National Peppermint Patty Day recognizes a treat enjoyed by millions around the world, and on February 11th each year, take the time to sink your teeth into the minty chocolate sweet.
Many people don’t know it, but peppermint patty candies have been around for over 150 years! The oldest commercially-made mint patty or cake was made by the Quiggin’s family on the Isle of Man (an island located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea). They had been making the cakes since 1840, but in 1880, four of the sons formed the Kendal Mint Cake Company. And in the United States, as early as 1900, peppermint patties were made by regional confectioneries. Companies such as Idaho Candy Company, Trudeau Candie’s, and Pearson’s (which purchased Trudeau in 1951, both were Minnesota companies). Possibly the most known, though not the oldest, York Peppermint Patties were made by the York Cone Company of Pennsylvania.
This most well-known brand, York Peppermint Patties, were first made in 1940 and distributed regionally, much like other candy makers of the era. York Cone, which originally produced ice cream cones, dominated the market because of its firmness and crispness while the others were soft. A former York employee remembered that the final (sample) test of the patty before it left the factory was called a “snap test.” If the candy did not break clean in the middle, it did not make it onto candy store shelves. In 1975 the company was acquired by Peter Paul Cadbury. Cadbury moved the factory to Reading, Pennsylvania, much to the distress of workers and residents of York. The company then distributed the popular treat across the country.
Of course, fans of Peanuts, Charles M. Schultz’s famous comic strip, probably know why there was a surge in popularity for the chocolate mint treat after the strip’s debut in 1966, thanks to Patricia “Peppermint Patty” Reichardt.
Recipes abound for peppermint patties. However, the bakers also like to incorporate the flavor of peppermint patties into their baked goods. So, be sure to test out these recipes in your kitchen to celebrate. Try Peppermint Patty Cake, Peppermint Patty Brownies, and Peppermint Pattie Cookies recipes, if you’re so inclined. Or, pick some up at the store and then share them with friends and family. And be sure to use #PeppermintPattyDay to share on social media.
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