Introduction

These Chocolate Peppermint Patties are rich in chocolate but fresh peppermint gives it a very refreshing casing. With so many recipes available, why use the store bought variety that has little control over quality, sweetness and ingredients? These Chocolate Patties can be made in your own home, and are perfect for the wintery season. These sweets do have all the characteristics that one would want out of a peppermint patty. It is incredibly easy to make as well, the ingredients can be located in virtually any pantry!

 

Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate)

1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (for melting chocolate)

 

Instructions

Start out by Making the Peppermint Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar. Mix them in until a thick paste is formed and it is even.

Shape the Patties: Form the mix from step one into equal small sized balls with a diameter of one inch, and then slightly flatten them by using your fingers. Slightly flatten and then place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Chill the Patties: Put the plate of patties into the fridge for a duration of 30 minutes so that they have the chance to get a bit firmer.

Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Be sure to combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) together then melt them. You can do this by using the microwave for short intervals, mixing after every interval. Alternatively you can also try double boiling the ingredients.

Dip in Chocolate: Carefully dip each of the cooled patties into the melted chocolate and then gently place them back onto the baking tray.

Let the Chocolate Set: Put the final set of baking trays into the fridge and leave them there for 30 minutes so that the ingredients within the trays can cool.

Serve: Finally serve the remainder of the set without the chocolate when the remaining set of chocolate is stable.

 

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: You can relish these peppermint patties as a dessert or munch on them alongside a HOT cup of tea or coffee. Peppermint patties wrapped in decorative bags or boxes also make great gifts on festivals, birthdays, or special occasions.

Storage: Refrigerate peppermint patties inside an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They are good to eat for a week or two. For extended storage, peppermint patties can be frozen for a maximum of 3 months, but they should be kept in a single layer or parchment paper should be used to separate them.

 

Tips for Success

Chill the Patty for a While: Ensure that the peppermint centers are housed in the chill for some time before coating it in chocolate. This will assist the patties in maintaining its shape and provide a seamless finish when dipped in chocolate.

Be Easy With the Heat: When melting chocolate, use LOW gently heat to avoid turning the chocolate into charcoal while regularly stirring to ensure proper melting and cooking of the chocolate for a glossy look.

Balance The Mint Extract: You can add or reduce the peppermint extract according to your taste, feel free to add an extra 1/4 teaspoon for more minty sweetness.

Health Benefits

Peppermint can help relax stomach muscles thereby relieving a sore stomach or nausea. It has many antioxidant properties and thus helps in boosting cell health over time.

Dark chocolate, when slightly darkened, has antioxidants and flavonoid properties that bolster heart health and reduce inflammation. Less sugar content makes it a good substitute for milk chocolate.

These types of homemade patties are easy to make, can be served in very small portions and still can satisfy the urge to have sweets.

Nutritional Information

(Per Patty) Calories: 120-140
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Sugar: 16 g
Protein: 1 g
Fiber: 1 g
(Nutritional value may slightly change according to the ingredient and patty size dummy used. )

 

Variations and Substitutions

Chocolate Coating: The chocolate covering can be done using either milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate, according to taste.

Vegan Version: Use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk substitute and dairy-free chocolate morsels if this recipe is to be made as a vegan clean recipe. Flavor Variations: Other flavor extracts such as orange, raspberry and coconut can be used if peppermint is not your favorite.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to alter the type of chocolate I want to use? Yes, you can repurpose milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your preference, however, the dark chocolate provides a stronger and slightly less sweet taste.

What method do I use to get a smooth chocolate coating? First, ensure that you melt the chocolates slowly and when you do ensure to keep on stirring it until the chocolate does become smooth. If your chocolate is thick, add in a teaspoon of either coconut oil or butter to thin it out.

How can these peppermint patties be made so that they can be reusable? Yes! These peppermint patties can be placed inside the fridge or freezer, allowing you to create them in advance and eat them at a at a later date. They will remain fresh for two weeks when refrigerated.

Is it appropriate to add in fillings inside the patties? Beats me. pop the cool chocolates back in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the coating can harden. After they come out you can do anything you want to them to decorate.

 

Conclusion

These Peppermint Patties made at home are even tastier than the shop ones and it is a healthier alternative. The patties have a creamy center that peppermint and are covered with chocolate making it a smooth candy that is sweet and fresh. If you are searching for a candy to enjoy during the holidays or simply mint flavored chocolates, then these creamy peppermint patties will serve the purpose.