Name: Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening; Christmas sprinkles (green, red, and white)

There’s something magical about biting into a cool, creamy mint center wrapped in rich chocolate – that’s exactly why I adore this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe. It’s simple to whip up but delivers that perfect homemade touch that store-bought just can’t match!

There is a stack of round chocolate-covered treats on a white tray with a red and white cloth underneath. Each treat has a thick dark brown chocolate coating topped with colorful festive sprinkles in red, green, white, yellow, and gold. One treat on top has a bite taken out, showing a creamy white layered inside. The top treat is decorated with small white snowflake shapes, a green Christmas tree shape, and red round sprinkles arranged in a pattern. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made peppermint patties many times, and this homemade version is a keeper. It’s fun to make, has just the right balance of sweet and minty, and that silky chocolate shell makes it feel like a fancy treat. You’ll impress yourself and your friends with how easy and tasty these are!

Simple Ingredients: It only takes five common ingredients to create these delightful peppermint patties.
Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the peppermint extract to match your personal taste.
Perfect Texture: The soft, chewy center coated in smooth chocolate is just so satisfying.
Festive Touch: Adding Christmas sprinkles brings a joyful, colorful finish that’s perfect for the holidays or gifting.

A white tray holds round cookies covered in smooth milk chocolate, arranged in two rows. Each cookie is decorated with colorful sprinkles: some with small red, green, and white balls; others with white snowflake shapes, tiny red balls, and green Christmas tree candy in the center. The cookies have shiny, glossy chocolate surfaces with various textured sprinkles resting on top. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, and a red cloth is visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe lies in how well these simple ingredients combine: the sweetened condensed milk gives the filling a creamy, rich base while the powdered sugar firms it up. Peppermint extract is the secret to that classic minty zing, and the chocolate with coconut oil makes the perfect glossy coating. Here’s why each one matters:

Flat lay of a small mound of powdered sugar on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl holding smooth sweetened condensed milk, a tiny white bowl containing clear coconut oil, a small white bowl with bright green, red, and white Christmas sprinkles, and a clean, whole white egg resting beside a few fresh peppermint leaves, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides creamy sweetness and moisture, helping the filling stay soft but firm.
Peppermint Extract: The key flavor that defines the patties; quality extract makes a big difference.
Powdered Sugar: Makes the dough firm enough to shape and adds sweetness without graininess.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts smoothly into a glossy shell that balances the mint flavor.
Coconut Oil or Shortening: Added to chocolate for a silky, easy-to-dip coating that hardens just right.
Christmas Sprinkles: Optional, but festive sprinkles add a pop of color and holiday cheer.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with the strength of the peppermint flavor here – sometimes I add just half a teaspoon for a gentle hint, and other times I go bold with 1 ½ teaspoons when I want a real mint blast. You can easily change up the chocolate too, using dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.

Mint Variation: Once, I stirred in a bit of crushed candy cane right into the filling for an extra crunch and peppermint punch – kids adored the surprise texture!
Dairy-Free Option: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dairy-free chocolate and use shortening instead of coconut oil to fit vegan diets.
Shape Play: While patties are traditional, I’ve made little squares by pressing the dough into a pan and cutting them – great for gifting in boxes!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Minty Filling

Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract in your stand mixer bowl (or a large bowl if you’re using a hand mixer). I like to really mix these two until they’re fully blended, so the mint flavor spreads evenly. Then, add powdered sugar gradually – about a cup at a time – beating well between each addition. The mixture will thicken into a stiff dough that’s not sticky to the touch.

Step 2: Shape & Dry the Patties

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch balls – they end up about the size of a ping pong ball for me. Place them on a baking sheet lined with a non-stick mat or parchment paper, then gently press down to flatten each ball into a patty shape. Let them dry for about two hours on the counter, flipping once halfway through so they dry evenly. This step is important—it helps the chocolate stick and prevents melting later on.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating

While the patties are drying, prepare your chocolate shell. Heat the chocolate chips and coconut oil over medium heat in a small saucepan, stirring as it melts into a glossy, smooth mixture. Remove from heat once everything is combined – be careful not to overheat or scorch the chocolate.

Step 4: Dip and Decorate

Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each mint patty completely in the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off before placing it back on the lined sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your festive Christmas sprinkles on top. Let them set completely at room temperature or pop them briefly in the fridge if you’re impatient like me!

Top Tip

From making these peppermint patties a dozen times, I’ve found a few little tricks that make all the difference in perfecting the texture and look. Trust me, these helped me avoid sticky messes and dull chocolate coatings!

Drying Time Is Key: Don’t rush the drying. Two hours at room temp with one flip ensures the patties aren’t too soft to dip.
Use Coconut Oil: Adding a small amount helps the chocolate harden with a nice shine and smooth finish.
Room Temperature Fillings: Cold filling can cause the chocolate to seize, so always dip patties at room temp.
Sprinkle While Wet: Add sprinkles as soon as you dip—once chocolate starts to harden, sprinkles won’t stick well.

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with those red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles, which brighten up the patties and make them look just right for holiday parties. Sometimes I add crushed candy cane on top for a little extra festive crunch.

Side Dishes

These peppermint patties are perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or minty hot chocolate. They also pair beautifully with Christmas cookies or a cheese platter to balance the sweets with something savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting, I like to place them in small cupcake liners arranged in a decorative box, tied with a festive ribbon. It’s a simple way to make these homemade treats feel extra special – people always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I keep mine away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate from melting or sweating.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, they freeze beautifully wrapped in parchment and placed in a freezer bag. When it’s time to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes — they taste just as fresh as the day you made them.

Reheating

Usually, no reheating needed! But if your chocolate gets a bit cloudy or soft, popping them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes will firm them right back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh peppermint instead of extract?

Fresh peppermint leaves aren’t recommended here because the extract provides a concentrated flavor that melds evenly into the dough. Using fresh leaves could add texture and moisture that might affect the patty consistency.

Why do the peppermint patties need to dry before dipping in chocolate?

Drying helps firm up the peppermint filling so it holds its shape and prevents the chocolate from melting or sliding off. It also ensures a nice texture when you bite into the finished patties.

Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t include any flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just double-check your sprinkles and chocolate for any hidden gluten.

What’s the best chocolate to use for coating?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work wonderfully because they melt smoothly and offer a nice balance to the sweet mint center. You can also experiment with dark chocolate if you want a richer bite or milk chocolate for extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe always brings back warm, joyful memories of holiday prep and sharing with friends. It’s such a satisfying little project that delivers big rewards in taste and presentation. I hope you enjoy the process and proudly share these minty delights—it’s a tradition worth starting in your kitchen!