Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties

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Cool, minty, and cloaked in a glossy chocolate shell, these Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties taste like the best part of the candy aisle — only fresher and made right in your own kitchen. The creamy peppermint filling melts on your tongue, while the snappy chocolate coating gives every bite that satisfying crack.

This is the kind of treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a little celebration. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a full plate of homemade peppermint patties ready to share for holidays, parties, or whenever the chocolate–mint craving hits.

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Why You’ll Love This Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties

Peppermint patties might look fancy, but this version is all about speed and simplicity. No candy thermometer, no special equipment, and no long chill times.

These are a few reasons they’ll become a go‑to sweet:

• Super fast: From mixing the filling to dipping in chocolate, you’re done in about 20 minutes.
• Short ingredient list: Everything is easy to find and many items are probably already in your pantry.
• Perfect make‑ahead treat: The patties keep well in the fridge and freezer, so you can prep them days in advance.
• Great for gifting: Stack them in little boxes or jars and you’ve got a beautiful homemade gift.
• Naturally portion‑controlled: Each patty is a perfect bite (or two), so they’re ideal on a dessert table or cookie tray.

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What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for Peppermint Patties?

The chocolate you choose makes a big difference in both flavor and how easily the patties dip.

For a classic, balanced sweetness, semi‑sweet chocolate works beautifully. It’s rich enough to stand up to the cool peppermint filling without being overpowering. If you prefer a less sweet candy, you can use dark chocolate, which gives a slightly more sophisticated, bittersweet finish.

Using chocolate chips is convenient, but chopped baking chocolate or couverture chocolate melts more smoothly and sets with a shinier finish. A small spoonful of coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps the chocolate thin out for easier dipping and makes that outer shell snappier once it cools.

Whatever you choose, melt the chocolate gently to avoid scorching, and make sure the peppermint centers are cool and slightly firm before dipping so the coating sets quickly and cleanly.

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Ingredients for the Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties

This recipe uses simple baking staples plus peppermint extract to create that classic candy‑shop flavor. Since everything is no‑bake, each ingredient really matters for texture and taste.

• Powdered sugar – Forms the bulk of the peppermint center and keeps it smooth, sweet, and easy to shape.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps bind the powdered sugar into a soft, creamy dough that doesn’t crumble.
• Heavy cream or milk – Loosens the mixture just enough so it becomes a pliable, fondant‑like filling.
• Peppermint extract – The star of the show, giving the centers their cool, refreshing mint flavor.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the sharpness of the peppermint and adds a little warmth and depth.
• Fine sea salt – A tiny pinch balances the sweetness and makes the mint and chocolate taste more complex.
• Semi‑sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate – Melted into a smooth pool for dipping the patties and creating that crisp outer shell.
• Coconut oil or vegetable shortening – Thins the chocolate slightly so it coats evenly and sets with a glossy finish.
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional) – Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and a festive look.
• Flaky sea salt (optional) – Just a few crystals on top highlight the chocolate and peppermint flavors.

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How To Make the Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties

Even if you’re new to candy making, these peppermint patties are wonderfully forgiving. Follow these detailed steps and you’ll be dipping like a pro in minutes.

Step 1: Make the peppermint filling
Beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and just enough cream or milk to form a soft, pliable dough. It should hold together when pressed but not feel sticky.

Step 2: Shape the patties
Roll the peppermint mixture between two sheets of parchment to about 1/4‑inch thickness. Use a small round cutter (or the rim of a small glass) to punch out circles. Gently peel away the scraps, press them back together, and re‑roll to use all the filling.

Step 3: Chill the centers briefly
Transfer the cut peppermint rounds to a parchment‑lined baking sheet and pop them into the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. Cooling firms up the centers so they don’t fall apart or melt into the chocolate when you dip them.

Step 4: Melt the chocolate coating
In a microwave‑safe bowl or over a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate with the coconut oil or shortening, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. Let it cool just slightly so it’s warm and fluid but not piping hot.

Step 5: Dip and decorate
Using a fork, dip each chilled peppermint round into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip back into the bowl before placing it on clean parchment. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle with crushed candy canes or a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like.

Step 6: Let the patties set
Allow the patties to sit at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate has fully hardened. Once set, they’re ready to stack, share, and enjoy.

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Serving and Storing Your Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties

A batch of these peppermint patties makes around 20 candies, depending on the size of your cutter. That’s enough for 6–8 people if you’re serving them as an after‑dinner sweet, or closer to 10–12 when they’re part of a larger dessert spread.

Serve them slightly chilled so the centers stay firm but creamy and the chocolate has that perfect snap. Arrange on a pretty platter, tuck them into holiday cookie tins, or pile them into small jars tied with ribbon for gifting.

For storage, keep the patties in an airtight container:

• In the fridge: They’ll stay fresh for about 2 weeks.
• In the freezer: Freeze in layers separated by parchment for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge so condensation doesn’t affect the chocolate.

If you’re making them ahead for a party, dip and decorate them a day or two before, then keep them chilled until just before serving.

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What to Serve With Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties?

Peppermint patties are delicious on their own, but they also play nicely with other treats and drinks. Mix and match a few of these ideas for a festive dessert table.

1. Hot chocolate or coffee

The cool mint center is dreamy alongside a mug of hot cocoa or a strong cup of coffee. Let guests choose: classic hot chocolate, mocha, or a simple latte.

2. Ice cream for a sundae bar

Chop the patties into chunks and sprinkle over vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Add hot fudge and whipped cream and you’ve got instant peppermint sundae magic.

3. Cookie and brownie platters

Pair these patties with your favorite cookies or brownies for contrast in texture and flavor. The snappy chocolate shell and creamy center are a nice break from soft baked treats.

4. Holiday dessert boards

Add peppermint patties to a dessert grazing board with fresh berries, nuts, truffles, and maybe some salty pretzels. The minty pop cuts through richer bites and keeps the board interesting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these peppermint patties dairy‑free?
Yes. Swap the butter for a dairy‑free buttery spread or refined coconut oil, and use a plant‑based milk in the filling. Choose dairy‑free chocolate for coating, and you’ll have a fully dairy‑free version that still tastes rich and indulgent.

My filling is too sticky to shape — what did I do wrong?
If the filling feels sticky or soft, it usually means there’s a little too much liquid. Simply mix in more powdered sugar, a spoonful at a time, until the dough firms up and you can easily roll or shape it. Chilling the mixture briefly also helps.

Can I freeze peppermint patties?
Definitely. Arrange the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them soften for a few minutes in the fridge.

What else can I make for a dessert tray with these?
If you’re building a full dessert spread, add variety with other sweets like elegant Chocolate Lava Cakes or a show‑stopping Mint Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake Cake. Both pair beautifully with these bite‑sized peppermint candies.

Can I include these in a brunch or breakfast spread?
Absolutely. Peppermint patties are a fun little sweet bite alongside something savory. Serve them with dishes like Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas to balance the table with both hearty and sweet options.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save these Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to them any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a splash of peppermint liqueur or keep them family‑friendly? Did you top them with crushed candy canes, flaky sea salt, or drizzle on a little extra chocolate?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter and share more sweet moments.

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Conclusion

Quick 20-Minute Peppermint Patties are proof that homemade candy doesn’t have to be complicated. With a cool, creamy peppermint center, crisp chocolate shell, and just a few simple ingredients, you can pull together a festive treat that feels special enough for holidays but easy enough for any weeknight.

Make a batch to stash in the fridge, tuck into lunch boxes, or share on your next dessert board. And if you’re looking for even more sweets and snack inspiration, you can find plenty of new treats to try over on my Pinterest at Meals We Share.

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