Pastel Mint Patties

Pastel mint patties are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth confections that combine smooth, creamy texture with a refreshing burst of mint flavor. These delightful treats are not only visually appealing with their soft pastel hues, but also incredibly easy to make at home. Perfect for festive occasions, tea parties, gift boxes, or holiday spreads, these patties offer a homemade charm that’s both nostalgic and elegant. With just a few ingredients and minimal equipment, you can whip up a batch of these colorful candies that look beautiful and taste even better.

These mint patties are a timeless classic, reminiscent of after-dinner mints or vintage candy shop delights. Their soft, creamy center, lightly sweetened and infused with peppermint, is perfectly balanced by a sugar coating that adds a subtle texture. You can customize the color palette to match any celebration, making them a versatile dessert option. Whether you’re preparing for a baby shower, Eid celebration, bridal brunch, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with tea, pastel mint patties are a simple yet stunning addition to your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about pastel mint patties. First, they require no baking—just mix, shape, and chill. The flavor is refreshingly cool thanks to the peppermint extract, while the texture is smooth and creamy, making each bite absolutely satisfying. The pastel colors bring a whimsical charm to your dessert table, making them as decorative as they are delicious.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can adjust the flavors, colors, and shapes to suit any event or personal preference. The ingredients are pantry staples, the process is straightforward, and the results are consistently impressive. These mints store well, making them ideal for making ahead or gifting to friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or trying something new, these pastel mint patties are a joy to make and even more delightful to share.

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Chill time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Yield: 60 small patties

• Serving Size: 2 patties

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 110

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Protein: 0g

• Fat: 2g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 22g

Ingredients

For the mint patty dough:

• 4 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

• 4 tablespoons butter or plant-based margarine, softened

• 2 tablespoons milk or non-dairy milk

• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

• Food coloring (pastel shades: pink, green, yellow, lavender, or blue)

Optional toppings:

• Granulated sugar (for coating)

• Edible glitter or pearl dust

• Sprinkles or decorative sugar crystals

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the dough base

• In a large bowl, combine softened butter, milk, and peppermint extract.

• Mix until smooth and creamy.

• Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time.

• Stir until a thick, pliable dough forms that no longer sticks to your hands.

2. Divide and color the dough

• Divide the dough into separate portions, one for each pastel color you want to use.

• Add a drop or two of food coloring to each portion.

• Knead each one by hand until the color is evenly distributed.

• Use gloves if desired to prevent staining your hands.

3. Shape the patties

• Roll each colored dough portion into small balls (about 1 inch wide).

• Flatten each ball gently with your palm or a fork to form a round patty.

• Optionally, coat each patty lightly in granulated sugar or decorate with edible glitter.

4. Chill the patties

• Line a tray with parchment or wax paper.

• Place the patties on the tray in a single layer.

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.

5. Serve or store

• Once chilled, the patties are ready to serve.

• Store them in an airtight container, separated by layers of parchment paper.

• Keep refrigerated for freshness or freeze for longer storage.

Ingredient Background

Powdered sugar is the base of the patty dough, giving it a silky texture and soft bite. The butter or margarine adds richness and smoothness, while the milk binds the mixture and keeps it from becoming crumbly. Peppermint extract is the star flavor, offering a cool, refreshing note that balances the sweetness.

Food coloring adds the signature pastel touch that makes these mints so visually appealing. Whether you choose soft pinks, greens, yellows, or blues, the color makes the patties feel celebratory and customizable. Optional garnishes like sugar or edible glitter enhance their appearance and add a fun textural contrast.

Technique Tips

Achieving the perfect pastel mint patty starts with getting the dough consistency just right. It should be soft and pliable but not sticky. If it’s too soft, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too dry, add a few drops of milk. Using gel-based food coloring helps you get vibrant pastel shades without making the dough wet.

To keep patties uniform, use a small cookie scoop for portioning before shaping. Pressing with a fork adds a decorative touch, and rolling in sugar gives a pleasant exterior texture. Always chill the patties thoroughly to ensure they set properly and hold their shape.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

There are so many fun ways to present pastel mint patties. Arrange them in concentric circles on a platter, alternating colors for a rainbow effect. Place them in mini cupcake liners for a more polished and professional look. You can also press small patterns onto each patty using decorative stamps or cookie embossers.

