Homemade Peppermint Patties

I love finding recipes for homemade versions of commercially sold treats! It so satisfying to know that you don't have to spend the money to buy them in stores because you have the ability to make them for yourself! Makes me feel independent.

This was another request from the boyfriend. He wanted something sweet, but he wanted a deviation away from all the peanut butter treats I've been making. Not that he doesn't love them, but everyone needs a little change once in a while, right?

It is surprising how much these actually taste like real, store-bought peppermint patties. The boyfriend couldn't believe his tastebuds!

They're not too difficult to make. It's a similar technique as used for making truffles in that you freeze the centers, then dip them in chocolate to coat them. They turn out tasty, it makes a TON, and you can always put some in the freezer and save them for another day!

Last Month: Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Homemade Peppermint Patties
Prep Time: 40-50mins       Yields 4 dozen patties   (WW: 4pts per patty)
Ingredients:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
5 1/2 cups icing sugar
1 Tbsp peppermint extract
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 Tbsps vegetable shortening

Directions:
1) Add condensed milk, 2 cups of icing sugar, and peppermint extract to a large mixing bowl and beat until completely combined. Continue adding icing sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until the mixture is stiff but still pliable.
2) Roll teaspoon sized balls of dough into a ball, then flatten it between the palms of your hands or on a cutting board. Place flattened balls on a cookie sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper (you may need more than one cookie sheet. Once all the dough has used, place the peppermint centers in the freezer for about 30 minutes to chill.
3) While the centers are chilling, place the chocolate chips and shortening into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second increments, stirring in between each increment, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
4) When the centers are finished chilling, remove them from the freezer. One at a time, place them on the tines of a fork and dip them into the chocolate mixture, coating them completely. Tap your fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, and place them back on the cookie sheet. Repeat this process until all the patties have been coated in chocolate. (This can be a VERY messy process and can take some practice, but don't get discouraged. Try different techniques until you find one that works for you and go with it!)
5) Once all the patties are coated, place them back in the freezer to let the chocolate set completely. Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator.



(Recipe adapted from Savory Sweet Life)