Homemade York Peppermint Patties: A Refreshing Chocolate Treat
If you’ve ever had a York peppermint patty, you know how delightfully refreshing the combination of cool peppermint and rich dark chocolate can be. Making these at home is surprisingly easy and lets you enjoy that classic, minty bite anytime you want—plus, you can control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. The recipe does make a large batch, so consider cutting it in half, or follow my lead and freeze some of the mint cream filling for later batches. These patties make great gifts or a tasty addition to any dessert tray.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 7½ cups (900 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ⅓ cup (85 ml) evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup (114 ml) light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil
- 1 – 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract, depending on how strong you like the mint flavor
- 24 ounces (680 g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Mint Filling
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on low speed to combine the powdered sugar, evaporated milk, light corn syrup, coconut oil, and peppermint extract. The mixture will start out crumbly but should come together into a soft dough as you continue to beat it. If the dough seems too dry, add a small splash of milk, but avoid over-mixing. - Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions, shaping each into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and roll out, so don’t skip this step! - Roll and Cut the Dough
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and sprinkle a clean surface with powdered sugar. Unwrap one of the chilled disks and place it on the sugared surface. Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top of the dough, then roll it out to about ¼-inch thick. Using a 1⅞-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting until all the dough is used. Repeat with the second disk. - Freeze the Mint Rounds
Once you have all the rounds cut out, place the baking sheet in the freezer. Freezing helps the rounds firm up, which makes them much easier to dip in chocolate later. Let them freeze for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you’re prepping in advance. - Melt the Chocolate
When you’re ready to dip the rounds, melt the chocolate. Place the finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a small saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler setup). Stir occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate—keeping the water at a gentle simmer is key. - Dip the Mint Rounds
Take one frozen round at a time and dip it into the melted chocolate using a fork. Let any excess chocolate drip off before returning the patty to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all of the mint rounds are coated. The chocolate will begin to set as you work, so aim to work quickly. - Set and Store the Patties
Allow the chocolate to fully set at room temperature, which should take about an hour. Once the patties are firm, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Tips and Variations
- Adjusting the Mint Flavor: If you love a strong mint flavor, you can add a bit more peppermint extract (up to 1½ teaspoons). For a milder taste, use closer to 1 teaspoon.
- Try Different Chocolates: While dark chocolate is traditional, you can experiment with milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter option.
- Storage and Freezing: These patties hold up well in the refrigerator but can also be frozen for longer storage. Just let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas
Homemade peppermint patties are delightful on their own but can also be used to elevate other desserts. Try chopping them up and mixing them into brownies, using them to top ice cream sundaes, or even crumbling a few over a warm mug of hot cocoa. Their refreshing mint flavor adds a cool contrast to so many treats!
