York Peppermint Patty Copycat Recipe

This incredibly simple York Peppermint Patty Copycat Recipe delivers that perfect combination of cool, refreshing mint and rich chocolate you crave – without having to run to the store! With just a handful of ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll create those iconic chocolate-covered mint treats that taste amazingly close to the real thing, maybe even better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Surprisingly Simple: Don’t be intimidated – this recipe uses just 5 basic ingredients that transform into something magical with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Control the mint intensity to your preference. Want it stronger? Add a touch more extract. Prefer a milder mint experience? Scale back slightly.
• Perfect Gift Option: Wrap these in foil just like the originals, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade treat for holidays, special occasions, or just because.
• Cost-Effective: Make an entire batch for less than what you’d spend on a few packages at the store, with plenty to share!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creates the creamy, smooth base of your peppermint filling. Its sweetness balances perfectly with the mint.
• Peppermint Extract: The star ingredient that gives these patties their signature cool, refreshing flavor. Quality matters here – use a good brand for the best taste.
• Vanilla Extract: A small amount adds depth and rounds out the mint flavor, giving your patties a more complex taste than just straight peppermint.
• Powdered Sugar: This transforms your liquid ingredients into a workable dough. It also provides the perfect sweetness level and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The 60% cacao content creates that perfect chocolate shell – not too sweet and not too bitter, just like the original York patties.

Variations

Want to put your own twist on this classic treat? Here are some delicious options:

• Dark Chocolate Coating: Use 70% dark chocolate for a more sophisticated flavor profile that contrasts beautifully with the sweet mint center.
• Mint Chocolate Filling: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate-mint interior.
• Flavored Centers: Swap the peppermint for orange, raspberry, or coconut extract for completely different flavor experiences.
• Festive Shapes: Use seasonal cookie cutters to make themed patties for holidays – hearts for Valentine’s Day, trees for Christmas, etc.

How to Make York Peppermint Patties

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Create a clean work area by covering your counter with cling wrap and dusting liberally with powdered sugar. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to hold your finished patties.

Step 2: Make the Mint Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with peppermint and vanilla extracts. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer until completely blended. Gradually add powdered sugar until you achieve a dough-like consistency that holds its shape.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Turn the dough onto your powdered sugar-dusted surface and knead until smooth, adding more powdered sugar if it becomes too sticky. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into rounds or desired shapes with cookie cutters. Transfer these pieces to your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Chill the Patties

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes. This crucial step firms up the patties so they’ll hold their shape during dipping.

Step 5: Temper the Chocolate

Melt 2/3 of your chocolate chips in 20-second microwave intervals, stirring between each until nearly melted (100-110°F). Remove from microwave and add remaining chocolate in small amounts, stirring until completely smooth and cooled to 84-91°F.

Step 6: Dip and Set

Using a fork, submerge each patty in the tempered chocolate, ensuring complete coverage. Tap the fork against the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate, then transfer back to the lined baking sheet. Allow to harden at room temperature (or for quicker results, place in refrigerator for a few minutes).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Sugar Balance: The perfect dough consistency should be firm enough to hold shape but pliable enough to work with. Don’t be afraid to adjust powdered sugar as needed.
• Extract Quality Matters: High-quality peppermint extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Avoid artificial varieties if possible.
• Chocolate Tempering: Take your time with this step – properly tempered chocolate creates that satisfying snap when you bite into it and prevents blooming (white streaks).
• Cold Fillings: If your kitchen is warm, return the patties to the freezer for a few minutes if they start softening while you’re working through the batch.
• Thickness Control: Maintain even 1/4-inch thickness throughout for patties that have the perfect proportion of filling to chocolate coating.

How to Serve

These homemade peppermint patties are perfect for enjoying in several ways:

Everyday Treat

Serve at room temperature for the authentic York experience – that perfect moment when the chocolate yields to reveal the creamy mint center.

Dessert Upgrade

Chop and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for an instant mint chocolate chip experience, or place on top of brownies before baking for a delightful mint-infused dessert.

Gift Presentation

Wrap individual patties in foil just like the original York packaging, then arrange in a decorative tin or box lined with tissue paper for an impressive homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your peppermint patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These patties freeze beautifully! Arrange in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Room Temperature vs. Refrigeration

While these can be stored at room temperature, if your home runs warm, refrigeration will preserve the perfect texture. Let them come to room temperature for about 5 minutes before enjoying for the best taste experience.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter patty that some may prefer, especially children. The original York patties use dark chocolate, so semi-sweet gives you the closest match to that classic flavor profile.

Why did my filling become too sticky to work with?
This typically happens if there’s not enough powdered sugar or if your kitchen is warm. The solution is simple: knead in more powdered sugar until the dough reaches a consistency similar to play-dough. If your kitchen is hot, try working in smaller batches while keeping the rest of the dough refrigerated.

Can I make these without a cookie cutter?
Definitely! Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten them with your palm or the bottom of a glass. For the classic shape, you can even use the rim of a drinking glass to cut circles if you don’t have cookie cutters.

Why did my chocolate coating develop white streaks after it hardened?
Those white streaks (called “bloom”) occur when chocolate isn’t properly tempered. While it doesn’t affect the taste, you can prevent this by carefully following the tempering instructions and making sure your chocolate reaches the correct temperatures. Alternatively, you can use candy melts which don’t require tempering.

Final Thoughts

These homemade York Peppermint Patties bring that refreshing, cool mint experience right to your kitchen. There’s something deeply satisfying about biting through that perfect chocolate shell into the creamy mint center that you crafted yourself. Whether you’re making them as treats for your family, gifts for friends, or simply indulging your own sweet tooth, this recipe delivers that classic flavor that’s been beloved for generations – with the bonus of being customizable to your preferences. Give them a try – I think you’ll be surprised at just how simple it is to recreate this iconic candy at home!

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