Easy Peppermint Patties Recipe

If you’re craving a nostalgic holiday treat that’s both refreshing and wonderfully simple, you’re going to adore this Easy Peppermint Patties Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out every single time — the perfect balance of minty coolness and sugary sweetness wrapped up in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. When I first tried making peppermint patties at home, I was stunned by how straightforward the process is and how much your family will go crazy for these homemade goodies. Stick around, because I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these as perfectly as I do!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple pantry staples that combine beautifully to create those classic peppermint patties you remember from the holidays. Quick tip: use gel or paste food coloring as it won’t affect the dough’s consistency like liquid dyes can.

• Butter: Softened, it gives the filling that rich, creamy texture without overpowering the peppermint taste.
• Light Corn Syrup: This adds sweetness and flexibility—it’s what helps your patties stay soft without crystallizing.
• Peppermint Extract: The star of the show. You can also try mint or other extracts if you want to switch things up.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure; I like to add it gradually to get the perfect dough consistency.
• Food Coloring: I recommend gel or paste for vivid colors that won’t make the dough sticky.
• Granulated Sugar: To roll the patties in, adding that slight crunch and sparkle—makes them look as good as they taste!

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Peppermint Patties Recipe is — you can easily tailor it to match your holiday mood or dietary needs. From swapping colors to trying different extracts, I encourage you to get creative!

• Extract Variations: I once made a batch using vanilla and it was a surprising hit with non-mint lovers in my family.
• Color Themes: For Christmas, I stick with red, green, and white, but for Valentine’s Day, pink and red work beautifully.
• Vegan Version: Try substituting the butter with a plant-based spread and use a corn syrup alternative like agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Texture Tweaks: Rolling patties in crushed candy canes instead of granulated sugar adds a fun crunch and extra peppermint punch.

How to Make Easy Peppermint Patties Recipe

Step 1: Mix Butter and Corn Syrup

Start by combining softened butter with light corn syrup in a small bowl. I found that letting the butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing makes this super easy. Stir until completely smooth — this ensures your patties have that creamy base that just melts on your tongue.

Step 2: Stir In Your Extract and Powdered Sugar

Add in your choice of peppermint extract (or any extract you want) and mix it in thoroughly. Then, gradually add two cups of powdered sugar, stirring well to combine. This step is key to developing the dough’s sweet, minty flavor. Don’t rush it; mixing this slowly helps prevent lumps and gives you better control over the dough’s texture.

Step 3: Incorporate More Powdered Sugar and Knead

Stir in an additional cup of powdered sugar, then knead the mixture by hand. You’ll want to keep adding powdered sugar a little at a time until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. Trust me, this kneading process makes all the difference. I discovered this trick because my first batch was too soft to shape, but kneading it properly fixes that.

Step 4: Divide and Color Your Dough

Divide the dough into three portions. Tint one portion red, another green, and leave the third white. Using gel colors here is a game-changer — they blend easily without adding unwanted moisture. If the dough feels sticky after coloring, knead in a bit more powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, until it’s ready to handle.

Step 5: Shape Patties and Sugar Coat

Shape the dough into 3/4 inch balls — I like to seat down for this part because rolling them evenly really helps with the finished look. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat, then gently flatten with a fork. This little press adds a delicate texture on top that I find irresistible.

Step 6: Let Them Set

Let the candies stand uncovered at room temperature for a full day to set. This drying time ensures that the patties hold their shape and develop that classic tender bite everyone loves. I usually make mine a day ahead of serving so they’re perfectly ready to go.

How to Serve Easy Peppermint Patties Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra granulated sugar for sparkle, but occasionally I dust the patties lightly with edible glitter or crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch. These little additions really amp up the charm if you’re gifting or bringing them to a party.

Side Dishes

These peppermint patties make a perfect companion to hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee. I also love pairing them with holiday cookies or alongside a cheese platter for a fun sweet contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these patties in decorative tins lined with parchment paper or wrap each individually in wax paper tied with ribbon. It turns them into delightful, Pinterest-worthy edible gifts that always get compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to two weeks, which is perfect for nibbling through the season or stashing away for spontaneous festive cravings.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these patties with good results—just place them on a parchment-lined sheet in the freezer first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months. When you want to enjoy, just thaw at room temp for about an hour.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! These patties are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if they feel too firm after freezing, just let them sit out a bit to soften naturally.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Peppermint Patties Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings back memories of festive kitchens filled with laughter and the aroma of mint in the air. Making these patties feels like a simple yet meaningful way to add joy to the season, and I can honestly say once you try this recipe, you’ll never want store-bought again. So go ahead—grab your ingredients, invite a friend over, and enjoy the process as much as the delicious result. You’re going to love sharing these little bites of holiday magic!

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