If you have a sweet tooth and a love for refreshing minty treats, you are going to adore this Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple yet indulgent homemade candy that combines smooth peppermint-flavored centers with rich, glossy chocolate coating. Whether you’re craving a festive dessert or a last-minute gift idea, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of freshness, sweetness, and texture in no time at all. Trust me, once you try making these peppermint patties yourself, you will want to keep the batch going all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple, essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and bright peppermint flavor that makes these patties so irresistible.
- Powdered sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and smooth texture to the peppermint filling.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps bind the filling into a creamy dough.
- Peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives these patties their refreshing minty kick.
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Keeps the filling smooth and moist while enhancing creaminess.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Adds a subtle warmth that balances the mint beautifully.
- Salt: A pinch to elevate all the sweet and minty flavors.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: For the luscious chocolate coating that perfectly complements the peppermint center.
- Coconut oil or shortening: Helps melt and smooth the chocolate for a glossy finish.
- Crushed peppermint candies or flaky sea salt (optional): For a decorative and flavorful topping that adds crunch and complexity.
How to Make Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Filling
Begin by creaming your softened butter in a mixing bowl until it is smooth and creamy—this creates the perfect base for your filling. Then add the peppermint extract, vanilla if using, salt, and heavy cream. Slowly add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well until you have a soft, pliable dough that’s not too sticky. This step sets the foundation; the right texture here ensures the patties will hold their shape after chilling and dipping.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Patties
Roll the peppermint dough into 1-inch balls and gently flatten each ball into discs. Uniform size is key so they coat evenly with chocolate later. Arrange the discs spaced out on a parchment-lined tray and pop them into the freezer for about 10 minutes. Chilling firms the filling, making the dipping process smooth and mess-free.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating
While the patties chill, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Stir occasionally until smooth, keeping a careful eye to avoid overheating. This glossy chocolate glaze is what transforms the patties from simple treats to gourmet delights.
Step 4: Dip the Peppermint Patties
Remove the chilled peppermint discs from the freezer, then dip each one carefully into the melted chocolate using a fork. Make sure each patty is fully coated, letting excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place the coated patties on the parchment-lined tray. This step requires a little patience and practice, but it’s truly a fun part of the process!
Step 5: Garnish and Set
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or flaky sea salt on top while the chocolate is still wet to add extra texture and a burst of festive flavor. Let the patties set at room temperature for a few minutes or speed things up by refrigerating until the chocolate hardens completely. These final touches elevate the Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties Recipe to a stunning finished product that’ll impress anyone.
How to Serve Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, try topping your peppermint patties with crushed candy canes or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The crunch and color contrast beautifully with the smooth chocolate, making each bite even more delightful. Fresh mint leaves on the side also add a pretty visual and hint at the flavor inside.
Side Dishes
These peppermint patties pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a mug of rich hot chocolate. They also make a sweet finish following a hearty holiday meal or alongside a cheese board for a surprising sweet-and-savory combo. Their refreshing mint flavor cleanses the palate, making them an ideal bite anytime.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties Recipe in a festive jar tied with a ribbon as thoughtful gifts during the holidays. Arrange them on decorative plates with other seasonal treats for a stunning dessert platter. Or stack them in small boxes lined with parchment paper to create souvenir boxes that guests will love taking home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peppermint patties keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a longer shelf life, store them in the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for about two weeks. Just be sure they’re protected well so the chocolate doesn’t pick up any other odors.
Freezing
You can freeze these patties for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying to maintain their perfect chewy center and smooth chocolate shell.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary or usually recommended for peppermint patties since they are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to soften the chocolate slightly, let them sit at room temperature for a while rather than applying heat directly, which may alter their texture or cause the filling to melt.
FAQs
Can I make these peppermint patties vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan-friendly option and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Make sure the chocolate chips are dairy-free as well. This way, you can enjoy a plant-based version just as delicious.
Is there a substitute for peppermint extract?
If you can’t find peppermint extract, spearmint extract or even a small amount of fresh mint leaves blended into the filling can work, though the flavor will be a bit different. Peppermint extract is best for that classic cool and sharp mint taste.
Why is it important to chill the filling before dipping?
Chilling firms up the peppermint filling, making it sturdier and easier to dip in chocolate without falling apart or melting. This step ensures a smooth coating and neat patties.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier coating. Just keep in mind it’s a bit softer, so the patties might set a little differently but taste just as wonderful.
How can I prevent the chocolate from blooming or turning dull?
The best way is to melt the chocolate gently without overheating and to store the finished patties in a cool, dry place. Avoid moisture and temperature swings to keep the chocolate shiny and appealing.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade peppermint patties has never been easier or more satisfying than with this Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to treat yourself and your loved ones with a minty, chocolaty delight that feels special but comes together with such ease. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and enjoy the joy of crafting your own fresh peppermint treats right at home!
Print
Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Quick and delicious homemade peppermint patties coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. These festive treats are made with a creamy peppermint filling and take just 20 minutes to prepare, perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Garnish (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the filling. Place softened butter in a mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth and creamy. Add peppermint extract, optional vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well until a soft, pliable dough forms. Adjust sugar amount if needed for consistency.
- Shape the patties. Roll the peppermint mixture into 1-inch balls and flatten each into a disc shape, keeping sizes uniform. Place discs onto a parchment-lined tray with space between each and chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until fully melted and smooth, being careful not to burn the chocolate.
- Dip the patties. Remove discs from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each completely into the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place dipped patties back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Garnish and set. If desired, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate coating while still wet. Let patties sit at room temperature to set or refrigerate for quicker hardening.
Notes
- Adjust powdered sugar for desired filling consistency.
- Use full-fat coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
- Chilling the discs before dipping helps the coating process stay clean.
- Be careful not to overheat chocolate to avoid burning.
- Store finished patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
