocolate creates a pretty contrast with the mint filling.
- Flavor twists:
- Swap peppermint extract for orange or almond extract
- Add 1-2 drops of food coloring for seasonal hues (green for St. Patrick’s Day!)
- Mix in finely crushed candy canes for extra crunch and flavor
- Finishing touches: Sprinkle with sea salt, crushed candy canes, or a dusting of cocoa powder before the chocolate sets.
- Refrigerator storage: Place patties in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer option: For longer storage, freeze patties for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
- Preventing chocolate bloom: Store away from temperature fluctuations to avoid that whitish discoloration on the chocolate coating.
- Serving tip: Let refrigerated patties sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
Remember that most substitutions might slightly alter the texture, so you may need to adjust the powdered sugar accordingly.
Leftovers and Storage for these Homemade Peppermint Patties
These minty treats actually get better with a little time in storage! Here’s how to keep them at their best:
Remember that chocolate can absorb other food odors, so keep your container dedicated to these treats or double-wrap them tightly.
Final Thoughts
These homemade peppermint patties capture that perfect balance of cool mint and rich chocolate we all crave, but with a freshness store-bought versions simply can’t match.
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching that glossy chocolate coat the creamy mint centers you’ve crafted with your own hands. While they make an impressive addition to holiday cookie trays and gift boxes, don’t limit them to December alone—they’re a delightful year-round treat when you need a little sweet pick-me-up.
The combination of that first chocolate snap followed by the cool, melting mint center remains one of life’s small but perfect pleasures.