Baking Christmas Peppermints Patties has been a beloved tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. Every year, as the snow starts to fall and the air turns crisp, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia. It’s the time of year when the whole house fills with the irresistible aroma of peppermint and chocolate, and the kitchen becomes a hub of festive activity.
I’ll never forget the first time my grandma taught me how to make these delightful Christmas Peppermints Patties. I was just a little girl, barely reaching the counter, but I was determined to learn her secret recipe. I can still picture her gentle hands guiding mine as we carefully measured the ingredients, mixed the batter, and shaped the patties into perfect little discs. The feeling of accomplishment when I took that first bite, with the cool peppermint melting on my tongue and the rich chocolate coating creating a harmonious blend of flavors, was truly unforgettable.
Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned the recipe, experimenting with different techniques and additions, but the core of it remains the same. These Christmas Peppermints Patties have become a staple in our household, a cherished tradition that we look forward to every holiday season. They’re the perfect homemade treat to share with family and friends, a delightful way to spread the joy of the season.
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 textures. The peppermint filling is just the right level of minty freshness, neither too overpowering nor too subtle. The chocolate coating is rich and smooth, complementing the filling beautifully. But the real secret lies in the unique technique we use to create the perfectly tempered chocolate shell. This ensures that the patties have a satisfying snap when you bite into them, without the risk of the chocolate cracking or becoming dull.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these mouthwatering Christmas Peppermints Patties, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of the creamy peppermint filling.
- Powdered sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps create the smooth, velvety texture.
- Peppermint extract: Delivers the signature peppermint flavor that makes these patties so irresistible.
- Semisweet chocolate: The rich, delectable coating that seals in the flavors.
- Heavy cream: Helps temper the chocolate for a beautifully shiny and snap-worthy finish.
Step-by-Step Christmas Peppermints Patties Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Peppermints Patties
Making Christmas Peppermints Patties is a straightforward process that only takes about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, such as a stand mixer, a baking sheet, and a small scoop or spoon. The key is to work quickly and efficiently to ensure the perfect texture and appearance of the final product.
1- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2- Stir in the peppermint extract, mixing until well combined. The filling should have a vibrant peppermint aroma and a silky-smooth consistency.
3- Using a small scoop or spoon, portion the filling into small, round patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4- While the patties are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the semisweet chocolate, stirring occasionally until it’s smooth and glossy.
5- Remove the patties from the refrigerator and carefully dip each one into the melted chocolate, using a fork to lift and coat them evenly. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated patties back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6- Refrigerate the coated Christmas Peppermints Patties for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and harden.
Pro Tips for Success
When making Christmas Peppermints Patties, there are a few key tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before beating it, as this will help create a smoother, creamier filling.
- Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter to prevent any lumps in the filling.
- Refrigerate the patties before and after coating them in chocolate to help the chocolate set properly.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the coating, as it will melt and temper better, resulting in a shiny, snap-worthy finish.
- Avoid overhandling the patties, as this can cause the chocolate to smudge or the filling to become misshapen.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Peppermints Patties
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Peppermints Patties
These Christmas Peppermints Patties are the perfect holiday treat to enjoy on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and other festive desserts. Serve them alongside a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or a steaming mug of mulled wine for a cozy and indulgent experience. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday cookie platter or a sweet accompaniment to a slice of yule log or peppermint cheesecake.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Christmas Peppermints Patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight.
These patties also make an excellent make-ahead treat. You can prepare the filling, shape the patties, and refrigerate them up to 3 days in advance. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply dip the patties in the melted chocolate and allow them to set.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Peppermints Patties
Creative Christmas Peppermints Patties Variations
While the classic Christmas Peppermints Patties recipe is a timeless favorite, there are many ways to put a unique spin on this holiday treat. Try adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes to the chocolate coating for an extra burst of peppermint flavor, or swirl in a touch of red food coloring to create a festive, candy cane-inspired appearance.
You can also experiment with different chocolate varieties, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, to create new flavor profiles. For a touch of elegance, drizzle the patties with melted white chocolate or decorate them with edible glitter or gold leaf.
Making Christmas Peppermints Patties Diet-Friendly
To make these Christmas Peppermints Patties suitable for those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt the recipe. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure that the chocolate you use is certified gluten-free. For a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use dairy-free chocolate. To reduce the carb count, you can substitute the powdered sugar with a low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol or xylitol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
A: While peppermint oil can be used as a substitute, it’s important to use it sparingly as it’s much more concentrated than peppermint extract. Start with just a few drops and adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Q: How can I prevent the chocolate from cracking or becoming dull?
A: The key is to temper the chocolate properly. This involves melting the chocolate, cooling it to the right temperature, and then reheating it to the correct coating temperature. This ensures the chocolate has a smooth, glossy finish and a satisfying snap.
Q: Can I make these Christmas Peppermints Patties ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The peppermint filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, simply scoop the filling, coat it in chocolate, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Q: How many Christmas Peppermints Patties does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 18-20 patties, depending on the size you scoop the filling into. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.
Q: What should I do if the chocolate doesn’t set properly?
A: If the chocolate coating doesn’t harden as expected, it could be due to improper tempering or the chocolate being overheated. Try refrigerating the patties for longer, or melt the chocolate again and re-temper it before coating the patties.
Christmas Peppermint Patties
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 24 patties
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Christmas with our easy-to-make Peppermint Patties. These homemade candies feature a smooth, creamy peppermint-infused filling coated in a layer of rich white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 12 oz white chocolate, melted
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. – Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, peppermint extract, and salt, mixing until well combined.
3. – Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. – Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. – Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
6. – Dip each chilled peppermint ball into the melted white chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. – Immediately sprinkle the coated patties with the crushed candy canes.
8. – Return the patties to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
9. – Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Store the Christmas Peppermint Patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Peppermints Patties are a beloved holiday tradition that are sure to delight your family and friends. With their irresistible peppermint filling and rich chocolate coating, these delightful treats are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon discover why it’s become a cherished part of our family’s holiday celebrations. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how they turned out!
