Homemade Peppermint Patties

Just wish I would have taken a picture of the insides!

Peppermint is one of my favorite flavors during this time of year.  It's no surprise that in the goodie bags I made for people this year, I had 2 peppermint treats!  I mean, seriously... who doesn't like peppermint? 

These peppermint patties were extremely easy, and once I got the hang of dipping them in chocolate, were pretty quick too.

Sorry I've got such a short post today, but this month's bookclub meeting is meeting at my house, and that means I've got tons of cooking to do today!  Details will be posted tomorrow, I'm sure!

Ingredients:
Adapted From What Megan's Making's Recipe

A surprise is hidden inside!

 2 & 1/4 cups powdered sugar, plus 1/4 cup for kneading and rolling
1 & 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 & 1/2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 tablespoon shortening
pinch of salt
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate morsels

In a medium bowl, beat 2 & 1/4 cups powdered sugar with corn syrup, water, peppermint extract, shortening, and a pinch of salt using an electric mixer at medium speed until just combined.  Dust a work surface with the remaining powdered sugar and knead "dough" until smooth. 

Roll the dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper on a large baking sheet into a 7- to 8-inch round (about 1/4 inch thick).  Place the baking sheet in the freezer and chill until firm, about 15 minutes.

Remove top sheet of paper and sprinkle top of the round with powdered sugar.  Replace top sheet, then flip round over and repeat sprinkling on other side.

Cut out as many rounds as possible with round cutter, transferring to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze again until firm, at least 10 minutes.  If you want, you can use scraps to roll out and cut out more circles.

Meanwhile, you can make the chocolate coating.

Melt 3/4 of the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.  Do it in 30 seconds intervals, that way you don't burn the chocolate.  Add remaining chocolate and stir until all melted.  Let cool slightly.

This next part, you want to do sort of fast, because the peppermint dough will get warm, and not let the chocolate set properly. 

Take peppermint rounds out of freezer.
 
Balance 1 peppermint round on a fork and submerge in melted chocolate, letting excess drip off and scraping back of fork against rim of bowl if necessary, then return patty to sheet. Coat remaining rounds, rewarming chocolate, if necessary (I didn't have to do this).   Place patties in fridge to speed up setting of chocolate.  Let stand for at least 1 hour before serving!

I'm sure even Santa would have enjoyed these!

Like I said, these were pretty easy, and made great goodie bag gifts!  I know, Christmas has passed, but it still doesn't mean you can't enjoy these little guys all for yourself!  Share if you want to!  Enjoy!