Your holiday dessert table is about to get a magical upgrade with this Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe. These little bites of joy combine a creamy, minty center with a luscious chocolate coating that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving just one more. They’re delightfully easy to make, taste like a nostalgic childhood treat, and bring a festive sparkle to any Christmas gathering. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade classic that feels like a special gift to yourself and anyone lucky enough to share them with.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but pack incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role in giving these patties their signature creamy, minty, and chocolatey perfection.
- Powdered sugar: The backbone of the filling, providing sweetness and a smooth texture that holds together beautifully.
- Butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender, luscious peppermint center.
- Peppermint extract: The star flavor that brings that refreshing holiday spirit and unmistakable mint punch.
- Heavy cream: Gives the filling a creamy consistency and a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Melted chocolate (dark or milk): The silky coating that wraps the patties in a decadent layer of chocolate goodness.
- Optional decorations (sprinkles, edible glitter, food coloring): Perfect for adding a festive and personal touch to your patties for extra holiday cheer.
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Create the Peppermint Dough
Start by mixing powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream until they combine into a soft yet pliable dough. This part is fun—you’ll notice how the dough melds into a silky, mint-scented ball that’s just begging to become something special.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Roll the dough into even balls to ensure consistent size and flavor in each patty. Then gently flatten each ball into a disk around half an inch thick. Pop these disks into the freezer for about 15 minutes; this step is essential as it firms up the patties, making them easier to dip and helping the chocolate coating to set nicely.
Step 3: Dip in Chocolate
Now for the really indulgent step—dipping your chilled peppermint disks into melted chocolate. Use a fork or a dipping tool to fully coat each patty, letting any excess chocolate drip off. This chocolate shell is what turns your patties into little holiday treasures with a crisp outer layer and a soft minty inside.
Step 4: Decorate and Set
If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a hint of food coloring before the chocolate hardens. This gives your Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe a personal and joyful touch. Place them on parchment paper and let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or in the fridge.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Once your peppermint patties have set, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, ready to bring holiday smiles anytime you want a minty treat.
How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra holiday cheer is easy with garnishes! Try sprinkling crushed candy canes or finely chopped nuts on top right after dipping for a crunch and a festive look that really makes your patties pop.
Side Dishes
These peppermint patties pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a creamy eggnog. Serving them alongside these warming beverages makes for a cozy, comforting dessert experience that guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe on decorative holiday plates or tiered stands for a stunning dessert display. Wrapping each patty in a tiny piece of parchment paper or small holiday boxes makes them perfect for gifting too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), keep them fresh by storing your peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They maintain their texture and flavor best this way for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze these patties for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When properly stored, they keep well for a few months without losing their charm.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If the chocolate feels too firm, simply let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract gives this recipe its classic holiday vibe, you can experiment with spearmint, vanilla, or even almond extract to create your own twist on these delightful patties.
Is it better to use dark or milk chocolate for coating?
Both work wonderfully. Dark chocolate offers a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet filling, while milk chocolate creates a creamier, sweeter patty. Choose based on your personal preference or mix the two!
How can I make these patties vegan or dairy-free?
To veganize this Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe, swap butter and heavy cream for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate for dipping. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats.
What’s the best way to get a smooth, shiny chocolate coating?
Make sure your melted chocolate is tempered or gently melted without overheating. Stir it frequently and dip the patties quickly to avoid clumpy or dull coatings. Cool them on parchment paper to keep the finish glossy and beautiful.
How long should I freeze the dough disks before dipping?
A minimum of 15 minutes is ideal to ensure the patties are firm enough for dipping but not rock hard. This chilling step helps the chocolate set properly around the mint centers without melting or cracking.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe is a joyous, simple way to add a homemade touch to your holiday sweets. With just a handful of ingredients and some festive flair, you’ll create treats that feel both classic and special. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and watch how quickly they disappear from your holiday dessert tray!
Print
Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 patties
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Peppermint Patties are a delightful holiday treat featuring a creamy peppermint filling coated in rich melted chocolate. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at festive gatherings, these patties combine classic peppermint flavor with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Coating
- 1 cup melted chocolate (dark or milk)
- Optional: Sprinkles, edible glitter, or food coloring for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- Shape the patties: Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten each into a disk about 1/4 inch thick. Place the disks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Coat with chocolate: Dip each chilled disk fully into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Use a fork or dipping tool to lift and let excess chocolate drip off.
- Decorate and set: While the chocolate is still wet, optionally add sprinkles, edible glitter, or color accents to enhance the festive look. Place coated patties back onto the parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Store and serve: Once set, store the peppermint patties in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature or chilled and enjoyed throughout the holiday season.
Notes
- Use softened butter to ensure the filling dough mixes smoothly.
- Adjust the peppermint extract to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it slightly before rolling.
- Dark chocolate provides a rich contrast, while milk chocolate offers a sweeter coating.
- Store in a cool place to prevent the chocolate from melting.
