Christmas was always my favorite time of year, and one of the traditions I looked forward to the most was making Christmas Peppermints Patties with my grandma. I can still remember the sights, sounds, and smells of her cozy kitchen as we’d spend the afternoon rolling, cutting, and dipping the homemade candies. The rich chocolate coating and creamy peppermint filling were the perfect balance of flavors, and nothing quite compared to the satisfaction of biting into a freshly made Christmas Peppermints Patty. To this day, that nostalgic holiday flavor brings me right back to those cherished moments with my grandma.
Why This Christmas Peppermints Patties Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
As much as I love the Christmas Peppermints Patties from the store, there’s something truly special about making them from scratch. This recipe captures all the classic flavors you know and love, but with a few unique techniques that take them to the next level. Not only are they absolutely delicious, but they also make for such a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Peppermints Patties
The key to these Christmas Peppermints Patties is getting the filling just right – it needs to be smooth, creamy, and perfectly peppermint-y. I’ve perfected a method that involves whipping the filling to get it extra light and fluffy, which gives the patties an incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture. And the chocolate coating? It’s made with high-quality chocolate that hardens into a lovely glossy shell. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Powdered sugar – This is the base of the peppermint filling and gives it that signature creamy texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the filling.
- Peppermint extract – The star of the show! This is what gives the Christmas Peppermints Patties their iconic peppermint flavor.
- Heavy cream – Whipping the cream creates an incredibly light and airy filling.
- Chocolate – I recommend using a high-quality chocolate bar or chocolate chips for the perfect crisp, glossy coating.
Step-by-Step Christmas Peppermints Patties Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Peppermints Patties
Making Christmas Peppermints Patties from scratch is a bit of a process, but I promise it’s well worth the effort! In total, it takes around 1-2 hours to make a batch, including chilling time. You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a baking sheet, and some parchment paper to get started.
1- In a large bowl, beat the powdered sugar, butter, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. This is the base for your peppermint filling.
2- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peppermint filling until well combined.
3- Scoop the filling by the tablespoonful onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your hands to gently shape each one into a round patty.
4- Chill the patties in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
5- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
6- One at a time, use a fork to dip each chilled peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the coated patties back on the parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate has fully hardened.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Christmas Peppermints Patties is all in the technique. Be sure not to overheat the chocolate, as that can cause it to seize up. And when whipping the cream for the filling, be careful not to over-whip it or it can turn grainy. If you find the filling is too soft, just pop it in the fridge for a bit to firm up. With a little practice, you’ll be a Christmas Peppermints Patties pro in no time!
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Peppermints Patties
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Peppermints Patties
These Christmas Peppermints Patties are the perfect holiday treat on their own, but they also make a delightful addition to any festive spread. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate cozy winter pairing. They’d also be a lovely homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or co-workers during the holiday season.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Christmas Peppermints Patties are super easy to store and make ahead of time. Once the chocolate coating has hardened, you can transfer the patties to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze beautifully – just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Peppermints Patties
Creative Christmas Peppermints Patties Variations
While the classic chocolate-dipped Christmas Peppermints Patties are tough to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a fun twist on this holiday favorite. Try dipping them in white chocolate instead of dark, or swirling the chocolate coating with crushed candy canes for a festive look. You could also experiment with different peppermint-flavored extracts, like candy cane or peppermint mocha.
Making Christmas Peppermints Patties Diet-Friendly
For a lighter, lower-carb version of Christmas Peppermints Patties, you can swap the powdered sugar in the filling for a granulated zero-calorie sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. To make them vegan, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the regular butter. And for a gluten-free option, just be sure to use gluten-free chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use peppermint essential oil instead of extract?
A: I wouldn’t recommend using peppermint essential oil, as it’s much more potent than the extract and could end up overpowering the other flavors. Stick with the peppermint extract for best results.
Q: How long do the Christmas Peppermints Patties need to chill?
A: The peppermint filling needs to chill for at least 30 minutes before dipping in the chocolate. This helps them firm up and hold their shape. You can also chill the coated patties in the fridge until the chocolate is completely set, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The peppermint filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before scooping and shaping the patties.
Q: How many Christmas Peppermints Patties does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield around 18-20 individual patties, depending on how generously you scoop the filling. Feel free to double the batch if you need to make a larger quantity.
Q: Why are my Christmas Peppermints Patties turning gray?
A: If your chocolate coating is developing a dull, grayish color, it’s likely due to a process called “blooming.” This happens when the chocolate is exposed to moisture or changes in temperature. To prevent it, be sure to store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like homemade Christmas Peppermints Patties, and this recipe is guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition in your household. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peppermint is simply irresistible. Plus, they make such a thoughtful handmade gift for friends, family, and neighbors. So what are you waiting for? Grab your mixing bowls and get ready to experience the magic of Christmas Peppermints Patties from scratch!