Candy Cane Peppermint Patties

Candy Cane Peppermint Patties: A Festive Treat for Any Occasion

As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for delicious treats that are easy to make and impress my family and friends. These Candy Cane Peppermint Patties fit the bill perfectly! They’re festive, fun, and incredibly satisfying. The beautiful swirling red and white layers are a real showstopper, but the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make. Even my kids helped with some of the steps, making it a fun family activity.

The recipe itself is a delightful balance of sweet and minty freshness. I've perfected it over the years, tweaking the peppermint extract to achieve that perfect balance – not too overpowering, not too subtle. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling is encased in a rich, dark chocolate shell, creating a truly decadent experience. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, but honestly, they're so good, we enjoy them year-round!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different colors. Imagine a vibrant green and white peppermint patty for St. Patrick's Day, or even a playful yellow and white for a summer picnic. The possibilities are endless!

The process itself is incredibly rewarding. There's something magical about rolling out the colorful dough, carefully layering it, and then watching it transform into a beautiful peppermint log. It's almost like creating a miniature candy cane masterpiece. And the best part is the satisfying crunch of the chocolate shell followed by that explosion of cool peppermint flavor.

Making these patties is more than just a baking project; it’s a joyful experience. It’s a chance to get creative in the kitchen, to share a sweet treat with loved ones, and to create lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some delicious magic.

These Candy Cane Peppermint Patties are a testament to the simple joys of baking. They're easy to make, visually stunning, and utterly delicious. They are a testament to the idea that even the most complex-looking treats can be surprisingly simple to create, requiring minimal time and effort. The end result is a delectable treat that will be the star of any gathering, and a reminder of how much joy can be found in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Give these Candy Cane Peppermint Patties a try. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. And don't forget to share them with your loved ones – after all, what's a delicious treat without good company?

Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Peppermint Patties turn out perfectly:

• Use good quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final flavor and texture of your patties. Use a good quality peppermint extract or oil for the best results.
• Don't overmix the filling: Overmixing the filling can make it tough. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and prevents it from sticking.
• Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will ensure that your patties are evenly cut.
• Don't rush the dipping process: Take your time dipping the patties in chocolate to ensure that they are evenly coated.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy baking!

Step-by-step

• Beat 2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar with corn syrup, water, peppermint extract, shortening, and a pinch of salt using an electric mixer (with paddle attachment if using a stand mixer) at medium speed until just combined.
• Knead on a work surface dusted with the remaining 1/4 cup confectioners sugar until smooth.
• Divide filling dough into half, color one dough red, and leave the second white.
• Roll each dough individually between two pieces of parchment paper. The layers should be fairly thin. Make sure that layers of each dough are similar in size. Roll each dough into a "snake" shape of a certain length and then roll into a rectangle shape.
• Chill for a little bit (5 minutes). We are going to stack 2 layers on top of each other and then roll them into a log. Chill the rolled layers because when chilled it is much easier to peel off the parchment paper and stack them on top of each other; otherwise, you end up breaking the dough.
• Line your surface with a piece of wax paper.
• Stack both layers, white and red on top of each other, peeling the parchment papers off. The stacked layers should be sitting on a piece of wax paper.
• Use a rolling pin and gently roll the pin using slight pressure to even the dough out. This will also help with eliminating any air cavities between individual layers. If needed, let the layers soften a little before this step.
• Roll the 2 layers into one larger log. Use the bottom wax paper to help you start. Gently lift the wax paper to start rolling. If it looks like it is tearing a little, just work your way until you have one log. At the end it will come together; the dough is pretty soft, and any small tears you'll see can be easily smoothed out. Once done, roll the log using the palms of your hands to achieve an even thickness, but don't push too hard.
• Wrap the log with parchment paper or wax paper/plastic wrap and freeze until hard.
• When frozen, unwrap the Peppermint Pattie log and using a sharp knife, cut the mint patties into about less than 1/4 inch thick. Turn the log slightly each time you cut 2 patties to ensure similar shapes.
• Melt the chocolate wafers and dip each round into the chocolate, using a large dipping fork or a meat fork. Gently shake off the excess and place freshly coated patties onto a tray lined with wax paper.
• Once you are done with all the patties, put the tray into the fridge for 10 minutes to harden the chocolate.
• Store mint patties in a cool place in an airtight container, layered with wax paper between each layer.