Homemade Peppermint Patties

I remember the first time my kitchen filled with that cool, clean scent of peppermint and the warm, sweet hum of chocolate melting in the pan. The kids were tucked in with a book and my husband came in with flour on his sleeve, curious about the little round treats I was shaping on parchment. That night I made my Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!) and we sat around the table, breaking one apart and laughing when the peppermint filled our mouths like fresh winter air. In that moment the kitchen felt like the heart of our home, and the recipe has lived in our family ever since, a soft, bright taste that always brings us back.

Why This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!) Means So Much

This recipe is small but full of memories. It started as a quiet project on a snowy afternoon when I wanted something simple and honest to share with the kids. The whole thing comes together with everyday pantry staples, yet it carries a festive note that feels like a hug.

Making these patties reminds me of my own mother shaping candies with gentle hands and a patient smile. The peppermint aroma takes me straight to winter holidays, but we make them year round as a little treat after a long day. They are forgiving, which is a comfort. Busy weeknights or lazy weekends, the recipe fits.

What matters most is how this candy invites company. We make a batch, and neighbors drop by with a cup of tea. A plate of these on the counter becomes a reason to slow down and talk. That warmth is the real secret ingredient.

The Story Behind Our Favorite Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!)

This recipe has a little family history and a lot of practical magic. I learned the basic technique from a friend who swore by the balance of peppermint and chocolate. Over time I adjusted the texture, the ratio of sugar, and the chocolate coating until it felt just like home.

The fifteen-minute chill in the freezer is a trick I adopted after one kitchen mishap when the centers were too soft. Freezing gives them a clean snap and makes dunking them in chocolate a breeze. Small fixes like that are what home cooking teaches you, quietly and kindly.

There’s also a humble thrill in passing it down. My older daughter now helps measure powdered sugar, and my son likes to test the temperature of the chocolate. These are the moments that braid a recipe into family life.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!)

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

The rhythm of making these patties is gentle and steady. You start by stirring the sweetened condensed milk and extracts until they smell bright and inviting. The powdered sugar slowly mends into a dough that feels soft but firm under your hands.

As you knead the dough on parchment it becomes smoother and satiny, like a soft clay that holds its shape. Rolling it to half an inch gives you a tender center that still has a satisfying bite. When you freeze the cut rounds they firm up to a perfect size for dipping.

Melting the chocolate is meditative. Short bursts in the microwave, a stir until glossy, and the chocolate moves like a warm ribbon. Dipping each patty, I listen for the quiet drip as the excess chocolate falls back into the bowl. The kitchen fills with a bittersweet scent that pairs with the peppermint like an old song.

Ingredients You’ll Need

¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 ¼ teaspoons peppermint extract
⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
2 cups dark melting/dipping chocolate

A little side note for the pantry: use a slightly extra vanilla if you love a cozy aroma in the dough. If you have fresh butter on hand you can brush a small amount on your hands when shaping to keep the dough from cracking, though it is not required. Choose a good quality dark melting chocolate that you enjoy eating by itself; the flavor makes a quiet but important difference.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a stand mixer, combine the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar until a dough forms. Stir until glossy and fragrant, and feel the dough begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl as it comes together.

2. Knead the dough on parchment paper and roll it into a ½-inch thick circle, dusting with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Move gently and keep your hands cool so the dough stays tender; the powdered sugar will give it a soft finish and a light snow-like look.

3. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter and freeze them for 15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The cold makes the centers firm and helps the chocolate coat smoothly, so take a moment to breathe in the clean peppermint scent as they chill.

4. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short increments. Let cool slightly before dipping each patty into the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is glossy and smooth, then dip and let any excess drip back into the bowl before placing the patty back on the sheet.

5. Place the coated patties back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes until set. Wait until the chocolate is fully firm before stacking or packing, and notice the neat contrast between the dark shell and the bright center when you break one open.

Bringing Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!) Together

This is a recipe that feels like a small celebration, even on an ordinary day. The chew of the center and the snap of chocolate make every bite a little event. When I make them, I like to set aside time to tidy as I go, because a clean workspace keeps the process calm and kind.

When you dip, work on a steady rhythm: dip, tap, set. Use a fork or a dipping tool to lower each patty, and then lift it carefully, letting the excess chocolate fall back. If a few pieces get too much chocolate, I use a small offset spatula to smooth them while the coating is still soft.

