A rich chocolate coating enveloping a soft, chewy peppermint center is the perfect holiday treat. Six ingredients, no bake and easy to make, even kids will have fun rolling the dough into balls. This dessert can also feed just about anyone as it’s gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nut free; as well as top-8-free and vegan.
I’ve always been a fan of York Peppermint Patties and Junior Mints. Throw them in the fridge so it’s nice and cold and it’s the PERFECT treat.
Unfortunately, both have milk in them, so my oldest has never known the pleasure of this refreshing treat.
I recently looked up the recipe for it and thought–I bet I can make this dairy free! And, thank goodness it can be adapted. My kids call these “chocolate cookies” but whatever you call them, you’ll be enjoying them as they melt on your tongue. They’re refreshing, they’re rich and they are seriously a fabulous homemade candy. I think this will definitely have to be a new candy we make every year!
I think these would make great neighbor gifts, but I can’t say for certain since we definitely ate them all ourselves.
I would use a cookie scooper to make sure that the dough was evenly portioned, and then I’d let my little boys roll them into the flat patty shape. It feels just like play doh, so it was right up their alley. They also really liked crushing the candy canes and sprinkling them on top. Can you tell that this is the one of the ones they did??? When it comes to sweets, they are not one for moderation!
Of course, you can do them plain, but I think the crushed candy canes gives it a pop of color and just makesit look more festive. I was worried it might throw off the texture, since the patty itself is smooth and creamy, but since we added the crushed peppermint when the chocolate was wet, it allowed the peppermint pieces to soften considerably, so it had not too much crunch. It was perfect in my mind!
Also, if you don’t have peppermint extract, mint works just fine too!
I feel like this treat has officially begun our holiday baking and I’m so excited. I get giddy when I start thinking of making treats for neighbors and friends. I love candy that I only make once a year, so that I’m longing for it by the time the end-of-the-year rolls around.
And, I have a Peppermint Crinkle Cookie and Peppermint Bundt Cake, if you’re a sucker for peppermint like I am. If not, remember, I have some Dairy-free Caramels that are also a great holiday treat. And, I have a few fun treats up my sleeve, so stay tuned!
I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this week, and that as your official holiday season starts that it can start with a bang. I, of course, think making these would start it off JUST right.
Be sure to come back and see my gift guide on Thanksgiving before you start your online shopping. I’m sharing all of my favorite kitchen gadgets that every allergy mom needs–since we spend more time in the kitchen than most, it’s nice to have some quality essentials.
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (Enjoy Life or Pascha are brands we like)
- 1 Tablespoon dairy-free, soy-free shortening
- Crushed peppermint candy canes, if desired
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the wet ingredients. Then, slowly add the powdered sugar. Allow it to stir for several minutes until it's clumpy and as together as it can be.
- Move the mixture to a clean surface and knead with your hands until it's a uniform ball. The warmth of your hands will help it become a solid mass.
- Using a cookie scooper, or eye balling it, form even patties with your hands. Place them on a cookie sheet with wax paper.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the shortening and dairy-free chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 1 minute and then stir. Continue to do this in one minute increments until the chocolate is thoroughly melted.
- Drop one patty at a time into the melted chocolate mixture. Use a fork to gently turn it and make sure it's coated on each side.
- Place the freshly dipped patty back onto the wax paper. If desired, while it's still wet, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy canes.
- Allow the chocolate to cool and harden before eating. If you need to speed up this process, you can place the tray in the fridge.
Adapted from: Butter with a Side of Bread
MORE PEPPERMINT RECIPES:
Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nut free; top 8 free; vegan)
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They sound so simple to make! Love this!
Thanks Melissa. Yes, somehow if it’s simple it tastes just a little bit better!
Sub for coconut oil?
It’s hard to know what to suggest, when I don’t know your allergies. I’d try Earth Balance buttery spread. Good luck–let me know how it turns out.
I want some!!! These look so good! I wish I had some to snack on today.
Thanks Emily!
These look just scrumptious! I’m a big peppermint patty fan.
Thanks Brianna! Yes, peppermint patties are the best–especially when you have an entire sheet pan of them 😉