There’s something downright magical about homemade peppermint candies, and this Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe hits just the right note of minty freshness and chocolatey indulgence. They’re simple to whip up, yet so satisfying—like a little holiday surprise you can enjoy anytime.

There is a stack of round chocolate-covered treats on a white tray with a red and white cloth underneath. Each treat has a thick dark brown chocolate coating topped with colorful festive sprinkles in red, green, white, yellow, and gold. One treat on top has a bite taken out, showing a creamy white layered inside. The top treat is decorated with small white snowflake shapes, a green Christmas tree shape, and red round sprinkles arranged in a pattern. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these peppermint patties. Making them at home is such a treat, plus you get to control the flavors and really make them your own. Plus, they’re perfect little gifts or a festive snack that everyone asks for every year.

Super Simple with Just Five Ingredients: None of those long ingredient lists—just basics you probably already have on hand.
Mint and Chocolate Heaven: The cool peppermint flavor pairs perfectly with smooth chocolate, making each bite a blissful little escape.
Fun to Make and Decorate: Getting the patties just right and then adding colorful sprinkles makes this recipe feel special and festive.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them ahead of time, and you’ve got fresh, homemade treats ready whenever you want.

A white tray holds round cookies covered in smooth milk chocolate, arranged in two rows. Each cookie is decorated with colorful sprinkles: some with small red, green, and white balls; others with white snowflake shapes, tiny red balls, and green Christmas tree candy in the center. The cookies have shiny, glossy chocolate surfaces with various textured sprinkles resting on top. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, and a red cloth is visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe plays a key role. They come together effortlessly, yielding a deliciously creamy center paired with a crisp chocolate shell.

Flat lay of a small mound of powdered sugar on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl holding smooth sweetened condensed milk, a tiny white bowl containing clear coconut oil, a small white bowl with bright green, red, and white Christmas sprinkles, and a clean, whole white egg resting beside a few fresh peppermint leaves, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sweetened Condensed Milk: It gives the filling its creamy, sweet base while helping to bind everything together.
Peppermint Extract: This is the star flavor that gives the patties that fresh, minty zing—don’t skip it!
Powdered Sugar: It sweetens and thickens the filling, making it firm enough to shape into patties.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt smooth and coat the patties perfectly, balancing mint with rich chocolate.
Coconut Oil or Shortening: Adds shine and makes the chocolate coating silky and easy to work with.
Christmas Sprinkles: They add a festive pop of color and a little crunch–perfect for holiday cheer but optional if you want to keep it classic.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can dial the peppermint intensity up or down, swap out the chocolate for white or dark, or even sneak in a hint of vanilla for a twist. I encourage you to experiment and find your perfect peppermint patty balance.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet—it gives a slightly bitter contrast that makes the mint pop even more.
Dietary Modifications: You can make this dairy-free by using sweetened condensed coconut milk and vegan chocolate chips—trust me, it still turns out amazing!
Seasonal Changes: Outside of holidays, try using non-themed sprinkles or skip them altogether for a sleek look.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Step 1: Whipping Up the Minty Filling

Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract in a mixing bowl. I usually use my stand mixer, but a hand mixer works just as well. Then, slowly add the powdered sugar—about a cup at a time—beating well after each addition. Keep going until it forms a stiff dough that's easy to shape. Don’t rush this stage; the texture is key for shaping and drying.

Step 2: Shaping and Drying the Patties

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls (ping pong ball size). Place them on a baking sheet lined with a non-stick mat or parchment paper. Then, gently press each ball flat to create the classic patty shape. This is a fun part—don’t worry about being perfect! Let them dry at room temperature for about two hours. Flip them halfway through to make sure both sides dry evenly.

Step 3: Melting the Chocolate Coating

When the patties are nearly dry, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove it from the heat right away to prevent burning; melted chocolate can go from silky to grainy in seconds.

Step 4: Dipping and Decorating

One by one, dip each patty into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. A pair of forks or a dipping tool can help with this. Place the coated patties back on the lined baking sheet to set. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your Christmas sprinkles on top for that festive flair. Let them set completely at room temperature or pop them in the fridge to speed things up.

Top Tip

From my many batches of peppermint patties, a few key tips really made a difference—these little tricks will help you nail the texture and flavor every time.

Powdered Sugar Gradual Addition: Adding powdered sugar slowly ensures your filling is firm but not crumbly—this stops cracking when you press or dip.
Drying Time is Crucial: Don’t skip the two-hour drying; if the patties are too soft, the chocolate coating won’t adhere well.
Use Fresh Peppermint Extract: Fresh, high-quality extract gives a cleaner mint flavor than artificial alternatives.
Temper Your Chocolate Slightly: If you have time, tempering the chocolate helps it set with a nice snap and prevents bloom (white streaks) on the surface.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for adding those green, red, and white Christmas sprinkles right after dipping. They add a festive touch and just a little crunch to the soft inner filling. Sometimes, I swap sprinkles for finely crushed candy canes when I want an extra peppermint punch and crunch.

Side Dishes

These patties are a perfect sweet finish alongside rich hot cocoa or a creamy latte. During holiday parties, I like serving them on a dessert tray with a mix of nuts and dried fruits to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange peppermint patties in a festive tin lined with wax paper, occasionally slipping in some holiday-themed cupcake liners. I’ve also wrapped individual patties in colored foil or parchment tied with twine as sweet little gifts for friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover patties in an airtight container at room temperature if my kitchen isn’t too warm, or in the fridge otherwise. They keep well for up to two weeks, which means you get to enjoy fresh-tasting treats over several days.

Freezing

These patties freeze beautifully. I lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a sweet fix, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes—they keep their texture and flavor amazingly well.

Reheating

Since these are best served chilled or at room temperature, I avoid reheating. If the chocolate has hardened too much, just let them sit a few minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make peppermint patties without a mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the filling by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula. It’ll take a bit more elbow grease to get the powdered sugar fully incorporated and the dough stiff, but it’s totally doable. Just take your time to avoid lumps and get the right texture.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

Peppermint extract really makes this recipe shine, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can try using mint extract or even a few drops of spearmint oil. Just reduce the amount initially—you can always add more if you want a stronger flavor.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier taste, which some people prefer. Just keep in mind the overall flavor balance might be a touch sweeter, so you might want to adjust the peppermint amount to suit your taste.

How long do homemade peppermint patties last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, homemade peppermint patties last about two weeks at room temperature or refrigerated. If you freeze them, they can keep for up to two months, but I recommend consuming them sooner for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Peppermint Patties Recipe is one of those sweet, small pleasures I keep coming back to—whether as a holiday tradition or a quick homemade gift. They’re approachable enough for even beginner cooks and deliver that classic mint-chocolate combo with a fresh homemade twist. I really hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do.