Peppermint Patties

I love peppermint patties. The delightful combination of dark chocolate and mint is so refreshing, plus they’re fun to eat. They’re also the perfect way to ring in the holiday season! However, before you reach for a bag of store-bought peppermint patties, keep in mind they often contain artificial flavors, corn syrup, soy, and dairy. Those following The Myers Way® know how dangerous these ingredients are for gut and immune health. Not to mention all that plastic packaging that harms the environment!

No need to ditch the idea completely, though. These Peppermint Mocha patties are so soft, and creamy, it’s a winter wonderland in every bite! Did I mention they’re also good for you? That’s right, these festive delights keep you on track all winter long with gut-supporting coconut, apricot, and a scoop of my limited-time Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder. You won’t believe how easy these are to make, and they’re The Myers Way® approved!

Benefits of Apricots

Taking that first bite of a chewy peppermint patty was an experience I knew I just had to recreate. So, I used dried apricots and mixed them with coconut shreds to get that soft, classic interior for decadent peppermint patties. You end up with an apricot jam that is the perfect base for a peppermint patty center!

What makes dried apricots the perfect ingredient for these peppermint patties, you ask? Dried apricots provide your body with plenty of vitamin C, which supports healthy immune function. This is vitally important during cold and flu season! Another health benefit of dried apricots is their fiber content. Fiber helps keep your bowels regular. It also helps keep blood sugar levels in check and may lower your risk of developing chronic diseases. 

I like using dried apricots instead of dates or figs in many dessert recipes due to their lower sugar content. It helps provide a hint of sweetness that’s not overbearing.

Stevia Leaf

Speaking of sweets, consuming excess sugar can have a negative impact on your health. One of the other healthier ingredients I like to use in recipes is pure stevia leaf. This South American leaf contains a natural sweetener that is 300 times sweeter than regular sugar! That means a little goes a long way.

Make sure you are choosing pure stevia leaf. Certain stevia products on grocery store shelves, such as Truvia, Pure Via, and Stevia in the Raw are made from a highly refined stevia leaf extract called rebaudioside A (Reb-A), often containing synthetic substitutes. 

Pure stevia leaf offers many health benefits from blood sugar support to a healthy inflammatory response, and even maintaining your gut health. This natural sweetener can help support healthy blood sugar levels, which may benefit those with diabetes or prediabetes. This is especially helpful for those who are actively trying to lose or maintain weight during the holidays. On the other hand, stevia leaf supports a healthy gut microbiome through its antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it also promotes a healthy inflammatory response in the body. This may help ease some of those seasonal aches and joint pains. 

Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder

Ok, so we have the texture and sweetness figured out. How are we going to get that quintessential peppermint patty flavor? You may have noticed there’s no peppermint oil or extract in this recipe. That’s because I’m using my limited-time Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder to achieve that classic chocolatey-minty flavor. Not only do you get the peppermint flavor you love, but the mocha adds a whole new flavor dimension to this healthy treat. You end up with a peppermint mocha combination you didn’t know you needed in your life!

Adding a scoop of Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder provides your body with fuel to get you through the busy holidays. Packed with 21 grams of grass-fed, pasture raised beef collagen, this protein powder supports healthy digestion, appetite, and energy. It also supports healthy skin, hair, and nails —- just in time for those holiday photos!

How To Make Peppermint Patties

Making these peppermint patties is super simple. They are also done in under 30 minutes, which is perfect if you’re in a pinch!

Start by placing the dried apricots in your food processor. Pulse and blend until you reach an apricot jam-like consistency. Once the apricot jam is ready, add your coconut flakes and blend again until a squishy dough forms. Add the Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder, stevia, and melted coconut oil. Mix gently to incorporate all the ingredients.

Note: Unlike traditional peppermint patties with a white center, these will have a brown color due to the Peppermint Mocha protein.

Scoop the dough out in small amounts and form it into a ball. Then, flatten gently to get the basic peppermint patty shape. Freeze for 10-15 minutes on parchment paper. If that helps, you can place it on a baking sheet. 

While the center chills, it’s time to make the coating! I use dairy free chocolate chips for this. Grab a double boiler and melt the dairy free chocolate and remaining coconut oil over a double boiler. Once the chocolate melts, remove from heat and stir. 

Using a fork, dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate and place it back onto the parchment. This gives it that first chocolate coating. Spoon the leftover melted chocolate into a small piping bag to drizzle over the top. Next, sprinkle a few coconut flakes on top! Pop back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This sets the peppermint patties as the chocolate cools and hardens. 

When you’re ready to serve, simply remove them from the refrigerator and peel off the parchment paper. Get ready to indulge in your new holiday favorite!