Holiday spirit is a relative term, isn’t it? In my family, the holidays aren’t really a big deal but I’ve always done my best to convince myself otherwise. Holiday baking — these peppermint patties — is only one way I bring the holiday spirit.
When my brother and I were kids, we celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah in big ways but as we grew up, I think my parents lost interest in the celebratory nature of holidays.
Somewhere down the line we stopped acknowledging Hanukkah altogether and Christmas became another day on the calendar – a day when grocery stores are closed and you don’t have to go to work.
Before you cue the violins, I’m not telling you this as a sordid tale of Holidays Gone Wrong, I’m not exactly deprived.
I’m grateful for that.
I’m telling you this because sometimes holiday spirit doesn’t come so naturally.
As we grow up, whether we’re 22, 42 or 62, sometimes we have to create our own traditions in order to feel whatever it is we’re supposed to be feeling every December: reflection, nostalgia, appreciation for the good in your life and the people who you care about.
When I saw that Alice had posted a recipe for homemade peppermint patties, I absolutely had to try them out myself.
Sometimes I see recipes on other blogs and feel inspired to try my own, to make my own version of a similar recipe.
Well, this time, I followed the recipe precisely and was rewarded with a batch of peppermint patties that could put York to shame.
Nothing says holiday more than the combination of peppermint + chocolate…actually, nothing says winter more than the combination of peppermint and chocolate so this recipes is definitely one worth trying if you need to conjure a little last minute holiday cheer.
- 1 can of condensed milk
- 5½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- In a large mixing bowl, combine condensed milk, 2 cups of powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Mix everything on medium speed (if you're using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment) until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Add more powdered sugar, a half cup at a time, until the dough is pliable like firm modeling clay.
- Roll ¾″ balls of dough between the palms of the hands. Press each ball down slowly and set the flattened disk on a flat cutting board or plate. Transfer peppermint disks to the freezer for no longer than 30 minutes. While the dough is chilling, temper the chocolate coating.
- Place chocolate chips in a microwavable bowl. Melt the chocolate in 30 second increments, making sure to stir after each time until chocolate is smooth. Stir in shortening to thin the chocolate. Remove patties from the freezer.
- Place a patty on the tongs of the fork and dip in the chocolate until completely covered. Allow excess chocolate to drip off the patty before setting each one on top of wax or parchment paper.
- Allow the chocolate coated peppermint patties to completely set up. This can be done quicker by placing the patties in the refrigerator. The peppermint patties are ready when they are dry to the touch.
13 Comments
Tiffany @ Conor & Bella
December 25, 2010 at 6:22 pmI would love to make these! I love York Peppermint Patties, but I bet homemade is better!
Tiffany @ Conor & Bella
December 25, 2010 at 6:22 pmI would love to make these! I love York Peppermint Patties, but I bet homemade is better!
susan
December 24, 2010 at 1:56 ami love homemade peppermint patties. one problem…i eat 90% of them before i deliver them! happy + merry!
Camala - CC Recipe
December 21, 2010 at 2:05 pmWow, these look fantastic and I bet so much better than York:) Looks pretty simple too can’t wait to give them a try myself!
justcooknyc
December 19, 2010 at 10:57 pmhmm, making these myself would be a new one for me… but i have a feeling i’d love them
Helene
December 19, 2010 at 5:47 pmI’ve never made them before. Yummy.
Courtney
December 19, 2010 at 3:49 pmOh yum! I love these!! 🙂
Molly
December 19, 2010 at 3:17 pmI love making candy – these look awesome!
Ellisha Caplan
December 19, 2010 at 2:33 pmWell, I didn’t have shortening so I used 2 Tbsp vegetable oil and fat-free sweetened condensed milk, and they turned out great! Thanks for the recipe!
Ellisha Caplan
December 19, 2010 at 1:06 pmCan I use oil or butter instead of shortening?
kat
December 19, 2010 at 9:20 amBest those are so much better than store bought
alice
December 18, 2010 at 6:39 pmGorgeous!! Merry Christmas, friend!
Caroline
December 18, 2010 at 4:29 pmI adore peppermint patties! I never once thought I could make them for myself, but that might be dangerous for my waistline! Hope you are able to get into the holiday spirit soon!