Cool & Creamy Vegan Peppermint Delights

You won’t believe how incredibly simple it is to craft delectable Vegan Peppermint Patties right in your own kitchen! These irresistible no-bake treats require just 6 everyday ingredients and are an absolute must-make for the festive holiday season or as thoughtful, homemade gifts.

There’s a truly magical sensation that comes with biting into a classic peppermint patty. The delicate ‘crack’ of the rich chocolate shell gives way to an immediate rush of cool, invigorating peppermint cream. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that has captivated taste buds for generations, solidifying peppermint and chocolate as an undeniable match made in culinary heaven.

Now, imagine experiencing all that glorious chocolatey, minty goodness, but in a way that aligns perfectly with a vegan lifestyle. This recipe for homemade Vegan Peppermint Patties delivers exactly that, and more! Crafted with only 6 readily available ingredients, these delightful treats require no baking, meaning you won’t even need to switch on your oven. Just like our beloved Vegan Peanut Butter Cups, this is a no-bake, copycat dessert that promises to be even more satisfying and delicious than the store-bought originals. Prepare to amaze your friends, family, and yourself with how effortlessly you can create these iconic candies from scratch.

Are Traditional Peppermint Patties Vegan? Unpacking the Ingredients

Many people wonder about the vegan status of their favorite treats. While this recipe offers a completely plant-based solution, it’s important to note that the popular York Peppermint Patties from Hershey’s, which inspired this creation, are not inherently vegan-friendly. Traditional recipes and commercial versions often incorporate animal-derived ingredients such as milk fat and egg whites. These components contribute to the creamy texture and stability of the filling, making classic peppermint patties unsuitable for those following a vegan diet or managing dairy and egg allergies.

However, the beauty of vegan baking and confectionery lies in its innovation! It’s remarkably simple to replicate the signature minty, creamy, and chocolatey characteristics of the classic patty using wholesome, plant-based alternatives. Our vegan peppermint patty recipe demonstrates this perfectly, relying on only 6 simple ingredients that are likely already staples in your pantry. By choosing dairy-free and egg-free ingredients, we craft a dessert that’s not only delicious but also inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy this beloved holiday treat without compromise.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Peppermint Patties (and Smart Substitutions)

Crafting these delightful vegan peppermint patties requires a handful of simple ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with helpful notes on substitutions to ensure your success:

• Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar is fundamental to both sweetening and stabilizing the creamy peppermint filling. Its delicate texture ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, much like in a light and airy buttercream frosting. Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing can prevent lumps and ensure an even more luxurious filling.
• Vegan Butter: Softened vegan butter is key for richness and binding the filling ingredients together. For best results, use a high-quality stick vegan butter. While I haven’t personally tested it, you *might* be able to substitute with softened (not melted) coconut oil, but be aware that the flavor and texture could vary. Ensure whatever you use is at room temperature to blend smoothly.
• Peppermint Extract: The star flavor! A little peppermint extract goes a long way in delivering that classic, refreshing minty punch. Start with the recommended amount, but feel free to add an extra 0.5 to 1 teaspoon if you crave an intensely strong peppermint flavor. For an added festive touch and textural contrast, consider mixing finely crushed candy canes directly into the filling. This also adds a beautiful pop of color.
• Coconut Milk: For this recipe, you’ll need the solid, creamy white part from a can of full-fat coconut milk. Chilling a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight will help separate the cream from the liquid, making it easy to scoop out the thick cream. This provides the essential richness and body for a perfectly smooth filling. Alternatively, a high-quality plant-based cream, such as a homemade vegan heavy cream substitute, can also be used.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips: The outer shell demands good quality vegan chocolate. Any brand of dairy-free chocolate chips will work wonderfully. For a truly decadent experience, a chopped-up bar of vegan dark chocolate (look for 70% cacao or higher for a deep flavor) is also an excellent choice. Some favorite vegan chocolate chip brands include Trader Joe’s and Enjoy Life, known for their accessible and delicious dairy-free options.
• Coconut Oil: Melting a small amount of coconut oil with the chocolate is a secret weapon! It helps create a smoother, more fluid chocolate coating that hardens beautifully and quickly around the peppermint filling. This is what gives the patties their signature, satisfying ‘crack’ when you bite into them. To prevent any unwanted coconut flavor in your chocolate shell, I highly recommend using refined coconut oil, which is flavorless.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Vegan Peppermint Patties

Making these vegan peppermint patties is a fun and straightforward process, perfect for beginner and experienced home cooks alike. Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of delightful, homemade treats. You’ll find the complete ingredient measurements and full recipe details in the recipe card below.

