Vegan Peppermint Patties

Peppermint patties are completely unique when it comes to Halloween candy. Unless you count the red and white after dinner hard candy peppermints your Grandma gave out when unexpected trick or treaters came by, they are pretty much the only minty candy out there (that I am aware of).  I admit they weren't usually my first choice, because I was all about the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers Bars and I wasn't a big fan of mint. But now as an adult, I can see why people like them.  They were one of my Dad's favorite candies, and it makes sense since he is the most mint obsessed person I know.  He always had mints in his pockets when I was little that I would ask for from time to time and thin mint Girl Scout cookies were his favorite too.  So, peppermint patties make me think of him.  That and Christmas.  Which has nothing to do with Halloween candy, but you know, mint and Christmas go together like peanut butter and jelly.  So this year, I decided to make some vegan peppermint patties for Halloween.  I have made most other chocolate Halloween candies but not those yet so it was about time.

I try to make new and different things every year because it is more exciting and you never know, one of you might love peppermint patties but want a vegan version so it would be a win for both of us!  These are actually pretty simple to make and not very time consuming.  For the filling I used a combination of coconut butter and raw cashew butter to get the right consistency and texture.  It was sweetened of course with maple syrup and I added plenty of peppermint and vanilla.  The filling was delicious even before I shaped it into the patties.  I always have to taste the desserts I am making during the process. Not just to snack on because my mouth is watering, but to make sure it tastes good so I don't ruin the finished product. Especially when it is a new recipe I haven't made before.  The filling for these was like play dough, all nice and pliable.  I felt kind of like a kid playing with play dough when shaping them. Once the filling was chilled it was time for the dark chocolate!

I like to use a good quality vegan dark chocolate like Zimt Dark Chocolate Chunks, Luv Chocolate Chunks, or Lily's chocolate chips. They are all either sugar free or refined sugar free and taste wonderful.  If you use the best chocolate your candy will taste the most delicious.  These were super yummy once they were finished and the chocolate was all set up.  To be honest they tasted even better than real peppermint patties.  If you are a mint fan, give these a try!  Making your own Halloween candy is not only fun, you can also make sure it is quality real ingredients like these and feel good about eating it!

Vegan Peppermint Patties
Makes 8

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut butter, softened
• 1/2 cup raw cashew butter
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• pinch sea salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup chopped vegan dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the coconut butter, cashew butter, maple syrup, sea salt, vanilla extract and peppermint extract in a bowl, and mix together with a spoon until completely blended.
2. Place the bowl in the freezer until the mixture is firm enough to be shaped, about 10-15 minutes (depending on how warm it was).
3. Shape the mixture into 8 patties, and place on a parchment lined tray. Place in the freezer and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
4. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler.
5. Dip each of the patties into the chocolate (I like to use a fork to set them on, and a spoon to assist) letting the excess drain off, and set them back onto the piece of parchment paper.  When they are all dipped, place them in the freezer until the chocolate has hardened, about 5-10 minutes.
6. Store the chocolates in the refrigerator for up to a month in an airtight container.