Homemade Peppermint Patties (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

It’s Holiday Season!

This is my absolute favorite season of the year – when the Christmas decorations are up, Christmas songs are playing, and it’s time for gathering with family and friends.

Nothing beats reuniting with loved ones after so long, and the holidays are always something I look forward to after a long year away from home.

Our Favorite Gluten-Free Sweet Treats

Of course, it goes without saying that the holidays taste better if we enjoy a few sweet treats here and there, and here are some of our favorites:

• Homemade Candied Orange Peels (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Mini Pavlova Nests (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• French Toast Casserole (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Healthy Peanut Butter Cups (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Make Your Own Homemade Peppermint Patties

The one other candy that cannot be missing from the year-end holiday celebrations are definitely peppermint patties.

However, store-bought peppermint patties are not always gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan so today we’re making our own copycat version of York peppermint patties!

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Condensed Milk: I used a dairy-free condensed coconut milk to keep the recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal sweetened condensed milk instead.
• Peppermint Extract: Since we’re making peppermint patties, peppermint extract (NOT the same as mint extract) is essential, so make sure you add it in.
• Vanilla Extract: I like using vanilla extract for extra flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, or don’t enjoy the taste of vanilla, feel free to leave it out.
• Powdered Sugar: Make sure you use powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) as opposed to normal sugar) so that that the filling is creamy and fine. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using powdered monkfruit monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 powdered sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
• Dark Chocolate Chips: I used dairy-free dark chocolate chips to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal dark chocolate chips instead.
• Sprinkles: As an optional decoration, you may also sprinkle the peppermint patties with white sprinkles or Christmas sprinkles, or leave them as they are.

How to Make Peppermint Patties (Step by Step):

1. Combine Sugar, Condensed Milk and Extracts

In a large mixing bowl with the powdered sugar, add in the full-fat coconut condensed milk, peppermint extract and the vanilla extract.

2. Form the Peppermint Dough Filling

Stir the ingredients together until a malleable dough is formed. You can either bring the sugar mixture together with a wooden spoon, or use a hand mixer to mix it all together.

3. Place Dough on Clean Surface

Coat a clean surface (you can also line the surface with a silpat or parchment paper) with powdered sugar.

Place the peppermint dough onto the powdered sugar surface.

4. Roll Dough to Even Thickness

Roll out the dough to about a ¼-inch to ½-inch thick, based on preferred thickness.

5. Cut Patties with Cookie Cutter

Cut out the patties with a round cookie cutter (you should get approximately 12 patties using a small cookie cutter).

6. Chill Patties to Set

Line a large baking sheet or with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper.

Place the patties on the prepared cookie sheet and place them in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.

7. Melt Chocolate

While the patties are setting in the freezer place the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave at 30 second intervals until completely smooth.

(Alternatively, if you don’t have a microwave, you can use a double boiler to melt the chocolate instead.)

8. Dip Patties in Chocolate

The peppermint patties should be hard when taken out of the freezer.

Dip each patty into the dark chocolate, coating both sides of the patty, before letting any excess chocolate drip away. Let the patties cool on the parchment-lined baking sheet at room temperature.

9. Add Sprinkles if Desired

Add sprinkles if desired when the chocolate is still liquid.

10. Repeat

Repeat with all the chocolate peppermint patties until all the ingredients are used up.

11. Chill Until Chocolate is Set

Place the chocolate-coated back in the freezer for another 10 minutes.

Once set, the chocolate will be hardened and the dark chocolate peppermint patties will be ready to enjoy!

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Swap Dark Chocolate with White: If you prefer to make white chocolate peppermint patties, simply use the same amount of white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips.
• Sprinkle with Crushed Candy Canes: If you want an even more festive feel, you can sprinkle the gluten-free peppermint patties with crushed candy canes instead of white sprinkles.
• Make Smaller Patties: Want to make smaller versions of these tasty treats? Simply use a smaller cookie cutter to cut small circles of the peppermint dough.

Recipe FAQs: