Simple Peppermint Patties Recipe

One quiet afternoon, I decided to make something refreshing and chocolatey without using the oven. I remember having a half-can of sweetened condensed milk sitting in the fridge, and instead of turning it into fudge, I thought why not minty patties?

The kitchen quickly filled with the crisp scent of peppermint, cool and sweet like a breath of winter. Rolling the dough felt oddly calming; soft, pliable, and powdery with sugar. When dipped into glossy melted chocolate, each patty transformed into a small, polished gem simple yet elegant.

They set perfectly in the fridge, creating that classic snap when bitten into, giving way to a creamy, mint-filled center. Now, these minimalist peppermint patties have become my go-to for gifting or a late-night treat, requiring barely any time yet looking like something from a boutique confectionery counter.

Short Description

These minimalist peppermint patties are creamy, cool, and coated in silky dark chocolate. With only five ingredients, you can create a refreshing, elegant candy that’s both effortless and irresistibly delicious.

Key Ingredients

• ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1¼ teaspoons peppermint extract
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 2 cups dark melting or dipping chocolate
• Sprinkles (optional)

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutter (1 to 1½ inches)
• Fork for dipping
• Baking sheet

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Peppermint Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Set the mixer to low speed and gradually add half the powdered sugar. Continue adding the rest, little by little, until a soft dough forms. If it feels too sticky, add another tablespoon of powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 2: Shape the Patties
Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar on a sheet of parchment paper. Knead the dough gently 3–4 times to make it pliable and uniform. Roll it out into a ½-inch thick circle, dusting the top lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cut the Circles
Use a 1 to 1½-inch cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass to cut out neat circles. If the dough gets too soft, freeze it for 15 minutes before cutting again. Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for another 15 minutes to firm them up.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second increments, stirring between each interval to avoid scorching. Let it cool slightly for about 3–4 minutes so it thickens just enough to coat smoothly.

Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork, dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, flip it to coat both sides, and lift to let the excess drip off. Return it to the parchment-lined tray. Add sprinkles if you like a festive touch.

Step 6: Set and Serve
Refrigerate the dipped patties for about 20 minutes until the chocolate sets with a glossy finish. Once firm, they’re ready to serve or package.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only five simple ingredientsno baking required.

The texture is perfectly balanced: creamy inside, snappy outside.

Great for gifting, party trays, or a light after-dinner sweet.

Freezer-friendly and easy to store for weeks.

Customizable with different chocolate types or toppings.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Dough sticking to the parchment paper.
Solution: Dust both sides of the dough with powdered sugar before rolling to keep it from sticking.

Mistake 2: Chocolate too thin or melting unevenly.
Solution: Let melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping. Stir between intervals when microwaving to avoid overheating.

Mistake 3: Patties losing shape during dipping.
Solution: Keep them chilled until the moment you dip each one. Cold patties hold their shape better.

Mistake 4: Overpowering peppermint flavor.
Solution: Measure peppermint extract carefully too much can turn the flavor harsh. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Mistake 5: Sticky dough that’s hard to handle.
Solution: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, non-sticky consistency.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled for a crisp texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.

Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or mint tea for a cozy dessert moment.

Perfect addition to holiday platters or edible gift boxes.

Use as cake toppers for a cool minty touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze for up to 2 months with parchment between layers.

No reheating needed just let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, though the result will be sweeter. Dark chocolate balances the mint flavor better, but milk or white chocolate works for variation.

2. My dough is too dry. What should I do?
Add 1 teaspoon of sweetened condensed milk at a time until the dough softens enough to roll.

3. Can I make these ahead of time for gifting?
Absolutely! They store beautifully in the fridge or freezer and stay fresh for days.

4. What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can use mint extract, but it has a slightly different flavor—less sharp and more herbal.

5. How do I get the chocolate coating to look shiny?
Avoid moisture and make sure the patties are completely dry before dipping. Let the chocolate cool slightly before coating for a smooth finish.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the dough slightly before cutting for cleaner shapes.

Use a dipping fork or two forks to make the chocolate coating neater.

Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for a gourmet twist.

Add a drop of green food coloring for a festive look.

Recipe Variations

Mint Chocolate Crunch Patties
Add ¼ cup crushed chocolate cookies to the dough before rolling for a crunchy texture.

Coconut Peppermint Patties
Replace ½ cup powdered sugar with ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical mint fusion.

White Chocolate Drizzle Patties
After coating with dark chocolate, drizzle melted white chocolate on top for contrast.

Spiced Mocha Peppermint Patties
Mix ½ teaspoon espresso powder and a pinch of cinnamon into the dough for a sophisticated flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

They melt delicately on the tongue, balancing dark chocolate’s richness with peppermint’s refreshing lift. I often make a batch to keep in the freezer for when I crave something sweet yet refreshing. The best part is that they look professionally made but come together in under an hour.

Perfect for busy days, quiet evenings, or thoughtful homemade gifts these minimalist peppermint patties fit any moment where a touch of cool sweetness feels just right.