For gifting, stack a few patties in a clear treat bag tied with ribbon or box them in a pastel tin with parchment layers in between. You can also form them into heart or flower shapes using small cookie cutters for themed events like weddings, birthdays, or seasonal celebrations.

Additional Tips for Success

Always work with clean, dry hands to prevent stickiness and preserve the delicate pastel colors. If your kitchen is warm, work in smaller batches and keep portions refrigerated until ready to shape. To make your mints extra smooth, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the dough.

When storing the patties, use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure the colors stay vibrant. If stacking, avoid heavy toppings like chocolate or nuts that might press into the patties and alter their shape. For a festive touch, coordinate the patty colors with your event décor or theme.

Recipe Variations

These mint patties are incredibly customizable. You can experiment with different flavor extracts like vanilla, orange, lemon, or rose water for a floral twist. Try swirling two pastel colors together for a marbled effect.

If you prefer a firmer texture, add a little cornstarch to the dough. For a chocolate-dipped version, coat half of each patty in melted chocolate and let it set before serving. You can even sandwich two patties together with a thin layer of jam or ganache for a richer dessert option.

Freezing and Storage

Pastel mint patties store exceptionally well. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For best freshness, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

They also freeze beautifully—store them in freezer-safe containers or bags, again with parchment layers. When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. Freezing doesn’t affect the flavor or texture, making this a perfect make-ahead treat.

Healthier Twist Ideas

To make a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative that has less saturated fat. Reduce the amount of sugar slightly and compensate by adding a touch more peppermint extract to keep the flavor bright.

For a more natural take, use natural food colorings made from vegetable or fruit powders like beetroot, matcha, or turmeric. You can also explore sugar alternatives like powdered stevia blends or monk fruit sweetener if you’re aiming for lower-sugar treats, though texture may vary slightly.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Pastel mint patties are ideal for all types of events, from elegant brunches and afternoon teas to festive holiday celebrations. Serve them as part of a dessert platter, paired with cookies, macarons, and fresh fruit. They also make charming additions to treat boxes or favor bags at weddings, baby showers, and Eid gatherings.

Set up a candy station with jars of pastel mint patties in different colors for a visually appealing display. You can also include them in a charcuterie-style dessert board alongside dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate for a sophisticated spread.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls

• Hand mixer or spatula

• Sifter for powdered sugar

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Parchment paper

• Cookie scoop (optional)

• Decorative cookie cutters or embossers (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different flavor besides peppermint?

• Yes, you can substitute other extracts like lemon, vanilla, almond, or rose for a different flavor profile.

2. Why is my dough too sticky?

• This usually happens if there’s not enough powdered sugar. Add more gradually until the dough becomes firm and pliable.

3. How do I keep the colors from mixing?

• Work with one color at a time and clean your hands and work surface between batches to avoid blending.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

• Absolutely. They store well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them perfect for advance preparation.

5. How long do the patties last?

• They can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen when stored properly in airtight containers.

6. What kind of food coloring is best?

• Gel-based food coloring provides vibrant colors without altering dough consistency. Avoid liquid dyes if possible.

7. Can I dip these in chocolate?

• Yes, you can dip half or all of each patty in melted chocolate for a decadent variation.

8. Are these patties good for gifting?

• Definitely. Their visual appeal, soft texture, and long shelf life make them ideal for treat boxes and gift bags.

Conclusion

Pastel mint patties are the perfect blend of charm, elegance, and simplicity. With their soft, creamy texture and refreshing flavor, they bring a nostalgic touch to any celebration while offering a playful visual appeal through their gentle pastel colors. The ease of preparation makes them accessible to any home cook, and their versatility ensures they can be tailored to suit any event or personal preference.

Whether you’re creating a dessert platter, gifting homemade treats, or preparing for a celebration, these pastel mint patties add a cheerful and delicious accent to your spread. Light, refreshing, and effortlessly beautiful, they’re sure to become a favorite recipe you return to time and time again.

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