You will find that the texture of the center is forgiving. If your dough feels a touch too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar until it holds. If it gets too dry, a few drops of condensed milk bring it back. These small adjustments are part of the joy.

Serving Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!) With Family Warmth

I love to present these on a simple white plate with a few sprigs of fresh mint for color. They look elegant and honest, and the dark chocolate contrasts with a pale center that invites people to reach for one. Place a small stack alongside coffee or tea and watch the way conversation slows into contentment.

We often serve a plate of these during a movie night, and sometimes we tuck a few into little paper cups to hand out after dinner. They make a lovely small gift, wrapped in wax paper and tied with twine, especially when friends stop by unexpectedly. If you are planning a dessert table, consider pairing them with a rich brownie or a warm cookie to balance the cool peppermint.

If you like peppermint paired with chocolate in other ways, try a batch alongside a plate of peppermint bark brownies that have a similar seasonal charm like this version I return to often: peppermint bark brownies. The brownies offer a warm, fudgy contrast to the crisp chill of the patties.

Keeping It Fresh and Comforting

Storing these patties is simple and forgiving, which I appreciate when life gets busy. Lay them in a single layer in an airtight container with a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if you want them firm, or at cool room temperature for a few days if you prefer a softer center.

If you plan to give them away, store them in a cool place until you package them. They travel well in a small tin with parchment paper. Over time the peppermint and chocolate mellow and knit together, so a day or two in the fridge can deepen the flavor, making the candies taste even more settled and complete.

Amelia’s Kitchen Notes

• Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer with a bowl that gives you room to stir the sugar in gradually. It keeps the dough smooth and reduces elbow strain.
• If you want a brighter peppermint note, start with the listed amount and add up to an extra 1/4 teaspoon. Peppermint extract can be strong, so make the change in small steps.
• For a silkier coating, stir a teaspoon of coconut oil into the melted chocolate. It helps the chocolate set with a shiny finish and makes dipping a little easier.
• If the centers crack while you shape them, dampen your hands slightly and press gently to smooth the edges. A light dusting of powdered sugar on the cutter also helps keep the shapes clean.
• Clean up while the chocolate is still warm; a bowl with hot water will loosen any residue and make washing quick and not at all painful.

Family Variations on Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!)

We keep to the classic one most days, but sometimes we like to play. One favorite is to use white chocolate for the shell on a few patties for a pretty contrast. The sweet white chocolate pairs beautifully with the cool center for a treat that tastes like a candy shop.

Another small twist is to add finely crushed candy canes to the melted chocolate before it sets. It gives a pleasing crunch and a festive look. I also sometimes roll the centers in a mix of powdered sugar and a touch of cocoa before freezing, which yields a slightly less bright but more chocolatey bite.

For a grown-up variation, dip half the patties in a dark chocolate mixed with a splash of liqueur, like crème de menthe or a coffee liqueur. The alcohol cooks off a bit as the chocolate sets and leaves a rounded note that adults enjoy at the end of a meal.

FAQs About Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, it might taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled and come together. Store them in the refrigerator for the best texture, or in a cool place for a softer chew.

What if my dough is too sticky?
Add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it holds. Work on parchment so you can roll it without sticking and keep your hands cool to prevent melting.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Absolutely. Milk chocolate will be sweeter and softer, which some family members prefer. Dark chocolate offers a nice contrast to the bright peppermint, but choose what you like to eat.

How do I melt chocolate without burning it?
Use short bursts in the microwave at low power and stir between each interval. Alternatively, use a double boiler and keep the heat low so the chocolate melts gently.

Are these suitable for gift giving?
Yes. Place them in a lined tin or small boxes with parchment, and they make a lovely homemade gift. Keep them cool during transport so the chocolate does not soften.

A Warm Note From My Kitchen

I hope this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe (5 Ingredients!) finds a place on your kitchen counter and in your family stories. It is a simple thing that asks only a little attention and gives a lot in return. When you take that first bite, notice the clean peppermint, the soft, sweet center, and the way the chocolate wraps it all together.

Thank you for bringing these into your home. I imagine you making them with someone you love, sharing a laugh and the small pleasure of a homemade candy. Whenever you need a little bright, cooling comfort, this recipe will be waiting, like a kind friend with a small plate and a warm smile.