Christmas is in the air. Quite literally, since you can really sniff the Yuletide season with the aroma of pastries and baked goodies that is now wafting in the air from already busy kitchens. Christmas is indeed not without the sweet confections that cannot be absent from the table on Christmas supper.

If you have a sweet tooth for chocolate (who doesn’t, right?) and especially have a liking for the combination of chocolate and mint, then this recipe is just for you. The best thing about this tasty recipe is that it does not require baking and can be made in less than an hour. Kids and adults alike are sure to love the simple, clean and familiar combination of chocolate, sugar and mint. Read on and learn how to make peppermint patties.

Since this recipe is a yummier version of the peppermint cane, a Christmas staple, it is guaranteed to fill you with the holiday cheer. It is also extremely easy, so much so that even first timers can do it with a breeze.

Here are the easy steps to follow in making Christmas peppermint patties:

1. Prepare the materials and ingredients. You will need:

2. 3/4 cup condensed milk, 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract, 2 teaspoons shortening and 4 cups confectioners’ sugar. You must also prepare: a big mixing bowl, a sifter (to get rid of sugar lumps), a medium-sized saucepan, a non-stick tray, wax paper, cookie-cutters and moulds (optional) and a refrigerator.

3. Mix the ingredients. Put the milk, shortening and peppermint extract. Beat the mixture into smooth dough. You can use an electronic mixer to ensure consistency.

4. Add some confectioner’s sugar. To make the dough stiff, add some confectioner’s sugar a little at a time. Taste a bit of dough to make sure the taste is to your liking. You can also leave some confectioners’ sugar to sprinkle over the patties when they are done. This can make your chocolate goodies look like they’ve got sweet snow on them.

5. Mold the patties. Take a bit of patty and roll it into a small ball in your palms. You can vary the size depending on your preference. Push the balls against the tray and flatten. You can use the cookie-cutters to form different shapes with the flattened balls.

6. Pop them in fridge. After you’ve made enough, pop them into the fridge (not the freezer) for thirty minutes.

7. Prepare the chocolate coating. While the patties cool in the refrigerator, you can prepare the chocolate. Take the chocolate chips and put in a heated saucepan. Mix until the chocolate melts.

8. Coat the patties. Take the patties from the refrigerator and dip into the melted chocolate. Take care not to burn your fingers. Also, do not take too long or else the chocolate will harden before you can coat the patties. Make sure your patties are fully and evenly coated. Sprinkle some confectioners’ sugar and add other decorations.

Pastry, especially the ones for Christmas, comes best when doused with a bit of creativity. Try different shapes through moulds and experiment with multi-colored icing to make the patties look brighter.

But be warned; make sure you exercise self-control in munching these little goodies or you might find yourself no longer fitting into those jeans come January. But then again, just go ahead and enjoy! Christmas only comes once a year after all. One thing is for sure; learning how to make peppermint patties will make you a hit this coming holiday season!