What’s a better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a sweet treat that’s both festive and delicious? St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Mint Patties are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and cool, creamy peppermint filling—making them an irresistible dessert for the holiday.

These homemade mint patties are easier to make than you think and use simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, gifting sweets to friends, or just indulging in a seasonal delight, these chocolate mint patties will be a hit. Plus, they’re naturally green (thanks to food coloring), adding a fun and festive touch! Let’s get started.

Ingredients List

For the Mint Filling:

• 2 cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness to the filling.
• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk – Helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 ½ tsp peppermint extract – The key to that refreshing minty flavor.
• 1-2 drops green food coloring – Optional but perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chocolate chips) – Provides a rich, decadent shell.
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening – Helps smooth and thin the chocolate for dipping.

Optional Toppings:

• Gold sprinkles or edible glitter – For a festive St. Patrick’s Day look.
• Crushed peppermint candies – Adds extra texture and a burst of minty goodness.
• Drizzle of white chocolate – Creates a beautiful contrast against the dark chocolate coating.

Substitutions & Variations:

• Use white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version.
• Swap peppermint extract for spearmint for a milder mint flavor.
• Try dairy-free butter and coconut milk for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Timing

These St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Mint Patties are quick to prepare and require minimal hands-on time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Dipping & Setting Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mint Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract.
2. Mix until a smooth, dough-like consistency forms. If the mixture is too sticky, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Add green food coloring and mix until you reach the desired shade.

Step 2: Shape the Mint Patties

1. Roll the peppermint mixture into 1-inch balls, then gently flatten each ball into a disc shape about ¼ inch thick.
2. Place the mint patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
2. Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate slowly.

Step 4: Dip & Coat the Mint Patties

1. Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each chilled mint patty into the melted chocolate.
2. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing it back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. If desired, sprinkle with gold sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or a drizzle of white chocolate before the chocolate sets.

Step 5: Let the Patties Set

1. Place the tray in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
2. Once set, transfer to an airtight container and store until ready to serve!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per mint patty (based on 20 servings):

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 16g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to enjoy a lighter version of these St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Mint Patties? Try these modifications:

• Reduce sugar: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of some powdered sugar.
• Use dark chocolate: Opt for 85% cacao or higher for less sugar and more antioxidants.
• Vegan-friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil and sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream.
• Lower fat: Swap coconut oil for applesauce in the filling for a lower-fat option.

Serving Suggestions

Make your chocolate-covered mint patties even more special with these fun serving ideas:

• Pair with Irish coffee – A perfect St. Patrick’s Day treat combination!
• Use as a cake topper – Place patties on cupcakes or brownies for a minty twist.
• Gift in festive packaging – Wrap in green cellophane for a homemade holiday gift.
• Crush and sprinkle over ice cream – Adds a delightful texture and flavor boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Mint Patties turn out perfect, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Using too much liquid in the filling – This can make the dough too soft and hard to shape.
• Skipping the chilling step – Firm patties coat better in chocolate and won’t fall apart.
• Overheating the chocolate – Melt in short bursts to avoid burning and clumping.
• Not letting excess chocolate drip off – This helps prevent thick, uneven coatings.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Short-Term Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Instructions:

• Place mint patties in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

These St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Mint Patties are the perfect homemade treat for the holiday. With a refreshing minty center and rich chocolate coating, they’re both festive and easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating with family or looking for a unique homemade gift, these patties will bring a touch of Irish luck to your kitchen!

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious holiday treats! 🍀🍫

FAQs

1. Can I make these without food coloring?

Absolutely! The green food coloring is just for fun, but the flavor remains the same without it.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier taste.

3. How do I prevent the patties from sticking?

Use parchment paper and chill them well before dipping in chocolate.

4. What if my filling is too sticky?

Add extra powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes more workable.

5. Can I add other flavors?

Yes! Try adding a hint of vanilla or orange extract for a fun twist.

Now that you have the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Mint Patties recipe, it’s time to bring some festive sweetness into your kitchen. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and happy baking!