Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a delightful recipe for homemade peppermint patties. These little treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and they make a great gift for friends and family. I vividly remember the first time I made them – the kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of chocolate and peppermint, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a taste before they were even finished! Trust me, once you try these homemade peppermint patties, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought ones. So, let’s dive right in and get started, shall we?
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Patties
I make these peppermint patties whenever I’m in need of a little pick-me-up. They are incredibly refreshing and the combination of smooth chocolate and cool peppermint is simply irresistible. My family goes crazy for these little treats because they are so much better than the ones you can buy at the store. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize the flavors and experiment with different variations. Trust me, once you taste these homemade peppermint patties, you’ll understand why they are worth the effort!
Ingredients
For the peppermint filling, you will need:
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
For the chocolate coating, you will need:
– 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
– Crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Feel free to make some substitutions according to your preference. For example, if you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use heavy cream instead. And if you prefer a stronger mint flavor, you can add a bit more peppermint extract. This recipe is quite forgiving, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring (if using). Mix until the ingredients come together to form a smooth dough.
2. Dust your working surface with powdered sugar and transfer the dough onto it. Roll the dough into a log shape, about 1 inch in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
3. While the dough is chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
4. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If the dough becomes too soft, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
5. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each round of peppermint filling into the melted chocolate, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the coated patty onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each coated patty for a festive touch. Let the patties set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. You can also speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your homemade peppermint patties are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, although in my house, they never last that long!
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors and textures in my peppermint patties. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Chocolate Mint: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the peppermint filling mixture for an extra chocolatey flavor.
– Peanut Butter: Replace the peppermint extract with an equal amount of smooth peanut butter for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
– Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the peppermint filling for a refreshing twist on the classic flavor.
Equipment
While you don’t need any fancy equipment to make these peppermint patties, a few tools will make the process easier:
– Mixing bowl
– Plastic wrap
– Microwave-safe bowl
– Fork or dipping tool
– Parchment paper
If you don’t have a dipping tool, you can simply use a fork to dip the peppermint filling into the melted chocolate. It may not give you the perfectly smooth finish, but it will still taste delicious!
Storage
These homemade peppermint patties can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. However, I have to admit that in my house, they never last more than a day! The combination of creamy peppermint filling and rich chocolate coating is just too tempting to resist.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these peppermint patties as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack during the day. They also make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter or gift box. Personally, I enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or a refreshing mint tea. However you choose to enjoy them, I’m sure they will bring a smile to your face!
Pro Tips
Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few things that can help you achieve perfect homemade peppermint patties:
– When dipping the peppermint filling into the melted chocolate, make sure the filling is firm and chilled. This will make the dipping process much easier and prevent the filling from melting into the chocolate.
– If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with heavy cream. The texture may be slightly different, but the taste will still be delicious.
– Don’t worry if the peppermint patties don’t look perfectly smooth and uniform. The homemade touch adds character and charm to these treats.
FAQ
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate for the coating. Milk chocolate will create a sweeter and creamier flavor, while dark chocolate adds a rich and slightly bitter taste.
Q: Can I freeze these peppermint patties?
A: Yes, you can freeze these patties for longer storage. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Q: Can I make these peppermint patties ahead of time?
A: Definitely! These homemade peppermint patties can be made a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
Now that you have the recipe for these delightful homemade peppermint patties, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give it a try. Trust me, the effort is absolutely worth it when you take that first bite and experience the perfect balance of creamy peppermint and rich chocolate. So go ahead, enjoy the process, and indulge in these irresistible treats!
HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT PATTIES
Delightful homemade peppermint patties that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and make a great gift for friends and family. These treats have a refreshing peppermint filling coated in smooth chocolate, creating an irresistible combination.
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (or heavy cream as substitute)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- Crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
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Dust a working surface with powdered sugar, transfer the dough, roll into a 1-inch diameter log shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the chocolate coating by melting dark chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals in a microwave-safe bowl.
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Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and dip each round into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool.
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Place the coated patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top if desired, and let them set until the chocolate hardens.
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Store the peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.