**A Homemade Christmas Delight: Peppermint Patties**
The holiday season is a special time to share love, joy, and sumptuous treats with your friends and family. One such delightful treat that brings a wave of festivity and sweet goodness to your Christmas celebrations is the Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties. Made with love, this sweet candy treat with vibrant hues of red and green not only elevates the merry spirit but also adds an extra punch to your holiday spread.
**Why Make Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties?**
An ideal embodiment of the holiday spirit, these Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties are perfect for gifting or sharing during the festive season. Crafting these delightful treats at home gives you the opportunity to add a personal touch to your Christmas gifts. Plus, the rich minty flavor, the smooth texture, and chocolatey goodness make them irresistible for both kids and adults!
**How to Make Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties:**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Red and green food coloring (optional)
– 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
– 1 tablespoon shortening
**Directions:**
Preparing these peppermint patties involves easy steps. Initially, you start by preparing the filling by beating together the powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. This mixture forms a workable dough. You then color the filling using red and green food coloring, after which you shape the dough into patties. The patties are then refrigerated for an hour before being coated with melted chocolate. After one final refrigeration session, your colourful and delightful peppermint patties are ready to be savored.
**How to Serve Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties:**
Serve these minty treats as dessert after a Christmas meal, or as a sweet snack for the kids. You can also pack them in beautiful festive boxes for an ideal Christmas gift.
**How to Store Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties:**
Store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for around 1 month when stored properly.
**Tips to Make Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties:**
Though the recipe is straightforward, ensuring that the sugar is well sifted for a smoother texture and refrigerating the patties before dipping them in chocolate can result in perfectly shaped patties.
**Variation (if any):**
For a variation, try using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. You can also experiment with different flavors like adding a dash of orange extract for a unique taste.
**FAQs:**
1. Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
– It is not advisable as powdered sugar gives the peppermint patties a smooth texture.
2. Can I use any other food color?
– Yes, while red and green are traditional Christmas colors, you can use any color you prefer.
3. What is the purpose of using shortening?
– Shortening helps to thin out the chocolate, making it easier to coat the patties.
These Homemade Christmas Peppermint Patties are the perfect embodiment of festive goodness, bringing joy and sweetness to your holiday celebration. Try your hand at crafting these delightful treats and spread the Christmas cheer!