Oh, the memories! There’s just something so special about those cool, creamy peppermint patties we all loved growing up, right? But trying to find that perfect homemade peppermint patty recipe, especially one that’s actually gluten-free and doesn’t taste like a science experiment, can be a whole adventure! Believe me, I’ve been there. My son’s face when he first said mine weren’t like the store-bought ones sent me on a mission. After way too many messy batches and meltdowns (mostly mine!), I finally nailed it. These homemade peppermint patties have that classic crackly chocolate shell and a melt-in-your-mouth center that just *works*. And the best part? It’s way simpler than you think!
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Peppermint Patties
Seriously, why mess with perfection? But when you can make your own and they’re *this* good? It’s a no-brainer! Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
- Super Easy to Make: Forget complicated steps! This recipe is pretty straightforward, perfect for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen.
- That Classic Flavor: You get that perfectly refreshing peppermint kick with a smooth chocolatey hug. It’s pure nostalgia!
- Totally Gluten-Free: Yep, you can enjoy these without any gluten worries. Everyone can join the candy-making fun!
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap ’em up and watch faces light up. They make amazing DIY gifts for holidays or just because.
Gather Your Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Patties
Alright, let’s get our goodies together! Making these homemade peppermint patties is pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 3/4 cup. This is the base for our creamy peppermint filling, giving it that perfect smooth texture and sweetness.
- Peppermint Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons. Don’t skimp here! Use a good quality extract for that true, refreshing peppermint punch. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 4 cups. You’ll need a good amount to get that dough stiff enough to handle. Make sure it’s sifted if you want it extra smooth, but honestly, it usually works out fine even if it’s a little lumpy from the bag.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 3 cups. For that classic chocolate shell. You can use your favorite brand, but I find semisweet gives the perfect balance against the sweet peppermint.
- Shortening: 2 teaspoons. This little bit helps make the chocolate coating smooth and easy to work with, preventing it from getting too thick too fast.
That’s it! See? Nothing too crazy. Having everything measured out before you start always makes the process smoother. Happy candy making!
Essential Equipment for Making Homemade Peppermint Patties
Alright, let’s talk tools! You don’t need a fancy candy shop setup for these homemade peppermint patties. Just a few basic kitchen staples will do the trick:
- Baking Sheet: You’ll need one for letting those patties chill out and firm up.
- Waxed Paper: Super important for lining that baking sheet so your sticky patties don’t end up stuck to it!
- Large Mixing Bowl: For whipping up that peppermint center.
- Medium Saucepan: Best for gently melting our chocolate coating.
- Fork: Our trusty tool for dipping these little guys into the chocolate.
See? Totally manageable. Having these ready means you can just dive right into the fun part!
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Homemade Peppermint Patties
Alright, let’s get down to business and make some magic happen! Following these steps will ensure your homemade peppermint patties turn out just like the ones you remember, but even better because *you* made them. It’s really not complicated, just pay attention and you’ll be snacking on these beauties in no time!
Preparing the Peppermint Center
First things first, grab that baking sheet and line it nice and snug with waxed paper. This is your non-stick haven for the patties to dry. Now, in your big mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the peppermint extract. Give it a little stir to get it all mixed up. Then, slowly start adding your confectioners’ sugar. I like to add it a cup at a time, stirring between each addition. You’re looking for a dough that’s stiff enough to handle – it shouldn’t be super sticky anymore. Once it’s just right, roll it into little 1-inch balls. Pop these onto your prepared baking sheet and then gently flatten them with your fingers. They should look like little patties now! Let them hang out on the counter for about two hours to dry out a bit. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through so they dry evenly!
Creating the Chocolate Coating
Now for the chocolatey goodness! Get your medium saucepan and toss in the semisweet chocolate chips and the shortening. Melt them together over low heat, stirring pretty constantly. My trick is to stir until it’s smooth and luscious – you don’t want any burnt bits at the bottom! Once it’s all melty and wonderful, take it off the heat. Now for the fun part: dipping! Grab a patty, lay it on the tines of your fork, and carefully dip it into the chocolate. Lift it out and gently tap the fork on the side of the pan to let any extra chocolate drip off. You want a nice, even coat, not a glob! Slide the chocolate-covered patty back onto the waxed paper. Repeat with all your patties. Once they’re all coated, pop the whole baking sheet into the fridge for about 10-15 minutes, or until that chocolate shell is nice and firm.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Peppermint Patties
Alright, let’s make sure these homemade peppermint patties are totally perfect! A few little tricks can make a big difference. For the peppermint center, if it feels too sticky, just add a little more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Don’t go overboard, or they’ll get too hard! When you’re dipping them in chocolate, make sure that chocolate coating is nice and smooth; if it starts to seize up, pop it back on the very low heat for just a few seconds. And remember that swirl on top? A little flick of the fork as you slide the patty off really makes them look extra fancy. Oh, and one last thing: chilling them until they’re *really* set is key to that satisfying snap when you bite into them!
