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If you’re craving a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat this holiday season, the Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe is an absolute must-try. These little gems combine the cool, refreshing zing of peppermint with a creamy, buttery center that’s perfectly sweet and just the right texture. They’re simple to make but feel incredibly indulgent, making them the perfect homemade gift or a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re a peppermint lover or just want to add a splash of color and cheer to your festive celebrations, this recipe promises a joyful experience from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing these Christmas Peppermint Patties requires just a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create a luscious, refreshing treat. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from adding richness and creaminess to delivering that unmistakable peppermint punch and festive hue.
- Cream cheese (8 oz., softened): Provides a smooth, creamy base that’s essential for the soft filling texture.
- Salted butter (4 tbsp, softened): Adds richness and a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Confectioners’ sugar (2 pounds plus extra for rolling): Sweetens and helps create that velvety, powdered surface.
- Peppermint extract (2 teaspoons): The star flavor that infuses each patty with refreshing holiday cheer.
- Red and green gel food coloring: Brings vibrant, festive colors that make the patties fun and eye-catching.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Optional for coating, providing a subtle crunch and sparkling finish.
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together the Base
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, salted butter, and peppermint extract in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is silky smooth and fully blended. This creamy base is crucial for giving your patties that luscious, tender bite.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually
Next, slowly add the confectioners’ sugar while mixing on low speed. Incorporating the sugar gradually ensures the mixture stays smooth and prevents a powdery cloud. Mix just until everything is combined to maintain that soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Step 3: Prepare Your Work Surface
Dust a clean, non-stick surface with extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking later. Having this ready makes the next steps much easier when rolling out your peppermint dough and cutting it evenly.
Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the peppermint cream mixture into four equal parts. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to two portions and green gel coloring to the other two, leaving one portion plain white. Gently knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed for vibrant ribbons of color.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Patties
Roll each colored dough portion into a 20-inch-long rope. Cut each rope into 20 equal pieces, dusting with powdered sugar between batches to keep things from sticking. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then roll them in granulated sugar if desired for a little extra crunch. Press the center of each patty lightly with a fork dipped in powdered sugar to create a charming pattern reminiscent of a peanut butter cookie.
Step 6: Let the Patties Set
Arrange the shaped patties on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and allow them to dry for at least 2 hours or until a thin, firm coating sets on the outside. This step helps ensure they keep their shape and texture. Once dry, store them chilled with wax paper layers to keep these Christmas Peppermint Patties fresh and lovely.
How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed candy canes or edible glitter over the patties before serving. This accentuates their festive appeal and adds a delightful surprise crunch that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Serve your peppermint patties alongside rich hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee to balance their cool, minty flavor with some warmth and depth. They pair wonderfully with other holiday treats like gingerbread or spiced cookies, creating a festive dessert spread that’s truly unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these colorful Christmas Peppermint Patties on a tiered serving tray for a beautiful holiday centerpiece. You can also wrap them individually in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for charming hostess gifts or stocking stuffers that feel homemade and heartfelt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Christmas Peppermint Patties, don’t worry! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to two weeks, maintaining their soft, creamy texture and bright flavors with just a quick chill.
Freezing
These patties freeze beautifully. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Since these peppermint patties are designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply remove from the fridge and let them sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it may affect the texture and richness of the patties. For the best creamy consistency and flavor, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
Is it possible to make these patties vegan or dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy ingredients with vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly. Make sure to check that your confectioners’ sugar contains no added bone char as well.
How do I prevent the peppermint patties from sticking during preparation?
Generously dusting your work surface and hands with powdered sugar throughout the shaping process is key. Also rolling the finished pieces in granulated sugar adds an extra barrier to prevent sticking.
Can I adjust the peppermint flavor to be stronger or milder?
Absolutely! Peppermint extract amounts can be increased for a stronger minty kick or decreased if you prefer a more subtle flavor. Just be careful not to add too much as it can become overpowering.
What’s the best way to color the peppermint patties without food coloring?
If you want to avoid artificial colors, you might experiment with natural alternatives like beet juice for red or matcha powder for green, but these will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe is like crafting a little piece of holiday magic with your own hands. These patties bring together simple ingredients and festive colors to create a treat that’s as delightful to share as it is to eat. I encourage you to give this joyful recipe a try—it’s a beautiful way to add some sweet sparkle to your holiday season and spread a little peppermint cheer!
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Christmas Peppermint Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 2 hours drying time
- Yield: 80 peppermint patties
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas Peppermint Patties are creamy, minty, and colorful confections perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with a smooth cream cheese and butter base, sweetened with confectioners’ sugar, and infused with refreshing peppermint extract, these no-bake treats are easy to make and fun to decorate with red and green gel food coloring. Rolled in sugar and shaped for a delightful holiday presentation, they are perfect for gifting or serving at holiday parties.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, plus additional for rolling
Coloring and Coating
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Cream the Base: Using an electric mixer, blend together the softened cream cheese, butter, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy to create the flavorful minty base.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare Surface: Dust a non-stick surface generously with additional powdered sugar to prevent the patties from sticking during shaping.
- Divide and Color: Divide the mixture evenly into four portions. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to two portions and green gel food coloring to the other two, kneading each until the colors are well incorporated.
- Shape Patties: Roll each colored portion into a 20-inch long rope, then cut each rope into 20 even pieces. Dust with powdered sugar between batches to prevent sticking. Roll each piece into a ball, then roll in granulated sugar if desired. Press the center of each ball lightly with a fork dipped in powdered sugar to create an attractive indentation similar to a peanut butter cookie.
- Dry and Store: Place the finished patties on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and let them dry for about 2 hours until firm. Store chilled, layering with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are sufficiently softened to achieve a smooth, workable dough.
- Adjust the peppermint extract to taste for a milder or stronger mint flavor.
- If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.
- Allow the patties to dry completely before storage to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.
- These patties keep well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.
