Homemade Peppermint Patties – Better Than Store-Bought and So Easy to Make
Homemade Peppermint Patties – Better Than Store-Bought and So Easy to Make
There’s something timeless about the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint wrapped in a smooth layer of chocolate. It instantly brings to mind cozy evenings, holiday trays filled with sweets, and that satisfying snap when you bite into a perfectly chilled mint treat. These Homemade Peppermint Patties capture all of that nostalgia—but with a softer texture, fresher flavor, and a homemade touch that makes them truly special.
What makes this recipe so memorable isn’t just how delicious the patties turn out—it’s how surprisingly simple they are to make. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a little bit of mixing and dipping, you can recreate a classic candy right in your own kitchen. And honestly, once you try them homemade, it’s hard to go back to anything packaged.
This is the kind of recipe that feels almost magical the first time you make it. Watching a few basic ingredients come together into a smooth mint dough, shaping them by hand, and then dipping each piece into melted chocolate—it’s both relaxing and rewarding. Whether you’re making these for a festive occasion, gifting them to friends, or just keeping a stash in your fridge for sweet cravings, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Homemade Peppermint Patties
Ingredients
HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT PATTIES
Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Easy Homemade Peppermint Patty recipe with just a handful of ingredients! Copycat York Peppermint Patties but BETTER. Simple soft, sweetened mint candy covered in chocolate for a delicious, easy peppermint patty candy.
Course: Candy
Author: Butter With A Side of Bread
Ingredients
1/4 cup softened butter
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1-2 tsp peppermint extract*
3 cups powdered sugar
2 cups dark dipping chocolate**
chocolate jimmies if desired
Directions
Instructions
Combine butter, corn syrup, extract and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes, until ingredients are well combined and are holding together.
Remove dough from bowl and break off about 2 teaspoon-sized sections. Roll into a ball and gently flatten with your hands. Put patties down on a pan lined with wax or parchment paper. Once all patties are made, place pan in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
Melt chocolate in microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds. Let sit for an additional minute in the microwave. Remove and gently stir. Remove peppermint patties from freezer. Use a fork or a handy Winton Dipping tool like I did to dip each patty in the chocolate, flip to coat the other side, then tap to remove any excess. Transfer chocolate coated patties to wax paper to cool. Top with chocolate jimmies if you’d like.
Store in an airtight container, refrigerate if preferred but it’s not necessary. Yields 40 mints.
Recipe Notes
*Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, then mix until well combined. Taste dough. If you’d like them to be stronger, add an additional 1/2 to 1 teaspoon extract. You can also use 2 drops of peppermint essential oil instead or even 2 teaspoons mint extract for a more subtle mint flavor. Think Andes Mints as opposed to Starlight mints! Yum.
**When making candy like this I really find that dipping chocolate just works best. You can purchase Ghirardelli Melting Wafers at most grocery stores. I buy my melting chocolate in bulk on Amazon. If you really want to use chocolate chips instead, I suggest melting 1/2 a tablespoon of shortening or 2 tsp coconut oil in with the chocolate chips, to thin it out and make it easier to dip the candy.
Helpful Tips & Variations
Getting the perfect peppermint patty texture is easier than you might think, but a few small details can make a big difference.
First, don’t rush the mixing step. You want the dough to be smooth and well combined so it holds together nicely when shaping. If it feels too sticky, a light dusting of powdered sugar can help.
When shaping the patties, try to keep them uniform in size. This not only makes them look more professional but also ensures they chill and set evenly.
For the chocolate coating, patience is key. Letting the melted chocolate sit briefly before stirring helps it smooth out without overheating. If the chocolate is too thick, thinning it slightly (as mentioned in the notes) makes dipping much easier and gives a cleaner finish.
If you’re feeling creative, you can experiment with flavors. A hint of vanilla or even a touch of orange extract can create a unique twist while still keeping that refreshing base.
Serving Ideas
These peppermint patties are perfect for so many occasions. They shine during the holidays, especially when arranged on a dessert tray alongside cookies and other homemade treats.
They also make wonderful edible gifts. Pack them into a small box or jar, and you’ve got something thoughtful and delicious that anyone would appreciate.
For everyday enjoyment, keep a batch in the fridge and enjoy one after meals as a refreshing little dessert. They pair especially well with coffee or tea, offering a cool contrast to warm drinks.
Storage Tips
One of the best things about these peppermint patties is how well they store.
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer, more refreshing bite. Chilled patties have that classic snap that many people love.
If you want to store them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just place them in a sealed container with parchment between layers, and they’ll keep for several weeks. Let them thaw slightly before eating, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for an extra cool treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps create the smooth texture, but you can experiment with alternatives like honey, though it may slightly change the flavor.
2. Why are my patties too soft?
This usually means the dough needs more powdered sugar or a longer chill time. Adjust gradually until the texture is easy to handle.
3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, absolutely. Milk chocolate will give a sweeter finish, while dark chocolate keeps it more balanced.
4. Do I have to refrigerate them?
It’s optional, but refrigeration helps them stay firm and gives that classic peppermint patty texture.
