If you love York Peppermint Patties, which were originally created in 1940, then you’ll love today’s holiday recipe!
It’s Day 2 of the 12 Days of Cookies!! Welcome! Yesterday we kicked it off with Scottish Shortbread and today is Peppermint Patties!!
Sure, peppermint patties are technically not a cookie, and are more of a bonbon but they are perfect for any dessert tray and go so well with shortbread or spritz cookies! Place them in a cellophane bag, tie a pretty ribbon, add a tag and you have a lovely (and yummy) gift to give.
We made these delectable minty morsels small in size which makes them a perfect bite (or two)! Yum!
Let’s get started!
Of course in the midst of making the “dough” with my daughter for the peppermint patties, I forgot to snap a photo. But essentially, we are making a thick icing — almost like fondant — which we will shape, roll, flatten and then dip into chocolate.
Once the icing sugar, extracts,butter and milk are mixed together, you’ll get a very sticky “dough.” You may have to add a bit of icing sugar so you can touch it without it being too sticky. I added a couple tablespoons extra of icing sugar which worked quite well. Do not work too much icing sugar into the “dough” otherwise the patties will be dry and crumbly.
Sprinkle work surface or counter with icing sugar and shape into two 1-inch round logs. I found working with a smaller batch was easier.
Cut into pieces. We cut them into smaller pieces, so we would have smaller peppermint patties! But you really can make them any size!
After you have your pieces cut, roll into balls. Place on parchment paper and lightly press into a disc. You just want to slightly flatten into a patty — too thin and it’ll be hard to work with plus the chocolate to patty ratio may not be quite right.
Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is much better for dipping into chocolate so they don’t thaw too quickly! They must be frozen to dip into the chocolate because otherwise the patties are much too soft and do not hold their shape.
When my pan was full, I stacked the patties with parchment in between the layers, before placing in the freezer. Stacking will require longer in the freezer.
Chocolate time!
This part is messy, but it really is the best part! I used a mixture of milk chocolate candy melts and dark chocolate mint flavored candy melts which was the perfect amount of mint!
Ready to dip! The patties thaw quickly, so be sure to dip fast. If they thaw too much, simply freeze them again.
My girls and I had fun dipping the peppermint patties into chocolate. We tried dipping half into chocolate, let set and then dip the other half, but it did not look as nice. I found it was easiest to completely submerge the patty in chocolate then pick it up with a fork, tap excess chocolate off and then slide onto parchment. If the peppermint patty sticks (or freezes!!) to the fork, remove it by sliding a knife under the patty and place on parchment to set.
I couldn’t help but taste test while dipping. These are absolutely delicious! And the chocolate “snap” works perfect with the soft filling.
I placed half into an airtight container and placed in the freezer. The remainder, I left on the counter which we have been nibbling on. They’re the perfect after dinner mint — not too minty — just the right amount of mint. You can also drizzle them with chocolate or make a design on them before they set if you’d like a bit more of a fancier looking peppermint patty. We left them simple. These are sure to be a hit on your holiday table!
12 Days of Cookies… Day 2 — Peppermint Patties
2 cups icing sugar
1-1/2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp peppermint extract *
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 cup or 2 tbsp evaporated milk
1 cup chocolate chips
2 tbsp butter
Combine icing sugar, butter and extracts. Roll into 1” balls and flatten slightly. Place on parchment. Cover and freeze for 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate and butter. Dip patties into chocolate letting excess chocolate drip off. Place on parchment. Let set.
*note: I used just 1 drop of peppermint essential oil because I like the flavor better than peppermint extract but you can use any peppermint flavoring
enjoy from Our City Homestead to yours