The Magic of Mint and Chocolate
Do you ever have those memories that feel like they are wrapped up in silver foil and tucked away in a corner of your heart? For me, it is the sharp, cooling snap of a York style peppermint patties copycat. When I was a kid growing up in Texas, my grandmother used to keep a stash of these in the freezer. We would come in from the heat, and she would hand us a homemade peppermint patties treat that felt like it was made of North Pole snow. It was a cool minty rounds sensation that I can still feel today. Now that I have my own kitchen, and my wife Emily is usually looking for something sweet but light, I’ve perfected this peppermint patties recipe to share with my kids, Adams and Jana. There is something so satisfying about mastering a homemade candy recipe that feels like it came from a professional shop, yet it only requires basic pantry staples. Today, I want to show you how to make homemade peppermint patties that will make your family feel just as special as my grandmother made me feel.
Table of Contents
- The Magic of Mint and Chocolate
- Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Patties
- Ingredients for Peppermint Patties
- How to Make Peppermint Patties
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Peppermint Patties Serving Suggestions
- Peppermint Patties Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about Peppermint Patties
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Patties
Cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about making people happy. When I pull a tray of these dark chocolate peppermint patties out of the fridge, Adams and Jana practically trip over each other to get the first one. This isn’t just another holiday candy recipe; it is a year round favorite that brings a bit of sophistication to your dessert table. Here is why this easy peppermint patties method is a winner:
- No Bake Ease: This is a no bake peppermint candy, meaning you don’t have to worry about hot ovens. It is the perfect project for a rainy afternoon when you want to keep the kids occupied.
- Better Than Store Bought: These are the ultimate holiday treat because they lack the preservatives found in commercial versions. You get a much cleaner creamy peppermint center flavor.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer a semi-sweet chocolate coating or a dark chocolate covered peppermint patties at home experience, you have total control.
- Perfect for Gifting: If you are looking for a homemade holiday gift, look no further. Package these up in a tin, and you will be everyone’s favorite neighbor.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have powdered sugar filling components in your pantry right now. This peppermint patties recipe with corn syrup and butter is incredibly accessible.
Ingredients for Peppermint Patties
Before we grab our aprons, let’s look at what we need. For this DIY peppermint patties aventura, quality matters. I always tell Emily that a dish is only as good as its ingredients. For this peppermint patty recipe, we are keeping it simple and effective.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: This creates the structured yet melt in your mouth powdered sugar filling.
- Light Corn Syrup: This provides the necessary chew and shine. If you prefer, there is a common peppermint patties recipe with sweetened condensed milk, but the corn syrup version is closer to the original York peppermint patties copycat texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it is softened! It adds a richness that balances the sugar.
- Peppermint Extract: This is the star of the show. Be generous, but remember it’s potent.
- Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: I recommend semi-sweet chocolate peppermint patties for the kids, but I personally love dark chocolate peppermint patties.
- Coconut Oil: Just a teaspoon helps the chocolate coating stay smooth and shiny.
How to Make Peppermint Patties
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, friends, grab your mixing bowls. To make these homemade York peppermint patties, we start by creating the minty dough. In a large bowl, mix your softened butter, corn syrup, peppermint extract, and a portion of the powdered sugar. I usually let Jana help me with the initial mixing. The smell of the peppermint will fill the kitchen immediately, and it is just heavenly. As you add more sugar, the dough will become stiff. You want it to feel like playdough. If it is too sticky, add more sugar. If it is too crumbly, a tiny drop of water helps.
Next, we roll the dough out on a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Aim for a thickness of about a quarter inch. Use a small circular cutter to create your cool minty rounds. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Now, here is the SEO and GEO specialist secret: you must refrigerate or freeze before dipping. If they are warm, they will melt into the chocolate and lose their shape. I usually pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. While you wait, check out my easy homemade candy tips for more inspiration.
While the centers chill, melt your chocolate with the coconut oil. You can use a double boiler or the microwave in 30 second bursts. Once the centers are firm, use a fork to dip each one into the chocolate coating. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off. This ensures a professional look. Place them back on the parchment and let them set. If you want to get fancy, you can add holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top before the chocolate dries. Adams loves the extra crunch, while Emily prefers them plain and elegant.
Pro Tips & Variations
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this peppermint patties recipe even better. First, if you find the dough too sweet, a tiny pinch of salt goes a long way in balancing the flavors. It’s a trick I learned from my grandmother’s BBQ recipes, where balance is everything.
For those with dietary needs, you can easily make a vegan peppermint patties version by using plant based butter and dairy free chocolate chips. If you want a gluten free peppermint patties recipe, you are in luck because these ingredients are naturally gluten free. Just always double check your labels.
Another fun variation is the small batch homemade peppermint patties. If you don’t want 40 candies in the house, just halve the recipe. Though in our house, with Jana and Adams around, we never have to worry about leftovers! For more festive ideas, try incorporating these into a sweets charcuterie board for your next party. According to experts at Live Well Bake Often, maintaining a cool temperature for the dough is the single most important factor for success.
Peppermint Patties Serving Suggestions
These homemade mint chocolate candy treats are versatile. They are obviously a star on cookie trays during the winter. I love serving them alongside a warm cup of coffee or gingerbread latte. If you are hosting a summer party, try serving them straight from the freezer for a refreshing mint chocolate dessert after a heavy meal.
They also pair beautifully with other homemade sweets. Imagine a platter featuring these patties, some buttery toffee pretzels, and perhaps some homemade orange candy. The contrast between the cool mint and the salty toffee or citrus is always a hit with our guests. As a DIY peppermint patties master, you can even crush a few and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream for the kids!
Peppermint Patties Storage & Reheating
Storage is key to keeping that creamy peppermint center perfect. These copycat York peppermint patties should be stored in an airtight container. They will last at room temperature for about a week, but they really shine when kept in the refrigerator. In the fridge, they stay firm and snappy for up to two weeks.
If you want to keep them longer, these are excellent for freezing. We often make a big batch of Christmas peppermint candy in November and keep them in the freezer until the holidays arrive. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick together. There is no need for reheating here; in fact, the chocolate covered mint candy is best enjoyed cold!
FAQ about Peppermint Patties
How to make homemade peppermint patties with 5 ingredients?
It is very simple! You just need powdered sugar, corn syrup or sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, butter, and chocolate. This easy homemade peppermint patties with 5 ingredients approach is what makes this recipe a household staple.
Why is my peppermint patty dough too sticky?
Humidity can play a role. If your dough is too soft to handle, simply add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a clay like consistency. Make sure to refrigerate or freeze before dipping as well.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract. If you use oil, use only a few drops. Most peppermint patties recipe guides, including the one from Dinner at the Zoo, recommend pure extract for the most consistent flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something so peaceful about the rhythm of the kitchen. When I am dipping these peppermint patties, and Emily is sitting at the counter chatting with me, the world feels just right. These little candies are more than just sugar and chocolate; they are a bridge to my childhood and a gift to my children. I hope this handmade holiday treat brings as much joy to your home as it does to ours. Don’t forget to save this to your Pinterest board and let me know in the comments how your batch turned out. Happy cooking, and remember: grab your apron and make someone happy today!
Homemade Peppermint Patties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light corn syrup, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more sugar one tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the dough on a surface dusted with powdered sugar until it's smooth and no longer sticky.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a powdered sugar dusted surface.
- Use a small cookie cutter to cut out rounds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the patties in the freezer for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Remove the patties from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each patty into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place the dipped patties back on the parchment-lined sheet and let them set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
