Homemade Peppermint Patties – Refreshing, Simple, Unforgettable Candy Treat
I used to think making candy at home was for people with way more patience than me. Then I tried a store-bought peppermint patty. The waxy chocolate.
The artificial aftertaste. It was a crime against mint. I decided right then that I had to do better.
The journey to perfecting these homemade peppermint patties was a game-changer. Forget the disappointing grocery store versions. This recipe is shockingly simple and delivers a flavor punch that will ruin all other mints for you.
Seriously, you’ll never look back.
What’s the secret? It’s the texture. That cool, creamy center that melts on your tongue is something you just can’t buy.
It’s a nostalgic flavor, right? But this homemade version is so much brighter and more refreshing. It’s like the difference between a flickering lightbulb and a bright, sunny day.
Have you ever had a dessert that actually leaves you feeling refreshed? These peppermint patties do exactly that. They’re a little bite of pure, unadulterated joy.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for these homemade peppermint patties is the easiest part.
You probably have most of this in your pantry already. The beauty is in the simplicity. No weird chemicals, just real, honest-to-goodness food.
I love that.
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons softened coconut oil (not melted!)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract (don’t skimp!)
- A pinch of fine sea salt
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chips or bars, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for thinning the chocolate)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the peppermint center. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of milk, peppermint extract, and salt. Stir until it comes together into a thick dough. If it’s too crumbly, add the remaining milk one teaspoon at a time.
- Shape your patties. Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls.
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten them into discs. Pro tip: dipping your fingers in a little powdered sugar prevents sticking. This part is oddly therapeutic.
- Freeze the centers. Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 20 minutes.
This step is non-negotiable. A firm center is the key to a perfect, drip-free chocolate coating for your homemade peppermint patties.
- Melt the chocolate. While the centers chill, melt the dark chocolate with the teaspoon of coconut oil. You can use a double boiler or do it carefully in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time.
- Coat the patties. Using a fork, dip each frozen peppermint disc into the melted chocolate, tapping off the excess.
Return them to the parchment paper. For a fancy finish, you can drizzle a little extra chocolate over the top with a fork.
- Set and serve. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or speed it up in the fridge. The wait is the hardest part, but it’s worth it.
Your perfect homemade peppermint patties are ready to devour.
Storage Instructions

These little gems store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For long-term storage, you can freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.
They’ll keep for up to three months in the freezer. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead treat for the holidays. IMO, they taste even better straight from the fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Peppermint Patties
- Total Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your candy, from the quality of the chocolate to the purity of the peppermint.
No unpronounceable ingredients allowed.
- An Incredible Crowd-Pleaser: Bring these to a party and watch them disappear. They are the ultimate homemade gift that looks far more impressive than the effort required.
- Surprisingly Simple: If you can mix dough and dip things in chocolate, you can make these. It’s a fun project that feels much more fancy than it actually is.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted coconut oil in the filling. This will create a greasy, sloppy mess.
Softened is the key word here.
- Skipping the freezing step. Your centers will fall apart in the warm chocolate. Patience, young grasshopper.
- Overheating the chocolate. Burnt chocolate is sad chocolate. Low and slow is the way to go for a smooth, shiny coating on your homemade peppermint patties.
Alternatives and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.
For a vegan version, use a plant-based milk and ensure your dark chocolate is dairy-free. You can also use mint extract instead of peppermint for a slightly different flavor profile. Feeling adventurous?
Add a drop or two of food coloring to the center for a festive look. If you’re a fan of dark chocolate treats, you’ll appreciate the rich shell on these.
FAQs
Can I freeze these homemade peppermint patties?
Absolutely! They freeze exceptionally well.
Just make sure they are in a single layer first before stacking them in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
What’s the best substitute for peppermint extract?
You can use spearmint extract, but the flavor will be milder and less sharp. I don’t recommend using mint flavoring oils meant for candy making, as they can be overwhelmingly strong.
How long do these homemade peppermint patties stay fresh?
Stored correctly in the fridge, they are perfect for up to two weeks. The chocolate acts as a great preservative for the fresh mint filling.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes!
Kids love helping to roll the balls and flatten the patties. It’s a fantastic, easy holiday baking activity the whole family can enjoy together.
Can I prep the homemade peppermint patties ahead of time?
You sure can. The centers can be shaped and frozen for up to a week before you decide to coat them in chocolate.
This is a major time-saver during busy weeks. FYI, this is my go-to make-ahead dessert strategy.
Final Thoughts
This recipe proves that the best things in life don’t have to be complicated. These homemade peppermint patties are a testament to that.
They’re a perfect, refreshing treat that feels special every single time. I hope you love making them as much as I do. Go on, give it a try and tell me in the comments what you think!
Don’t forget to share your creations.

Homemade Peppermint Patties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, softened coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of milk, peppermint extract, and salt until a thick dough forms. Add more milk if needed.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten into discs.
- Freeze the patties for at least 20 minutes until firm.
- Meanwhile, melt dark chocolate with 1 tsp coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Dip each frozen patty into the melted chocolate using a fork, then tap off the excess and place back on parchment.
- Let chocolate set at room temperature or chill in the fridge to speed it up.
