Want a dessert that tastes like a luxury candy but costs pennies to make? I’m right there with you. As someone who loves great food on a tight budget, I get it. You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well, or in this case, indulge well. This is the same smart approach we use for savory snacks like our easy homemade keto crackers.
That’s why these homemade Keto Peppermint Patties are my secret weapon. They’re a spot-on copycat of the classic mint chocolate candy, but without the sugar or the fancy price tag. We’re talking about a few simple ingredients you might already have. Let me show you how smart, simple swaps can create something truly amazing.
Recipe Overview
This is one of those recipes that feels like a magic trick. It comes together fast and the results are so impressive. You’ll wonder why you ever bought the expensive store version.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert / Candy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for melting)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes setting)
- Servings: Makes about 12 patties
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
I always break down the cost of my treats, and this one is a winner. A small bag of specialty sugar-free candies can cost a fortune. This recipe cuts that cost by more than half.
The filling is made from coconut oil and cream cheese. Both are incredibly affordable per serving. We use a small amount of peppermint extract, which is a powerhouse of flavor. A single bottle lasts for dozens of batches.
For the coating, we use a pure dark chocolate bar. Buying a bar and chopping it yourself is always cheaper than buying chocolate chips. This gives you total control over quality and cost. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly move, similar to how making a quick keto stir fry lets you control costs and ingredients.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
Getting the best price on ingredients is a skill. I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference over time.
First, buy your coconut oil in a larger jar if you can. The unit price is almost always better. Look for it in the cooking oils aisle, not the specialty health food section.
For dark chocolate, check the baking aisle. A bar with a high cocoa percentage (85% or more) is perfect. Store brands are often just as good as name brands here. Don’t sleep on them.
Keto Peppermint Patties Recipe
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Keto Peppermint Patties Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Peppermint extract is a one-time buy that lasts ages. Get a pure extract, not an imitation, for the best flavor. That strong mint taste means you use less in the long run.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need. I bet you have half of it already. See? Making gourmet-style candy at home is totally doable.
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered erythritol (or your favorite keto-friendly powdered sweetener)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- A tiny pinch of salt
- 7 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate bar, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (extra, for thinning the chocolate)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
This process is simple and fun. It’s a great recipe to make with kids, too. Just follow these steps for perfect patties every time.
- Start by making the mint filling. In a medium bowl, beat the solid coconut oil and softened cream cheese together until smooth. You want no lumps.
- Add the powdered sweetener, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat again until everything is fully combined and creamy.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mint mixture onto the sheet. Flatten each scoop into a disc, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer. Let the mint discs set until they are completely firm. This takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Patience is key here.
- When the discs are frozen, melt your chocolate. Do this in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir in the extra teaspoon of coconut oil. This makes the chocolate smooth and easy to dip with.
- Use a fork to dip each frozen mint disc into the melted dark chocolate. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off.
- Return the coated patty to the parchment paper. Repeat with all the discs. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the fridge. Then, enjoy your perfect mint chocolate candy!
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate wasting food, and with this recipe, you really don’t have to. Every bit can be used for something delicious.
You’ll likely have a little melted chocolate left in the bowl. Don’t wash it out! Pour it onto some parchment paper and sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts. You’ve just made chocolate bark.
If you have extra peppermint filling mixture, you can freeze it in a log shape. Later, slice and dip it for a fresh batch. Or, use it as a fat bomb by rolling it into small balls.
The coconut oil and cream cheese you bought for this? Use them in your morning coffee or in other keto baking. They’re kitchen staples that won’t go to waste, just like the pork rinds you might use for a crispy keto pork rind crusted chicken in the air fryer.
Nutrition Notes
These patties are a treat, but they fit a keto lifestyle beautifully. Here’s a rough breakdown per patty. Remember, brands can change the numbers slightly.
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 18g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Common Questions About This Recipe
I get a few questions every time I share this recipe. Here are the answers to the most common ones.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely. The key is to use a powdered version. Granular sweeteners won’t dissolve and will make the filling gritty. If you only have granular, you can powder it in a clean coffee grinder.
My filling is too soft to shape. What happened?
This usually means your coconut oil or cream cheese was too warm. Pop the mixture in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up. Then try scooping and shaping again. The freezer is your best friend for this step.
How do I store these peppermint patties?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The coconut oil means they soften at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for several months. Just separate layers with parchment paper.
See? Making incredible, sugar-free candy at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s about being a little savvy with your ingredients. You get to control what goes in, and your wallet will thank you.
This recipe proves that a tight budget never has to mean boring food. You can have your mint chocolate candy and eat it too, without breaking the bank. It’s one of my favorite ways to treat myself and my family.
Let me know your own money-saving twists for this recipe in the comments below! Did you try a different extract or chocolate? Please leave a rating!

Tired of the 5 PM dinner panic? Grab my new 30-Minute Cookbook!