Homemade Peppermint Patties.

The sun is getting brighter, the weathermen are promising that the temperatures outside will get warmer, and I’m about ready to come out of hibernation. I’m ready for some color, and maybe a little something sweet. These homemade peppermint patties are a simple recipe that I've made with my children in the springtime for the past few years. They love to help, but also love a good snack!

Homemade Peppermint Patties

4 cups confectioners sugar
3 Tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 Tablespoons evaporated milk

In the bowl of a stand mixer or other mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of confectioners sugar and the rest of the ingredients. Add remaining sugar 1/2 cup at a time until completely incorporated.

Roll mixture out into 1/2 – 3/4" balls, then slightly flatten into discs with the palm of your hand. Place on cookie sheet.

Note: they’re very rich and you might like to make them just slightly smaller than you think you would – Think somewhere between Junior Mints and York Peppermint patty sized.

Freeze for 20 minutes.

While discs are freezing, melt colored candy wafers or chocolate candy bark of your choice until smooth. We've tried the dark chocolate candy wafers and they are amazing with the cool minty inside! Dip discs one at a time into candy coating, shake off excess then place on wax or parchment paper to dry. It takes a lot of practice to make them look pretty (I have not mastered that skill!) – once they’re dry, use a little more of the melted candy to drizzle a design on top. I usually use a fork, but this time I dragged the back of a spoon dipped in the candy and smeared it on top – that way the messiness looks like it was on purpose!

Makes about three dozen, depending on size. They’re great as an addition to a holiday dessert table, or bagged up as treats for teachers or friends! Store in an airtight container.

C’mon, spring!

Vanessa Felie, aka "Queenvanna" juggles a husband and two blond pixies while running her burgeoning paper arts and crafts business,  QueenvannaCreations. Her job and family inspire her to create crafty projects for holidays, vacations, as well as times when there's just not much going on. Perpetual calendars and other home items, scrapbooking album kits and personalized gifts of all kinds - She looks to add a little flair to everything she makes, to put some extra fun in to daily life, as well as special occassions.

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