Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this finely ground sugar is the backbone of our peppermint filling. It provides the necessary sweetness and creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture without any grittiness. Using powdered sugar is essential for achieving the soft, fudge-like consistency that makes peppermint patties so enjoyable.

Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy depth to the peppermint filling. It contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel and helps to bind all the ingredients together, ensuring a cohesive and flavorful center for your patties. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a truly smooth outcome.

Heavy cream: This ingredient is vital for achieving the ultra-smooth and luscious texture of the peppermint filling. Heavy cream provides richness and moisture, helping to create a pliable dough that can be easily rolled and shaped into perfect patties. Its fat content also contributes to the overall decadence of the treat.

Peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens! Peppermint extract delivers the signature cool, refreshing, and invigorating minty flavor that defines these chocolate treats. Be sure to use a good quality extract for the best taste, and adjust the amount to your personal preference for mint intensity.

Semisweet chocolate chips: Chosen for their balanced sweetness, semisweet chocolate chips create a delectable and firm coating for the peppermint filling. They melt smoothly and harden nicely, providing that satisfying chocolate shell. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet contrast to the minty interior.

Shortening: A small amount of shortening is added to the melted chocolate to ensure a beautifully smooth, glossy, and easily dippable coating. It helps prevent the chocolate from seizing and creates a professional-looking finish that sets quickly and snaps cleanly when bitten. Vegetable shortening is commonly used for this purpose.

Achieving a perfectly smooth and glossy chocolate coating is crucial for homemade peppermint patties. When melting your chocolate chips and shortening together, always use a microwave-safe bowl and employ short, controlled heating intervals. Heating in increments of 20-30 seconds, followed by thorough stirring, prevents the chocolate from overheating or burning, which can lead to a grainy or clumpy texture. Stirring frequently helps distribute the heat evenly and ensures a homogeneous, silky consistency that’s ideal for dipping your chilled peppermint patties. Patience in this step will result in a professional-looking and tasting finish.

• powdered sugar – Substitute with granulated sugar blended with cornstarch: If you find yourself without powdered sugar, you can create a viable substitute by blending 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a food processor or blender until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency. This mimics the texture and sweetness needed for the filling, though the cornstarch is crucial for preventing crystallization.

• unsalted butter – Substitute with coconut oil: For a dairy-free option or a slightly different flavor profile, refined coconut oil can be an excellent substitute for butter. It provides a similar fat content and solidifies nicely when chilled, helping to bind the peppermint filling ingredients together while offering a subtle tropical hint.

• heavy cream – Substitute with coconut cream: Another excellent dairy-free alternative, coconut cream boasts a similar richness and thickness to heavy cream. When chilled, the thick part of a can of full-fat coconut milk can be used to achieve the desired creamy texture for the peppermint filling, contributing a gentle coconut flavor.

• peppermint extract – Substitute with peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract, so you’ll need to use it sparingly. Start with just a few drops and add more to taste, ensuring you achieve the desired minty intensity without overpowering the other flavors. Peppermint oil can offer a very pure, intense mint experience.

• semisweet chocolate chips – Substitute with dark chocolate: For those who prefer a more intense chocolate flavor and less sweetness, good quality dark chocolate (60-75% cocoa solids) can be used. It will create a richer, slightly more bitter coating that beautifully complements the sweet minty interior, offering a sophisticated twist on the classic.

• shortening – Substitute with cocoa butter: If you’re looking for an all-natural alternative to vegetable shortening, cocoa butter is an excellent choice. It provides similar properties for thinning chocolate and promoting a smooth, glossy finish, while also contributing its own subtle chocolatey aroma. Ensure it’s food-grade cocoa butter for culinary use.

• To ensure your delicious homemade peppermint patties remain fresh and retain their delightful texture and flavor, proper storage is key. Always store them in an airtight container. This crucial step prevents them from drying out, absorbing unwanted odors from other foods in your pantry or refrigerator, and maintains their crisp chocolate coating and creamy mint interior.
• If you anticipate enjoying your batch of patties within approximately one week, you can conveniently store the airtight container at cool room temperature. Select a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or any heat sources, as excessive warmth can cause the chocolate to soften or melt, affecting the patty’s structure.
• For extended freshness and to maintain their optimal texture for longer periods, placing the airtight container in the refrigerator is recommended. Chilling your patties will help them last wonderfully for up to two weeks, preserving their refreshing mint flavor and firm chocolate shell.
• If you’re planning to prepare a larger batch or wish to savor your peppermint patties for several weeks or even months, freezing is an excellent storage option. Begin by arranging the freshly dipped and set patties in a single layer on a baking sheet that’s been lined with parchment paper. This initial freezing step, often called “flash freezing,” prevents the patties from sticking together.
• Freeze them for about one hour, or until they are completely firm to the touch. Once solid, transfer these flash-frozen patties into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. To help you keep track of their freshness, remember to label the container or bag with the date of preparation.
• When you’re ready to indulge in a frozen peppermint patty, simply remove the desired number from the freezer. Allow them to thaw at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes. This brief thawing period will bring them back to their perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, balancing the cool mint with the rich chocolate.
• For those who enjoy a colder treat, you can certainly enjoy the peppermint patties straight from the refrigerator or even directly from the freezer without waiting for them to fully thaw. The invigorating cool mint combined with the slightly firmer chocolate coating offers a unique and equally delightful experience.
• Regardless of your chosen storage method, always ensure that the container or bag is sealed tightly after each access. This vigilance is paramount to preserving the freshness, preventing any freezer burn if frozen, and keeping any moisture from compromising the delicious quality of your homemade peppermint patties.

