Name: Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening; Christmas sprinkles (green, red, and white shapes)

The cool, creamy peppermint center wrapped in rich chocolate is pure magic. I’m excited to share this Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe because nothing beats the fresh, made-from-scratch taste you’ll get here — it’s like a little wintertime hug for your taste buds.

The image shows many round chocolate-covered treats placed on a white plate with wooden edges, resting on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth underneath. Each treat has a smooth dark brown chocolate layer with colorful Christmas-themed sprinkles on top. One layer is a cream-white filling inside the chocolate shell, visible because one treat has a bite taken from it. Decorations include red balls, green Christmas trees, white snowflakes, and multicolor stars and dots, scattered all over the top of each treat. The 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 Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve tried loads of peppermint patty recipes over the years, but this one stands out because it’s easy, uses just a handful of ingredients, and tastes like the candy you find on special holiday shelves — only way better, because you made it yourself. There’s a pure joy in watching the chocolate coat those cool, minty centers.

Simple Ingredients: You only need five ingredients, all easy to find and work with.
Perfect Texture: The creamy, chewy peppermint center pairs perfectly with smooth chocolate.
Customizable Coating: Add festive sprinkles or dip them in white chocolate for a twist.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these days in advance, which makes them great for gifting or parties.

There are nine round chocolate-covered cookies placed on a white tray. Each cookie has a smooth, glossy milk chocolate layer on top. The cookies are decorated with colorful sprinkles and small festive candies: tiny red and green beads, white snowflakes, and green Christmas tree shapes, all arranged on each cookie with different patterns. The tray lies on a white marbled surface, with a red cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how these ingredients come together — the rich sweetness of condensed milk balances perfectly with peppermint’s refreshing bite, and powdered sugar gives structure so your patties hold their shape beautifully. And the chocolate? The coconut oil ensures a glossy, silky finish that snaps just right.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth sweetened condensed milk, a tiny white bowl with clear peppermint extract, a neat mound of fine powdered sugar on a white ceramic plate, a white ceramic bowl brimming with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl containing solid white coconut oil, and a clean white ceramic dish holding red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles, all arranged in perfect symmetry, 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 adds creaminess and sweetness that bind the peppermint filling.
Peppermint Extract: The star flavor — make sure to use good quality for the freshest taste.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and firmness to the dough so patties don’t fall apart.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The coating that melts perfectly and hardens with a great snap.
Coconut Oil or Shortening: Makes the melted chocolate smoother and easier to dip patties.
Christmas Sprinkles: Adds a festive touch — I love red, white, and green for holiday charm.

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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

One of my favorite parts of this Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. I often switch up the chocolate coating to dark chocolate for a richer bite, or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch and peppermint punch.

Variation: I’ve made these with white chocolate combined with peppermint extract — it’s a creamy twist, and guests loved it!
Dietary Adjustments: If you want dairy-free, try using vegan condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips — it works surprisingly well.
Seasonal Twist: Swap out peppermint extract for orange or almond extract for different holiday flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Peppermint Dough

Start by combining ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon peppermint extract in your mixing bowl. I use my stand mixer for smooth results, but a hand mixer works fine too. Add 4 cups powdered sugar gradually, mixing a cup at a time until you form a stiff, firm dough. It should be firm enough to scoop without sticking too much to your fingers. If it’s sticky, just sprinkle on a little extra powdered sugar.

Step 2: Shape Patties and Let Them Dry

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form 1-inch balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Then gently press each ball down to make little patties — about a quarter-inch thick. Let these dry at room temperature for about two hours, flipping them once halfway through to dry evenly. This step is key: drying helps them hold their shape when you dip in chocolate.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Dip

As the patties finish drying, melt 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and remove from heat once smooth and glossy. Now comes the fun part — dip each patty fully into the chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the pot. Then place them back on the lined sheet.

Step 4: Add Sprinkles and Set

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your Christmas sprinkles on top. This adds color and a little crunch. Allow the patties to set completely — I find popping the tray into the fridge for 15–20 minutes speeds up the process without sacrificing shine.

Top Tip

After making these Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe several times, I learned a few tricks that really ensure success and give you that perfect candy-shop quality.

Drying Time is Crucial: Don’t rush drying the patties — if they’re too soft when dipped, chocolate won’t set nicely.
Use Fresh Peppermint Extract: Some extracts can taste artificial; I prefer a high-quality brand to keep the flavor vibrant and clean.
Keep Chocolate Smooth: Stir chocolate often when melting and remove from heat as soon as it’s smooth to avoid burning.
Lightly Chill After Sprinkles: Refrigerating the patties 15-20 minutes helps chocolate firm up evenly and keeps sprinkles in place without melting.

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I adore adding a sprinkle of festive red and green Christmas sprinkles right when the chocolate’s wet. It gives a cheerful look and a subtle crunch. Sometimes, I dust with a tiny pinch of edible glitter for parties — turns these little patties into real eye-catchers.

Side Dishes

These peppermint patties pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. I’ve even served them alongside homemade fudge and shortbread at holiday dessert tables — they balance nicely with buttery cookies and creamy drinks.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like placing these patties in festive mini cupcake liners and arranging them on a pretty platter with pine sprigs or holly. They also make charming homemade gifts wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up well for about a week, and the texture stays chewy and fresh. Just let them come to room temperature a little before enjoying.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I lay them out on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight to keep that perfect texture.

Reheating

No reheating needed here — these patties are best served cool or at room temp. But if the chocolate loses its shine, just let them sit out for 15 minutes to soften slightly before digging in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

You can, but peppermint extract is milder and mixes more evenly in the dough. Peppermint oil is very potent—if using it, add it in very small amounts (a drop or two) to avoid overpowering the flavor.

How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the mat?

Using a silicone baking mat or parchment paper helps a lot. Also, letting the patties dry completely before dipping in chocolate ensures they won’t stick when you’re coating them.

Can I make these without coconut oil?

Yes! Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoother and harden with a nice shine, but you can use shortening or even skip it. Without any, chocolate might be a little less glossy and harder to work with.

How long can I store homemade peppermint patties?

They last about a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you freeze them, they can keep for up to 3 months when properly stored and thawed in the fridge before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Peppermint Patties with Chocolate Recipe is one of my go-to treats for the holidays and beyond. It’s approachable, requires no fancy equipment, and always earns compliments. Making these in your kitchen gives you that satisfying sense of craft — plus, sharing a batch with friends feels like passing around a little piece of joy. Give them a try; I know you’ll be hooked just like I am!