Easy Peppermint Patties

Save this recipe on:

These Easy Peppermint Patties are the kind of homemade treat that feels special without asking for complicated steps. Each bite gives you a cool, creamy peppermint center wrapped in a smooth chocolate shell, making them perfect for holiday platters, cookie swaps, edible gifts, or a simple after-dinner dessert.

What makes these especially fun is how approachable they are. You do not need fancy candy-making skills or hard-to-find ingredients to pull them off. With a few pantry staples, a little chilling time, and a chocolate coating, you can make a batch of peppermint patties that look festive and taste even better than store-bought.

---

Why You’ll Love This Easy Peppermint Patties

These peppermint patties are quick to prep, easy to customize, and ideal for making ahead. The filling is soft, sweet, and minty, while the chocolate coating adds that rich snap that makes each piece feel like a bakery-style candy.

They are also great for the holiday season because they store well and travel nicely. You can top them with crushed candy canes for a festive finish, keep them plain for a classic look, or package them up for a thoughtful homemade gift.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, it helps to set up your tools so the process feels smooth from start to finish. A mixing bowl is essential for combining the filling evenly, and a sturdy spoon or spatula helps you work the mixture until it becomes soft and moldable.

A measuring cup and measuring spoons matter here because candy-style recipes taste best when the ratios stay balanced. Parchment paper is another must because it keeps the patties from sticking while they chill. A baking sheet or tray gives you a flat surface for resting the shaped centers, and a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler helps melt the chocolate gently without scorching it. A fork or dipping tool is helpful for coating each patty neatly, while a small knife can tidy up the chocolate edges if needed.

---

Ingredients for the Easy Peppermint Patties

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the right texture and flavor. Powdered sugar forms the base of the filling and gives the center its smooth sweetness. Sweetened condensed milk helps bind the filling together while keeping it creamy and soft.

Peppermint extract gives these patties their signature cool flavor, and it only takes a little to make the filling taste bright and refreshing. Chocolate chips or melting chocolate create the outer shell, bringing richness and structure. Coconut oil or shortening can be added to the chocolate if you want a smoother coating that sets with a glossy finish. Crushed candy canes are optional, but they add a festive crunch and make the patties look especially pretty for the holidays.

---

How To Make the Easy Peppermint Patties

Making Easy Peppermint Patties is simple, but taking your time with each step helps create the best texture and cleanest finish.

Step 1: Mix the Peppermint Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract until a thick dough forms. The mixture should be soft enough to shape but firm enough to hold its form. If it feels too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until it becomes easier to handle.

Step 2: Shape the Centers

Scoop out small portions of the peppermint mixture and roll them into balls. Gently flatten each one into a patty shape, keeping them as even as possible so they coat nicely later. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 3: Chill Until Firm

Transfer the tray to the refrigerator or freezer and chill the patties until firm. This step is important because cold centers are much easier to dip in melted chocolate without losing their shape.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

Add the chocolate chips or melting chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring often, until smooth. If desired, mix in a small amount of coconut oil or shortening to make the chocolate thinner and easier to dip.

Step 5: Dip the Patties

Using a fork or dipping tool, lower each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate. Let the extra chocolate drip off, then place the coated patty back onto the parchment-lined tray. Work in batches so the centers stay cold while you dip.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a little crushed candy cane on top of each patty if you want a holiday look and a bit of crunch. This step is optional, but it adds beautiful color and texture.

Step 7: Let Them Set

Leave the patties at room temperature until the chocolate firms up, or place them in the refrigerator for faster setting. Once the coating is fully set, they are ready to serve or store.

---

Serving and Storing Easy Peppermint Patties

These peppermint patties are lovely served chilled or at cool room temperature. They make a great addition to holiday cookie trays, dessert boards, and homemade candy assortments. You can also tuck them into treat boxes or gift tins for an easy homemade present.

For storage, keep the patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator so the filling stays firm and fresh. Separate layers with parchment paper if you are stacking them. They also freeze well, which makes them a great make-ahead dessert for busy holiday weeks.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, but peppermint oil is much stronger, so you will need far less. Start with a very small amount and adjust carefully.

Why is my filling too sticky to shape?

That usually means it needs more powdered sugar. Add a little at a time until the mixture becomes soft but workable.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these are excellent for making ahead. Store them in the refrigerator for several days or freeze them for longer storage.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semisweet chocolate is a popular choice because it balances the sweet filling, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate also work well depending on your preference.

Do I have to add crushed candy canes on top?

No, the topping is optional. The patties are delicious with or without it.

Can I make them smaller for gifting or party trays?

Absolutely. Mini peppermint patties are perfect for dessert platters and are easier to serve in larger batches.

---

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Easy Peppermint Patties, you might also enjoy a few more sweet favorites from Kitchen By Kate:

• Winter Brittle for another festive homemade candy idea.
• Quick and Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies when you want a rich chocolate dessert.
• Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for a soft cookie with a fruity center.
• Homemade Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream if you are in the mood for something cool and creamy.
• Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough for a fun no-bake sweet treat.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with classic chocolate, add candy cane pieces, or make a mini version for gifting?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, and for more daily recipe inspiration, visit Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: