Here's a healthier take on the classic chocolate-covered peppermint patties recipe that uses low-fat cream cheese and protein powder to replace the butter, the corn syrup and some of the sugar! Chocolatey on the outside, and creamy, soft on the inside, these homemade protein peppermint patties have a delicious minty flavor that tastes close to the original. Plus, these healthy high-protein treats are no bake, no cook, and can be made within minutes.
Check out how you can adapt this recipe to be vegan and keto-friendly!
Here's why I love this recipe
- no-bake
- easy to prepare
- only 6 ingredients
- high-protein
- low calories
Ingredients used to make Protein Peppermint Patties
**I've linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂
- Protein Powder – Usually, I love using this vanilla plant-based protein powder, but since this particular protein powder was a light brownish/ beige color, I ended up using an unflavored whey/casein protein powder instead. This is why I was able to keep the filling a light-cream color. But any protein powder should work for this recipe.
- Coconut Flour - you can use any brand of coconut flour for this recipe. Here is a brand of coconut flour I like to use.
- Cream Cheese – you can use either dairy or vegan cream cheese (such as cream cheese made from almond milk).
- Peppermint Extract - to flavor the protein peppermint patties.
Just keep in mind that some extracts contain alcohol, and since this is a no-bake recipe, the alcohol won't have a chance to fully evaporate. If serving this to kids, or if you're sensitive to alcohol, be sure to use non-alcoholic extracts or flavorings. Here is the non-alcoholic brand, here: Non-alcoholic peppermint extract
- Powdered monk fruit sweetener - to make this low-sugar and keto, use a sugarfree sweetener like this one. Regular powdered sugar also works.
- Chocolate Chips - you can use any chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in this recipe. I like this lower sugar, stevia-sweetened brand. If you want, you can also use unsweetened chocolate.
More Protein Powder Recipes (HERE)
How to Make
Protein Peppermint Patties
STEP 1
Mix together all the filling ingredients - I find that it’s best to use my hands to mix the dough because it takes some kneading and pressing to get the dough to come together.
STEP 2
The mixture should be slightly creamy since this will be the filling inside our peppermint patties
STEP 3
Flatten into desired thickness, and use a ¼ c measuring cup or a round cookie cutter to cut out the filling into rounds. For the best result, or if the filling is too soft, refrigerate the dough before cutting.
STEP 4
Refrigerate or freeze the filling rounds for 30-40 minutes until solid. This helps the dipping into the chocolate step so much easier.
STEP 5
Coat in melted chocolate
STEP 6
Wait for the chocolate to set
STEP 7
Enjoy!
Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:
- Feel free to experiment with natural flavoring / extracts. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (I didn't feel like it was essential so I left it out in this recipe), or other flavorings or extracts, such as lime or orange extract. Some non-alcoholic extracts below:
How to Make this Healthier
- Make this healthier by adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds. This ups the fiber content and helps keep you fuller longer.
What Can You Do with Leftover Melted Chocolate?
It's always a good idea to melt a little more chocolate than you need so that you can ensure proper coating, but what do you do with the leftover melted chocolate? Melted chocolate hardens in cold water, so it makes it a pain to clean if there's a lot left over. Here's what I do when that happens. Stir in chopped nuts or seeds to make nut/seed clusters! All you have to do afterward is drop spoonfuls of this chocolate-nut-seed mixture and let it harden. It's one of my favorite snacks to eat when I'm craving something unhealthy but feeling deserving of something indulgent 🙂
How to Store Protein Peppermint Patties
- Because of the cream cheese, it's best to store these peppermint patties in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container, and you can keep them fresh for up to 3-5 days.
- For longer storage, you can also freeze these treats. Store them in an airtight container and defrost overnight in the fridge when ready to eat. They should be good for 2-3 months.
MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS HERE
Final Tips
- Coconut flour and protein powders are all very different depending on brands, so if you find that the dough is too soft, add more coconut flour; if the dough is too thick, add a teaspoon or more of water, honey or liquid sweetener of choice.
Protein Cream Cheese filled Peppermint Patties
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ cup unflavored or light colored protein powder
- 2 Tbsp coconut flour
- ⅓ cup cream cheese
- ½ tsp non-alcoholic peppermint extract
- ¼ cup powdered monkfruit sweetener or regular powdered sugar
Coating
- ⅓ cup melted chocolate
Instructions
- Mix together all the filling ingredients - I find that it’s best to use my hands to mix the dough because it takes some kneading and pressing to get the dough to come together. The mixture should be slightly creamy since this will be the filling inside our peppermint patties
- Taste the dough and add more peppermint extract if desired. You may also need more sugar if you're working with unflavored protein powder.
- Flatten into desired thickness, and use a ¼ c measuring cup or a round cookie cutter to cut out the filling into rounds. For the best result, or if the filling is too soft, refrigerate the dough before cutting.
- Refrigerate or freeze the filling rounds for 30-40 minutes until solid. This helps the dipping into the chocolate step so much easier.
- Coat in melted chocolate, and let it set.
- Enjoy!
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