Homemade Peppermint Patties are better than any other peppermint patty I have ever tasted. It's the perfect amount of chocolate and mint. You will love these.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract.
Beat in the powdered sugar just a little at a time, until a stiff dough starts to form and the dough isn't sticky.
Form into 1 inch balls, then place on waxed paper and flatten with fingers to form patties. Let patties dry at room temperature for about two hours (I turned flipped mine over after about 1 hours to make sure they were evenly set on both sides).
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate with shortening, stirring often (you could also melt the chocolate in the microwave- just do whatever you are comfortable with!).
Remove chocolate from heat.
Dip patties, one at a time, into chocolate by laying them on the tines of a fork and lowering the fork into the liquid.
Let cool on waxed paper until set. Place in the fridge so let them set-up even faster (I actually prefer to eat them straight out of the fridge).
Notes
These peppermint patties save well. If you are making them a week in advance, we recommend keeping them in an airtight container, and placing them in the fridge.