I Heart Homemade Peppermint Patties

I have always loved Valentine's Day! It didn't matter if I was single or in a relationship there is just something fun about making everything pink and heart-shaped. Peppermint patties are one of my husbands favorite sweets. I have made them before for St. Patrick's Day and since they are so easy I thought that they would be cute to make for Valentine's Day too. I didn't get any complaints!

These minty little sweets are paired with rich chocolate and this time I added some sprinkles for an extra decoration and crunch. They are slightly addicting so make these with caution!

Here's what you need:

2-3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/8 cup light coconut milk (See note at the bottom of the page)

1/2 teaspoon water (plus more if needed)

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

pink food coloring (optional)

about 4 ounces of chocolate for dipping (I like dark or semisweet… this time I used

Enjoy Life chocolate chips

)

Here's what you do:

*In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (a hand mixer works fine as well) combine 2 cups of powdered sugar, coconut milk, water, and peppermint extract over low speed until smooth (I have also done this before with just a whisk and spatula)

*Add in a couple drops of food coloring if you choose to use it

*Mix on high speed until the dough is stiff

*If the dough doesn't become stiff add more powdered sugar a small scoop at a time. If it is too stiff add more water in small drops.

*Sprinkle some powdered sugar on a clean counter surface

* You want the dough to be stiff enough to stick together and be able to roll out on the powdered sugared surface without spreading

*Remove the dough and roll into a log about 1 inch diameter (it doesn't have to be perfect)

*Cut approximately 1 inch pieces (or larger depending on how big you want the heart to be) and use your hands to roll the dough and flatten into a small disk then shape into a heart

*Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper

*Allow to dry out for at least 1 hour

*Refrigerate for about 3 hours or until the dough stays together well without being sticky and is very cold (overnight is fine too!)

*Create a double boiler by setting a bowl over a pot of simmering (not boiling) water (you don't want the bowl to be touching the water)

*In the bowl place the chocolate and mix while it slowing melts

*Take the patties out of the refrigerator and either dip the entire patty or half into the chocolate (I liked doing half so you could see the pink!)

(If you are dipping the entire thing you can use a fork to help you)

*Place on the wax paper and allow to harden (This could take a couple hours)

*These are best stored in the refrigerator

*Note: Since this uses a very small amount of coconut milk you can use the rest to make Coconut Rice, oatmeal, or quinoa for some extra creamy flavor!!