These homemade vegan peppermint patties are a copycat version of our childhood favorite York peppermint patties! This dairy free and egg free candy recipe is easy and fun to make, and we infused the filling with a touch of non-dairy Baileys. They are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, holiday gifts, a Halloween party, or just a regular old Tuesday.

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When I was a kid, one of my favorite candies was the York Peppermint Patty. You know how the commercial goes: “The first time I bit into a York Peppermint Patty…” 

I loved them! That rich dark chocolate coating with the creamy peppermint-y white stuff. They were just the best. 

My family must have loved them too because I remember there was (and still is) always a small bowl of them sitting on the coffee table at my parents’ beach house.  

I remember the first time being there after I went vegan. Not even thinking, I grabbed one out of the bowl and started to open the wrapper.  

“Wait!” I thought, “What exactly is in these? Is it vegan?” I never thought to ask before (life is funny like that, right?). Guess what? They aren’t. They contain multiple animal-derived ingredients.

Since that moment, I’ve been meaning to veganize this tasty treat, and now I finally have! I present to you: Vegan Homemade Peppermint Patties!! *cheers from the crowd*

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Are York Peppermint Patties vegan?

York Peppermint Patties (made by the Hershey Company) are not vegan. They include dairy ingredients like milk and milk fat, as well as egg whites in the list of ingredients. That’s why we just had to make and share our vegan version free from animal products with all of you!

Vegan Peppermint Patties Brands

If you’d prefer to buy your vegan peppermint patties, check out store-bought versions from brands like Free2B. 

Free2B is the only grocery-store-available brand I found after an hour-long Google search that doesn’t contain dairy, eggs, or both. Free2B seems to be available at most Giants, Krogers, Wegmans, etc., as well as many natural food stores. Check Free2B’s store locator to find availability of all their candies near you.

Why We Love These Vegan Peppermint Creams

• This recipe is so easy and makes a TON of vegan peppermint patties! If you’re just feeding yourself, feel free to half the recipe or freeze the rest for later.
• These are awesome for the holiday season to give as gifts or for holiday potlucks and parties. You can even sprinkle a little bit of crushed peppermint candy on top of the patties after coating with the chocolate.
• But, wait! We even went a step further with this one, adding some vegan almond Baileys almande liqueur to the filling for a little grown-up flair. 
• It’s a great snow day project to make with the kids! (just be sure you sub the Bailey’s for regular plant-based milk!)
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for never-ending chocolate treats!

Substitution Options

If you don’t have or can’t tolerate one of the above ingredients, here are our best substitution tips. Remember though, substituting any of the ingredients may lead to a (not always pleasant) difference in the final product. Let us know in the comments if you try any subs and how they work out for you!

For the chocolate chips: Peanut butter chips or vegan white chocolate chips could be a fun twist. We got some absolutely delicious vegan peanut butter chips from Choc Zero at Expo East last year that would work great! Enjoy Life now makes vegan white chocolate chips as well that are often found in stores.

For the coconut oil: Vegan Butter or vegetable shortening could work but may give you a softer texture to work with.

For the vegan butter: Coconut oil could be used here. Use refined coconut oil if you don’t want the coconut flavor. 

For the Baileys: Use any thicker, non-dairy milk or coconut cream or skip it (and use less powdered sugar).

For the peppermint extract: Crushed up peppermint candies or candy canes might work. Use vanilla extract if you just want chocolate covered vanilla creams. Or shake it up with almond extract for a whole different flavor experience!

For the powdered sugar: I wouldn’t replace this entirely, but if you feel this is too much sugar for you, you can probably replace up to 1/2 of the powdered sugar with unsweetened vanilla protein powder or non-dairy milk powder (Like the Coconut Milk Powder and Cashew Milk Powder from Edward and Sons.)

How to Make Our Healthy Peppermint Patty Recipe

This recipe does take some assembly time. This makes it perfect for a fun kitchen project to make over a holiday or time off with your family, partner, or friends. Or just some alone time! The overall process is incredibly easy though, and once you get into a groove, you’ll be a peppermint patty making machine!

Step 1: Make the peppermint cream filling.

First, cream together the softened vegan butter, Baileys, and peppermint extract with an electric mixer. Slowly start adding the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low after each addition. 

Keep adding powdered sugar and mixing on low until a firm, mold-able dough is formed. We ended up using about 4.5 cups of powdered sugar.

Step 2: Form the peppermint cream patties.

Line a baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Use clean, dry hands to roll 2 tsp of dough into a ball and gently flatten it onto the parchment. 

Repeat until all the filling is used and place them in the freezer for at least 10 minutes while you make the chocolate coating.

Step 3: Make the vegan chocolate coating.

While the patties are firming in the freezer, add the coconut oil and chocolate chips to a small saucepan and heat on low, stirring continuously to melt chocolate and combine it well with the melted coconut oil. 

When it is almost completely melted (usually about 2 minutes), turn off the heat and continue to stir until all the chocolate melts completely.

Step 4: Coat the patties in chocolate.

Take your baking sheet from the freezer. Use a fork to gently lift from under the disc and dip each peppermint patty into the melted chocolate, one at a time. Be sure to completely coat it. 

Try to do this action quickly but efficiently, as the warm chocolate will soften the dough the longer it’s in there and make it harder to work with. Place the chocolate coated patty back on the parchment and continue until all the patties are coated. 

Then, place the baking tray in the freezer a second time for 10-20 minutes.

How to Store Leftover Grown Up Peppermint Patties

For best results, store any leftovers in the freezer. They’ll last on the counter at a cooler room temperature (under 75F) for 1-2 hours, far less in humid environments. But they are best stored chilled in the fridge or freezer for longer periods of time.

Other Vegan Candy Recipes

• Vegan White Chocolate Fudge
• 2-Ingredient Chocolate Bars
• Dairy Free Candy Recipe Round-Up
• Peanut Butter + Jam Cups
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
• Looking for store-bought vegan candy? Check out our Vegan Candy Guide!

If you make this recipe, tell us all about it! Rate the recipe and leave a comment below with a star rating if you really like them! Or tag us in your photos on Instagram. We’re @theplantpowercouple, with the ‘the’.

Now, go! Make yourself some vegan peppermint patties – regular or grown-up style – and get the sensation all over again!

Watch our Dairy Free Peppermint Creams web story here!