Homemade Peppermint Patties 

O.K.  Peppermint Patties have always been one of my favorite things.  These take a bit of effort, but it is so worth it.  What a fun surprise on the Christmas cookie platters that you hand out as gifts.  DELICIOUS!!!!  

• 1/2 8oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 t peppermint extract 
• 4 1/2 C powdered sugar 
• 1 1/2 C chocolate chips 
• 3 T unsalted butter 

1. With an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat together cream cheese and peppermint extract.  Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until ingredients are combined.  Mix should be a bit crumbly.
2. Roll a teaspoon full of powdered sugar mixture into a ball and place on a parchment paper covered jelly roll pan.  Continue until all of the mixture is rolled into balls.
3. Cover balls with another sheet of parchment paper and press each ball into a disk.  Cover with aluminum foil and place jelly roll pan in freezer.
4. When discs are frozen, begin to melt chocolate with butter.  (I found it easiest to use a double boiler.  Use a sauce pan with an inch or so of water and place a glass or metal bowl on top.  Add chocolate chips and butter to bowl.  Heat  over low heat, stirring occasionally until chocolate and butter are melted and blended.  Turn off heat, but keep bowl on sauce pan.)
5. Dip frozen discs into chocolate, allowing chocolate to cover the discs.  Place peppermint patties back on parchment paper and allow chocolate to harden.  Enjoy!