Perfect Peppermint Patties
Creamy peppermint patties with a rich chocolate coating, perfect for peppermint lovers and festive occasions, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and minty freshness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine confectioners sugar, softened butter or margarine, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
- Add evaporated milk and mix well until smooth.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
- Chill for 20 minutes.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Chill for an additional 30 minutes.
- Melt semisweet chocolate chips and shortening in a bowl.
- Dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the coated patties on wax paper to harden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, sift the confectioners sugar before mixing. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, adjust the peppermint extract to your taste. You can also substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer taste. To save time, consider using store-bought chocolate coating instead of melting chocolate chips and shortening.
Serving Suggestions
These peppermint patties make a delightful after-dinner treat or festive gift. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Yummy Dip as part of a dessert platter. You can also use them as toppings for ice cream or incorporate them into baked goods for added minty flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage, placing them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Perfect Peppermint Patties contains roughly 1174 calories, with 20g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these peppermint patties in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the peppermint patties ahead of time. After dipping them in chocolate, let them harden completely, then store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, making them perfect for holiday gifting or parties.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream. For a dairy-free option, consider using almond milk or coconut milk, though the flavor may slightly differ.
How do I know when the peppermint patties are fully coated?
To ensure the peppermint patties are fully coated, dip each one in the melted chocolate mixture and use a fork to lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. The patty should be completely covered with a smooth layer of chocolate without any visible gaps before placing it on wax paper.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).