There’s something truly magical about that fresh, minty burst combined with creamy sweetness in candies. This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe brings that magic straight to your kitchen, making it fun and surprisingly easy to create your own peppermint treats that far outshine store-bought versions.

The image shows many round chocolate-covered treats placed on a white plate with wooden edges, resting on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth underneath. Each treat has a smooth dark brown chocolate layer with colorful Christmas-themed sprinkles on top. One layer is a cream-white filling inside the chocolate shell, visible because one treat has a bite taken from it. Decorations include red balls, green Christmas trees, white snowflakes, and multicolor stars and dots, scattered all over the top of each treat. The 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’m honestly hooked on how simple it is to whip up homemade peppermint patties that taste fresh, cool, and just right—not too sweet or artificial. It’s the perfect project when you want a candy fix with a personal touch that feels festive and comforting.

Fresh Mint Flavor: Using peppermint extract keeps that classic, refreshing mint taste punchy without overpowering the sweet center.
Simple Ingredients: Just five key ingredients make it easy to gather supplies and avoid complicated preparations.
Customizable Coating: You get to dip your patties in rich, melty chocolate and dress them up with festive sprinkles for a personalized finish.
No Fuss Technique: You’ll find this recipe straightforward—perfect for anyone, whether you’re a candy veteran or a first-timer experimenting with homemade sweets.

There are nine round chocolate-covered cookies placed on a white tray. Each cookie has a smooth, glossy milk chocolate layer on top. The cookies are decorated with colorful sprinkles and small festive candies: tiny red and green beads, white snowflakes, and green Christmas tree shapes, all arranged on each cookie with different patterns. The tray lies on a white marbled surface, with a red cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor combo. I always look for quality when picking ingredients to get that melt-in-your-mouth feel and vibrant peppermint zing.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth sweetened condensed milk, a tiny white bowl with clear peppermint extract, a neat mound of fine powdered sugar on a white ceramic plate, a white ceramic bowl brimming with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl containing solid white coconut oil, and a clean white ceramic dish holding red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles, all arranged in perfect symmetry, 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: This adds moisture and creaminess, helping bind the patty mixture without making it too runny.
Peppermint Extract: The hero of the recipe! It gives that cool, refreshing mint flavor that makes these patties unforgettable.
Powdered Sugar: It sweetens and thickens the dough, ensuring the center has that soft yet firm texture you want.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provides a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate depth when melted into the coating.
Coconut Oil or Shortening: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and stay glossy while hardening nicely on the patties.
Christmas Sprinkles: Totally optional, but adding festive red, green, and white sprinkles is such a fun way to personalize your treats, especially for the holidays.

📝

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

One of the best parts about this Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is that it’s a canvas for small tweaks. I often play with texture and add-ins, and you’ll find your own favorite spin in no time.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out semi-sweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate chips based on what I’m craving or what I have on hand, and it always turns out delicious.
Dietary Swap: If you want a dairy-free version, try coconut condensed milk alternatives and dairy-free chocolate chips - the flavor stays fantastic.
Shape Fun: You don’t have to stick to patties—roll the dough into logs and slice for a different bite-sized shape that’s easier to store or gift.
Extract Experiment: While peppermint is classic, mixing in a little vanilla or almond extract gives the patties a unique twist worth trying.

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

Step 1: Mix the Minty Filling

Start by combining sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract in a large bowl. I usually use my stand mixer for this because it’s quicker, but a hand mixer works just fine. Then, slowly add powdered sugar — about a cup at a time — mixing well after each addition. This gradual approach prevents lumps and gives you a smooth, stiff dough that’s just right for shaping. If your dough feels a bit sticky, a little extra powdered sugar can help firm it up without making the patties dry.

Step 2: Shape and Dry Your Patties

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. I line my baking sheet with a non-stick mat or parchment paper—it really helps patties peel off easily later. Gently press down each ball to form a flat patty roughly the size of a ping pong ball. This part lets you control thickness, so find what you like! Let them rest and dry for about two hours, flipping halfway through. This drying step is key—it helps the patties hold their shape when you dip them.

Step 3: Melt and Perfect the Chocolate Coating

While your patties are drying, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly so the chocolate doesn’t burn—it should be shiny and smooth when done. The coconut oil thins the chocolate making it easier to coat the patties evenly and adds a nice sheen once it sets.

Step 4: Dip, Decorate, and Set

One by one, dip each peppermint patty fully into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to help lift it out, then tap off excess chocolate. Transfer to your lined baking sheet immediately. If you’re going for festive vibes, now’s the time to gently press Christmas sprinkles on top before the chocolate hardens—trust me, the colors really pop!

Step 5: Let Them Chill

Pop the trays into the fridge if you want to speed things up, or just leave them at room temp until the chocolate sets firm. Once that’s done, your homemade peppermint patties are ready to enjoy—or wrap and gift!

Top Tip

I’ve made peppermint patties a few times now, and the drying step between shaping and dipping is a game changer. Skipping it usually means your patties lose shape when dipped, so be patient here!

Slow Sugar Addition: Adding powdered sugar gradually gives you more control over dough texture and eliminates lumps.
Use a Non-Stick Mat: I switched to silicone mats and it makes flipping patties and cleaning up way easier.
Temper the Chocolate Gently: Use low to medium heat and stir often to keep the chocolate silky and glossy.
Sprinkles on Wet Chocolate: Adding decorations right before the chocolate sets ensures they stick well and look vibrant.

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these patties with classic holiday sprinkles—red, green, and white stars or dots bring cheerful color. Sometimes I skip sprinkles and dust lightly with cocoa powder for a simple, elegant look. They’re also great plain if you want all the focus on the peppermint-chocolate combo.

Side Dishes

Serve your peppermint patties alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea to amplify that minty comfort. They also make a lovely finish after a rich holiday meal or as a sweet pick-me-up with coffee during winter afternoons.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I arranged these patties in festive patterns on platters for a party, alternating colors of sprinkles to spell “MERRY.” For gifting, wrapping them in wax paper bundles tied with twine adds charm—and they always get rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover peppermint patties in an airtight container between layers of parchment or wax paper at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen’s warm, refrigerate them to keep the chocolate firm—just bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to stash these for later. I lay them on a tray first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

These patties don’t actually require reheating, but if the chocolate gets cloudy or dull, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave softens them just enough to regain a bit of that fresh coating shine. Just be careful not to melt the filling!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh peppermint leaves instead of extract?

Fresh peppermint leaves won’t work as a substitute here because the extract provides a concentrated and clear mint flavor that the fresh leaves can’t match in this candy. Plus, leaves contain moisture which can alter the dough consistency. Stick with peppermint extract for best results.

How long do homemade peppermint patties last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these patties stay fresh for up to one week. Refrigerating can extend shelf life to about two weeks. Make sure to keep them away from humidity or strong odors.

Can I make these without chocolate coating?

Absolutely! The peppermint filling is delicious on its own. You can skip dipping in chocolate and simply dust the patties with powdered sugar or roll them in crushed candy canes for added texture.

What’s the best way to prevent the chocolate from cracking?

Adding coconut oil or shortening helps keep the chocolate coating smooth and less prone to cracking. Also, avoid rapid temperature changes—let the patties come to room temperature before biting into them.

Final Thoughts

Making peppermint patties at home has become a little tradition of mine whenever the holidays roll around, and honestly, it’s such a rewarding treat to enjoy or gift. This Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe has a way of filling your kitchen with festive scents and giving you that nostalgic, handmade candy joy. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and maybe even make it your own favorite peppermint indulgence.