• While peppermint patties aren’t typically “reheated” in the traditional sense, if you find your chocolate coating has become too hard or you simply prefer a slightly softer, more yielding chocolate, you can gently warm them. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, around 200°F (93°C). Place the peppermint patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Warm them in the oven for a very short duration, typically about 3-5 minutes, just until the chocolate begins to soften slightly and become less rigid. It’s crucial not to overheat them, as you want the chocolate to yield, not melt entirely and lose its shape.

• If you prefer the convenience of a microwave, place your peppermint patties on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them on a very low power setting (around 30-50% power) for short bursts of 5-10 seconds. After each interval, gently check the patties to see if they’ve reached your desired softness. This method allows for precise control, ensuring the chocolate softens without becoming a liquid mess, maintaining its texture and glossy appearance.

• For a more controlled stovetop method, you can employ a makeshift double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl (the top pot) containing your peppermint patties over the simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. The gentle, indirect heat will gradually warm and soften the chocolate. Stir or turn the patties occasionally to ensure even heating. This technique is excellent for preventing burning and achieving a uniform, smooth softening effect.

• If you own an air fryer, it can also be used for a quick and effective softening. Set your air fryer to a very low temperature, around 200°F (93°C). Place the peppermint patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Heat them for just 1-2 minutes, checking frequently. The circulating warm air will gently soften the chocolate, making it smooth and pliable without compromising its integrity or causing it to melt excessively.

• A toaster oven can also be utilized for this purpose. Set it to its lowest temperature setting, similar to a conventional oven. Arrange the peppermint patties on a small baking sheet that fits inside. Warm them for approximately 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overheating. Like other oven methods, frequent checking is key to achieving a perfectly softened chocolate without complete melting.

• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl is indispensable for combining the core ingredients of your peppermint filling – the powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, and vibrant peppermint extract. It needs to be large enough to allow for thorough mixing until all components are fully incorporated and achieve a wonderfully smooth, uniform consistency.

• Electric mixer: While manual mixing is possible, an electric mixer (either hand-held or stand mixer) significantly streamlines the process. It’s highly effective for efficiently blending the dense peppermint filling ingredients, ensuring a lump-free mixture and saving you considerable time and effort in the kitchen.

• Baking sheet: A sturdy, flat baking sheet provides the perfect surface for arranging your freshly formed peppermint patties. You’ll use it for both the initial chilling phase (before dipping in chocolate) and for allowing the chocolate coating to set after dipping.

• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a non-negotiable step. It creates a non-stick surface, ensuring that your peppermint patties, both before and after being dipped in chocolate, can be easily lifted without tearing or sticking, preserving their perfect shape.

• Microwave-safe bowl: This is essential for safely and effectively melting the chocolate chips and shortening. Choose a bowl that can withstand microwave temperatures and is large enough to allow for easy stirring without spills.

• Microwave: The microwave is your best friend for quickly and gently melting the chocolate and shortening mixture. Its ability to heat in short, controlled intervals is key to preventing the chocolate from burning or seizing, ensuring a smooth, dippable consistency.

• Spatula: A flexible rubber or silicone spatula is perfect for stirring the melting chocolate and shortening. Its design allows you to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all chocolate melts evenly and the mixture becomes silky smooth, ready for dipping.

• Fork: A simple fork, specifically one with thin tines, is the ideal tool for dipping the peppermint patties into the melted chocolate. It allows excess chocolate to drip off easily and minimizes handling, resulting in a clean, even coating on each patty.

• Freezer: The freezer is crucial for chilling the formed peppermint patties. A brief stint in the freezer helps them firm up, maintaining their shape and making them much easier to handle and dip into the warm chocolate without falling apart.

• Measuring cups: Accurate measurement is fundamental in baking. You’ll need reliable measuring cups for precisely portioning out the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and chocolate chips to ensure the correct balance of flavors and textures in your recipe.

• Measuring spoons: Just as important as measuring cups, accurate measuring spoons are used to precisely measure smaller quantities like butter, peppermint extract, and shortening. Exact measurements prevent the peppermint flavor from being too weak or overwhelmingly strong, ensuring perfect results.

Prepare the filling in advance: To significantly cut down on active prep time on the day you plan to dip, mix the powdered sugar, butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract well in advance. Once combined and smooth, store the peppermint dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days. This allows you to simply pull it out, form the patties, and proceed directly to dipping, saving a considerable amount of time.

Use a small cookie scoop for uniform shaping: For perfectly uniform peppermint patties without tedious measuring, employ a small cookie scoop (about 1-inch in diameter). This tool helps ensure each patty is consistently sized, which not only looks professional but also speeds up the rolling and flattening process immensely, making the entire assembly line more efficient.

Efficient chocolate melting method: Instead of the more time-consuming double boiler method, opt to melt your chocolate chips and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl. By heating in short, 20-30 second intervals and stirring diligently after each, you’ll achieve a smooth, dippable chocolate quickly and with less cleanup, making the coating process much faster.

Utilize the freezer for quick setting: After dipping your peppermint patties, place them directly into the freezer for just a few minutes (5-10 minutes) instead of waiting for them to set at room temperature. The cold environment rapidly hardens the chocolate coating, allowing you to move from dipping to serving or storing much faster.