I can still remember the smell of freshly baked Christmas Peppermints Patties wafting through my grandma’s cozy kitchen. It was the most wonderful time of the year, and as a kid, I’d eagerly wait for her to bring out a tray of those cool, creamy treats. Grandma’s Christmas Peppermints Patties were the stuff of legends – the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint that would melt in your mouth. I’d pop one after another, savoring every bite and dreaming of the day when I’d be able to make them myself.
Now, years later, I’m thrilled to share Grandma’s secret recipe with you. This Christmas Peppermints Patties recipe is a true gem, and I promise it’ll become your family’s new holiday tradition.
Table of Contents
Why This Christmas Peppermints Patties Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Peppermints Patties
What sets this Christmas Peppermints Patties recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and the unique technique that results in a delightfully creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This recipe yields 12 servings, so you’ll have plenty to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Peppermint extract: The key to that refreshing peppermint flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the patties their signature sweetness and creamy consistency.
- Cream cheese: Adds a luxurious texture and helps the patties hold their shape.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: For the rich, indulgent chocolate coating.
- Vegetable shortening: Helps the chocolate coating harden and set beautifully.
Step-by-Step Christmas Peppermints Patties Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Peppermints Patties
This recipe takes 50 minutes total – 40 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and some parchment paper to get started.
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the peppermint mixture into 12 equal-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3- Freeze the balls for 10 minutes to firm them up.
4- While the balls are in the freezer, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
5- Remove the peppermint balls from the freezer and use a fork to dip each one into the melted chocolate, coating them evenly.
6- Place the coated patties back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra smooth texture, be sure to let the cream cheese soften completely before mixing.
- Chilling the peppermint balls before dipping them in chocolate helps the coating set beautifully.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips and shortening for the best results.
- Avoid over-mixing the peppermint filling, as this can make the texture grainy.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Peppermints Patties
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Peppermints Patties
These Christmas Peppermints Patties are the perfect treat to enjoy on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of eggnog. Serve them as a delightful after-dinner dessert or package them up in festive boxes for holiday gift-giving. This recipe makes 12 servings, with each serving being 1 patty.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To store your Christmas Peppermints Patties, simply keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. These patties make a great make-ahead dessert for your holiday gatherings!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Peppermints Patties
Creative Christmas Peppermints Patties Variations
For a festive twist, you can dip the patties in crushed candy canes or sprinkle them with holiday-themed sprinkles. You can also experiment with different chocolate coatings, like white chocolate or dark chocolate, to change up the flavor profile.
Making Christmas Peppermints Patties Diet-Friendly
To make these Christmas Peppermints Patties gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free chocolate chip brand. For a vegan version, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use vegan chocolate chips. If you’re watching your carbs, you can try replacing the powdered sugar with a low-carb sweetener, like erythritol or xylitol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular mint extract instead of peppermint extract?
A: While you can use regular mint extract, the peppermint flavor is really what makes these patties special. Peppermint extract will give you that classic holiday taste.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 servings, with each serving being 1 patty.
Q: Can I make the peppermint filling ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the peppermint filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and coat the patties.
Q: How do I prevent the chocolate coating from cracking?
A: The key is to use the right ratio of chocolate to shortening. The shortening helps the chocolate stay smooth and flexible, preventing cracks. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully.
Q: Can I substitute butter for the shortening?
A: While you can use butter instead of shortening, the chocolate coating may not harden and set as nicely. Shortening is the best choice for a crisp, glossy chocolate coating.
Christmas Peppermint Patties
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Christmas Peppermint Patties are a classic holiday candy made with just 3 simple ingredients. The smooth, creamy peppermint filling is coated in rich, melted chocolate for a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
– 1 cup white chocolate, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons peppermint extract
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium bowl, mix the white chocolate and peppermint extract until well combined.
2. 2. Scoop the peppermint mixture by the tablespoon and roll into smooth, round patties.
3. 3. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. 4. In a double boiler or microwave, melt the remaining white chocolate, stirring frequently until smooth.
5. 5. Dip the chilled peppermint patties into the melted chocolate, coating them completely.
6. 6. Transfer the coated patties back to the parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with the crushed candy cane or peppermint.
7. 7. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
Notes
Store the peppermint patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 40
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Get ready to wow your family and friends with these irresistible Christmas Peppermints Patties! This recipe is a true holiday treasure, just like the ones my grandma used to make. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of biting into a cool, creamy peppermint patty coated in rich, indulgent chocolate. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy holidays!
