National Peppermint Patty Day: The cool and sweet history of Hershey’s Yorks (2024)

(WHTM) — Sunday, Feb. 11 is not only Super Bowl Sunday, but it is National Peppermint Patty Day, and why not celebrate it by talking about one of the most famous peppermint patties: York Peppermint Patties?

The history of this cool treat goes back all the way to 1920 when Henry Kessler opened the York Cone Company, right in York, Pennsylvania. About 20 years later, the peppermint patty was introduced.

According to Penn State University, before the creation of York Peppermint Patties, the idea of peppermint covered with chocolate was not very popular. But, Kessler was able to figure out how to prevent the patty of the candy from becoming gooey.

These parties are made from dark chocolate which covers a white, round granular peppermint mixture. When the confection first came out, each pattie had to pass something called the snap test. If the candy didn’t break cleanly down the middle, it wasn’t packed for sale.

So what would happen to the ones that didn’t pass the test? People would come to the original plant on South Pine Street and pick up any imperfect batches because they still tasted great.

The name York Peppermint Patty comes from the town they originated (York, Pa.) and the soft gummy payment center, which is the patty. The York Cone Company merged with the Hershey Company back in 1988.

According to Hershey, it is estimated that around 1.5 billion York Peppermint Patties are made every year. That is a lot of cool sweetness to go around!

National Peppermint Patty Day: The cool and sweet history of Hershey’s Yorks (2024)

FAQs

National Peppermint Patty Day: The cool and sweet history of Hershey’s Yorks? ›

When is national Peppermint Pattie day? February 11th is National Peppermint Pattie Day.

What happened to York Peppermint Patties? ›

The YORK Peppermint Pattie was acquired by The Hershey Company in 1988.

Why does Marcie call Peppermint Patty Sir? ›

Relationships with other characters. Peppermint Patty's closest friend, Marcie, calls her "Sir". It is never revealed whether this eccentric habit, dating to Marcie's first appearance in the strip in 1971, is the result of misguided manners, a reference to Patty's tomboyish ways, or some other reason.

How many York Peppermint Patties are made each year? ›

It is estimated that around 1.5 billion YORK Peppermint Patties are made each year!

Why are York Peppermint Patties so good? ›

In the confectionery industry, enrobing is a process that involves covering a confection or snack with chocolate or chocolate coatings. The York Peppermint Pattie confection features strongly contrasting flavors, with a bittersweet dark chocolate surrounding a sugary center with a strong peppermint flavor.

Have York Peppermint Patties gotten smaller? ›

You might have noticed a trend with brands taking their classic treats and thinning them out.

What gender is Marcie Peanuts? ›

Marcie /ˈmɑːrsi/ is a fictional character featured in the long-running syndicated daily and Sunday comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. Marcie is a studious girl who is sometimes depicted as being terrible at sports.

Are Marcie and Peppermint Patty a couple? ›

Peppermint Patty and Marcie are two best friends, who are very different. Marcie is an intelligent student, while Peppermint Patty can be very dense in school.

Why was Charlie Brown called Peanuts? ›

Peanuts Comic Strip

The name Peanuts was likely chosen because it was a well-known term for children at the time, popularized by the television program The Howdy Doody Show, which debuted in 1947 and featured an audience section for children called the “Peanut Gallery.”

What is the white stuff in peppermint patties? ›

What is the white stuff in York peppermint patties? That is a peppermint-flavored cream that is dipped in melted chocolate to create the perfect flavor combination.

Are peppermint patties healthy? ›

Even though the coating probably isn't 70 percent dark chocolate, York Peppermint Patties are still a safe way to satisfy a sweet tooth without going whole hog. For 150 calories or less, you can enjoy one regular-size pattie or three of the miniatures.

Can you eat too many peppermint patties? ›

Eating them in excessive amounts is not good for your overall health. Peppermint candies can also have side effects for people who are highly sensitive to menthol or eat them excessively. Patients with gallstones, GERD, or pregnant women should avoid eating them.

Can dogs eat York Peppermint Patties? ›

Peppermint candies and candy canes are toxic to dogs. Sugar-free peppermint candy may contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is poisonous to dogs. The use of xylitol is increasing in products and goods. Just a small amount of xylitol can cause low blood sugar, liver failure, seizures, and even death.

Do York Peppermint Patties need to be refrigerated? ›

Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, peppermint patties will stay fresh for at least a month.

Are York Peppermint Patties made in Mexico? ›

And Kessler's York Peppermint Pattie? After a number of corporate owners, it is now manufactured by Hershey in Mexico.

What is the inside of a York peppermint patty? ›

What is inside of a York Peppermint Patty? The inside of a York Peppermint Patty contains confectioner's sugar, peppermint extract, corn syrup, and vegetable shortening, this recipe uses butter instead of shortening.

Why were York Peppermint Patties invented? ›

Unsurprisingly, they made ice cream cones. In 1940, the Peppermint Pattie debuted in York. Kessler's goal was to create a firm, crisp peppermint candy, opposing the others on the market: gummy, sad little fellows unworthy of consumption by the proud citizens of York.

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