Making Homemade Peppermint Patties a DIY Gift
Okay, so you’ve made these amazing homemade peppermint patties – now what? Well, if you can resist eating them all yourself (and really, who can blame you?), they make the *cutest* DIY gifts! Seriously, nothing says “I care” like a batch of homemade holiday candy. I love tucking them into little cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. They’re perfect for teachers, neighbors, or even as a little extra something in a stocking. You can also pop them into small boxes for a really elegant touch. They always feel so special because they’re made with so much love. These festive sweets are little bites of joy that everyone appreciates, especially when they’re gluten-free!
Nutritional Information for Homemade Peppermint Patties
Okay, so let’s talk numbers! These estimates are based on the recipe as written, but remember things can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use. On average, one of these delicious homemade peppermint patties has about:
- Calories: Around 183
- Fat: About 7g
- Protein: Just 1g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 33g
So, enjoy these sweet treats knowing they’re a delightful indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Peppermint Patties
Got questions about whipping up these yummy homemade peppermint patties? I’ve got answers! Making homemade candy is fun, but sometimes you just need a little nudge. Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the coating?
Oh, absolutely! While semisweet is my go-to, you can totally use dark chocolate or even milk chocolate chips if that’s your jam. Just be aware that different chocolates melt and set a bit differently, so you might need to adjust the shortening just a touch for that perfect smooth coating.
How should I store my homemade peppermint patties?
To keep these christmas recipes tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container. I usually pop them in the fridge, especially if it’s warm out, as the chocolate can soften. They’ll stay yummy for about a week or so!
Can I make these dairy-free?
You sure can! Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version (coconut-based ones work great!) and use dairy-free chocolate chips for the coating. It’s an easy switch to make these homemade candy delights totally dairy-free.
Share Your Homemade Peppermint Patties Creations!
Alright, now it’s YOUR turn! I’d absolutely LOVE to see your beautiful homemade peppermint patties! Did you get that perfect chocolate swirl? Did you package them up for some lucky friends? Please, leave a comment below and tell me all about it! And if you snapped some pics, tag me on social media. Your creations are the best part of all this!
Homemade Peppermint Patties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
- Combine condensed milk and peppermint extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat in enough confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, to form a stiff dough that is no longer sticky.
- Form the peppermint mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the waxed paper. Flatten with your fingers to form patties. Let the patties dry at room temperature for two hours, turning them once.
- Stir the chocolate chips and shortening in a medium saucepan over low heat until melted. Remove from heat. Dip patties, one at a time, into the chocolate by laying them on the tines of a fork and lowering the fork into the chocolate mixture. Tap the fork on the edge of the pan to shake off excess chocolate. Slide the patties back onto the waxed paper and chill in the refrigerator until set.
Nutrition
Notes
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Gluten-Free Chef & Latin Cuisine Innovation Specialist
My youngest son’s celiac diagnosis at four changed everything. Suddenly, all those traditional Brazilian and Portuguese recipes from my avó needed to be completely reimagined without losing their soul.
After graduating from Johnson & Wales and working Miami’s Latin fusion scene, my son’s diagnosis became my calling. How do you make gluten-free empanadas that taste like childhood? Over eight years, I’ve developed 320+ gluten-free recipes celebrating authentic Latin flavors using cassava flour and plantain alternatives.
My gluten-free empanada recipe won “Best Appetizer” at the 2023 Miami Gluten-Free Food Festival. I ran “Sabores Sin Gluten,” a catering business serving Miami’s Latino community—quinceañeras, family gatherings, all the celebrations that matter.
Food is culture, and everyone deserves to experience the joy of sharing traditional family meals, regardless of dietary restrictions.