1. Prepare the Peppermint Filling: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened vegan butter, peppermint extract, and the solid cream from your full-fat coconut milk. Using an electric mixer (either handheld or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment), begin beating the ingredients on low speed. Gradually increase the speed to medium. At first, the mixture may appear dry and crumbly, but with a few minutes of continuous mixing, it will transform into a soft, pliable “dough” consistency, similar to playdough. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, incorporate a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired texture is achieved. Set this flavorful filling aside.
2. Shape the Patties: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easy removal later. Scoop out approximately one tablespoon of the peppermint mixture at a time. Gently roll it into a ball, then flatten it into a disc shape. Aim for uniform thickness and size for consistent chilling and coating. Place each disc onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Repeat this process until all of the peppermint filling has been used.
3. Chill the Peppermint Discs: This is a crucial step for ensuring the patties hold their shape when dipped in chocolate. Transfer the baking sheet with the peppermint discs to the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes, or place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes. They should be firm and solid to the touch before proceeding to the next step.

4. Melt the Chocolate Coating: While your peppermint discs are chilling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate coating. Combine the vegan chocolate chips and refined coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. You can melt this mixture using one of two methods:
   • Double Boiler Method: Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir continuously until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
   • Microwave Method: Heat the chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.

   Once melted, stir until glossy and smooth. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool for just a few minutes; it should still be warm and fluid, but not scorching hot.

5. Dip and Coat: Remove the chilled peppermint patties from the refrigerator or freezer. Using a fork, carefully submerge one peppermint patty into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Gently lift the patty out, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Return the chocolate-coated patty to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this dipping process for all remaining peppermint discs, working efficiently as the chocolate will begin to set.
6. Final Chill and Serve: Once all the patties are coated, place the baking sheet back into the freezer for 5 minutes, or the refrigerator for 15 minutes, until the chocolate coating has completely hardened and set. Once firm, transfer your delicious Vegan Peppermint Patties to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator to maintain their firm texture and prevent the chocolate from melting. Enjoy these delightful treats chilled!

Creative Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Patties

While delicious on their own, a touch of decoration can transform your homemade vegan peppermint patties into truly spectacular treats, perfect for any occasion. The key is to add your chosen toppings immediately after coating the peppermint discs in chocolate, while the chocolate is still wet, ensuring they adhere beautifully. Get creative with these festive and flavorful ideas:

• Crushed Candy Canes: For an unmistakable holiday vibe, sprinkle finely crushed candy canes over the wet chocolate. The vibrant red and white not only looks festive but also adds an extra layer of minty crunch.
• Flake Salt: A delicate sprinkle of flake salt (like Maldon sea salt) creates an exquisite sweet and salty contrast, enhancing the depth of the chocolate and peppermint flavors.
• Chocolate Sprinkles: Classic and always a crowd-pleaser, chocolate sprinkles add a fun texture and a touch more chocolatey goodness.
• Festive Sprinkles: Embrace the holiday spirit with seasonal sprinkles in various shapes and colors – stars, snowflakes, or simply a mix of red, green, and white.
• Shredded Coconut: For those who love a tropical hint, a dusting of finely shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted) adds a lovely texture and subtle sweetness.
• Crushed Nuts: Chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts can add a sophisticated crunch and nutty flavor that complements the mint and chocolate beautifully.

Alternatively, once your patties are fully set and firm, you can create elegant drizzles. Melt a small amount of extra vegan chocolate or opt for a contrasting touch with vegan white chocolate, then drizzle artfully over the cooled patties. The possibilities for customization are truly endless, allowing you to tailor these treats to your taste and occasion!

Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Peppermint Patties

Achieving perfectly smooth and delicious vegan peppermint patties is easy with a few expert tips and tricks. These suggestions will help ensure your homemade treats turn out beautifully every time:

• Sift Your Powdered Sugar: To guarantee an ultra-smooth, clump-free peppermint filling, I highly recommend sifting your powdered sugar before adding it to the mixing bowl. This simple step eliminates any pesky lumps that can hinder the desired creamy consistency.
• Experiment with Patty Size and Thickness: Don’t be afraid to customize! The beauty of homemade treats is that you can make them exactly how you like. Feel free to experiment with the size and thickness of your peppermint filling discs. Whether you prefer thick, substantial patties, delicate thin ones, or wider, flatter discs, it all depends on your personal preference and what you’re craving. Just remember that thinner patties might chill faster and require a slightly quicker dip in chocolate.
• Optimize Chilling Times: Proper chilling is essential for stability. Once coated in chocolate, the patties typically require about 15 minutes to harden and set in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, pop them into the freezer for a quick 5 minutes. This rapid chill ensures the chocolate sets firmly and gives you that satisfying ‘snap’ when you bite into them.
• Master the Chocolate Dipping Technique: The key to an even chocolate coating is working efficiently. Make sure your peppermint discs are well-chilled and firm. When dipping, use a fork to fully submerge the patty, then gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. This prevents pooling at the bottom and ensures a neat, uniform coating.
• Refined vs. Unrefined Coconut Oil: Always opt for refined coconut oil when melting with chocolate for the coating. Unrefined (virgin) coconut oil retains a distinct coconut flavor, which can overpower the delicate peppermint and chocolate notes. Refined coconut oil is flavorless and will allow the true tastes of your patties to shine.
• Ideal for Gifting: Homemade vegan peppermint patties make exceptionally thoughtful and delightful gifts for friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers during the holidays or any special occasion. Present them beautifully by wrapping 4 or 5 patties in clear cellophane bags, tied with a festive bow or a personalized tag. Alternatively, arrange a selection in small decorative gift boxes or tins for an elegant presentation.
• Achieving the Perfect Filling Consistency: The peppermint filling should resemble a soft playdough – firm enough to hold its shape but pliable enough to mold easily. If it’s too crumbly, add a tiny bit more coconut cream or vegan butter. If it’s too sticky, incorporate a small amount of additional powdered sugar until you reach the ideal texture.

Storing Your Homemade Vegan Peppermint Patties

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness, texture, and integrity of your homemade vegan peppermint patties. Because the chocolate coating is sensitive to temperature, these treats are best stored chilled.

Once the chocolate layer has fully hardened and set after its final chill, transfer the peppermint patties to an airtight container. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or use parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Store this container in the refrigerator. When kept refrigerated, your vegan peppermint patties will remain fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature ensures the chocolate stays firm and prevents it from melting, maintaining that desirable crisp exterior.

For longer-term storage, these patties freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container, again using parchment paper between layers. They can be stored in the freezer for several months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw for a short period, or enjoy them directly from the freezer for a firmer, extra-chilled treat!

Craving More Festive Vegan Desserts?

If you’ve fallen in love with these Vegan Peppermint Patties, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful plant-based treats perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Explore these other fantastic festive vegan dessert recipes:

• Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• The Best Vegan Sugar Cookies
• Vegan Pumpkin Cake Bars
• Chocolate Sugar Cookies
• Vegan Toffee

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars (6 ratings)

Vegan Peppermint Patties

You won’t believe how easy it is to make Vegan Peppermint Patties from scratch! These no-bake treats feature just 6 simple ingredients and are perfect for the holidays and gifting.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Chilling Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 28 patties

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Ingredients

Peppermint Filling

• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 4 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk (the creamy white part only)

Chocolate Coating

• 2 cups vegan chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add the powdered sugar, softened vegan butter, peppermint extract, and coconut milk. Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix, starting on low and increasing to medium speed. At first, it will look very dry and crumbly, but after a few minutes, it will soften and become more of a dough. If it’s too wet and sticky, add a little more powdered sugar. It should feel like playdough. Set aside.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about a tablespoon at a time of the peppermint mixture and shape it into a disc. Place the patties in a single layer on the prepared pan, and repeat until you have used all of the mixture.
3. Place the patties in the refrigerator for 45 minutes, or freeze for 15 minutes. This will help them harden a bit and set.
4. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil over a double boiler, preferably, or in the microwave. Stir well so it’s smooth. Let it cool for just a few minutes.
5. Remove the patties from the refrigerator or freezer and dip one patty at a time into the chocolate mixture, using a fork to help you coat it on all sides. Return it back to the parchment-lined pan.
6. Place the pan back in the freezer for 5 minutes to harden, or the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once set, place in a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator. At room temperature, the chocolate will start to melt. They will keep for about 2 weeks or longer in the freezer. Enjoy!

Notes

1. You can use some sort of plant-based cream instead of coconut milk, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 pattie | Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Nora Taylor

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