Peppermint Christmas Fudge

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The holidays have a way of bringing out my sweet tooth, and nothing says Christmas to me quite like a batch of creamy, minty fudge. This Peppermint Christmas Fudge is a festive treat I’ve been making for years, and it never fails to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether I’m wrapping it up for a gift or setting it out at a holiday party, it’s always the first dessert to disappear.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make, yet it looks like a gourmet confection straight from a candy shop. The layers of white chocolate and vibrant peppermint stripes are not only beautiful, but each bite offers that perfect balance of sweet and refreshing mint. It’s a no-bake wonder that turns simple ingredients into a holiday masterpiece.

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Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Christmas Fudge

This fudge checks all the boxes for a perfect holiday treat. It’s festive, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. With no need for a candy thermometer or complicated techniques, it’s beginner-friendly and quick enough to whip up in under 30 minutes (plus chilling time). The peppermint flavor gives it a cool, crisp twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy white chocolate. It’s also great for gifting — it holds its shape well and looks stunning wrapped in cellophane or stacked in a cookie tin.

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What Kind of White Chocolate Should I Use?

I’ve found that high-quality white chocolate chips or bars work best for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid using candy melts or almond bark, as they often contain more fillers and don’t deliver that true creamy white chocolate flavor. Brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard give consistently good results. If using bars, make sure to chop them finely so they melt evenly.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to customize this recipe, there are a few fun options. You can swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract for a different twist. Don’t have crushed candy canes? Use peppermint candies or holiday sprinkles instead. Dairy-free? Use a vegan white chocolate and coconut condensed milk. And if you want to add a bit of crunch, mix in crushed cookies or nuts before spreading the fudge into the pan.

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Ingredients for this Peppermint Christmas Fudge

White Chocolate Chips – This is the base of the fudge, giving it that rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use high-quality chips for the best flavor.

Sweetened Condensed Milk – Acts as the thick, sweet binder for the fudge, giving it a smooth consistency and enhancing the sweetness.

Peppermint Extract – Just a little goes a long way to add that cool, festive minty flavor that defines this holiday treat.

Butter – Adds extra creaminess and richness to balance the sharpness of the peppermint.

Salt – A pinch of salt helps round out the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.

Red Food Coloring – Swirled into the top to create that iconic candy cane look — totally optional, but highly recommended for visual flair.

Crushed Candy Canes – Sprinkled on top for crunch and a bold peppermint punch. They also make the fudge look beautifully festive.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the fudge out later. Lightly spray with nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks.

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Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Condensed Milk

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Don’t overheat it — slow and steady wins the race here.

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Step 3: Add the Flavor

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavor.

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Step 4: Pour and Smooth

Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Work fast — the mixture sets quickly.

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Step 5: Swirl in the Festive Flair

Add a few drops of red food coloring onto the surface and use a toothpick or skewer to swirl it into a candy cane pattern. Be gentle to avoid mixing it too much into the base.

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Step 6: Top with Crushed Candy Canes

Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top of the fudge while it’s still warm and soft so they stick.

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Step 7: Chill to Set

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2–3 hours, or until completely firm. You can also leave it overnight if prepping ahead.

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Step 8: Cut and Serve

Once fully set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between each slice.

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How Long to Prepare the Peppermint Christmas Fudge

Prep Time: The hands-on time for this recipe is surprisingly short — just about 10 to 15 minutes. Melting the chocolate, mixing the ingredients, and pouring it into the pan happens quickly, especially if you have everything pre-measured and ready to go.

Chill Time: The fudge needs time to fully set in the fridge. I recommend a minimum of 2 to 3 hours, though overnight is best if you’re prepping in advance. This ensures clean cuts and a perfectly firm texture.

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Tips for Perfect Peppermint Christmas Fudge

• Always use low heat when melting the white chocolate to prevent scorching.
• Stir constantly to create a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper — it makes removing the fudge from the pan effortless.
• For perfect swirls, add food coloring while the fudge is still warm and pliable.
• Chill thoroughly before cutting, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the chocolate: This can cause it to seize and ruin the texture.
• Using low-quality chocolate: It can result in a waxy or grainy fudge.
• Too much peppermint extract: It can overpower the sweetness and make the fudge taste medicinal.
• Skipping the salt: Even a tiny pinch elevates the flavor balance.
• Cutting before fully chilled: This leads to sticky, messy squares that won’t hold shape.

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What to Serve With Peppermint Christmas Fudge?

1. Hot Cocoa or Peppermint Mocha

A warm drink pairs perfectly with this cool, minty treat and enhances the cozy holiday vibe.

2. Christmas Cookies

Add variety to your dessert platter by pairing fudge with sugar cookies, gingerbread, or shortbread.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

The creamy chill of vanilla ice cream complements the rich fudge and balances the sweetness.

4. Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of a good cup of coffee cuts through the fudge’s richness beautifully.

5. Cheese Platter

Surprisingly, a mild cheese like brie or goat cheese adds a savory balance to your dessert spread.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store the fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Room Temperature: If your home is cool, you can store it on the counter for up to 1 week — just keep it in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per piece (based on 24 squares):

• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this fudge in the microwave?

Yes! You can melt the white chocolate, butter, and condensed milk in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch pan instead of an 8×8 and ensure even spreading.

How do I keep the fudge from sticking to the knife?

Wipe the knife clean between each cut and lightly oil the blade if needed.

Can I make this without peppermint?

Yes. Swap the peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or even orange extract for a new flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your specific brands to be sure.

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Conclusion

Peppermint Christmas Fudge is the ultimate no-fuss holiday dessert. It’s creamy, festive, and bursting with peppermint cheer. With minimal ingredients and just a bit of chill time, you get a show-stopping treat perfect for parties, gifts, or cozy nights in. Once you make it, it’ll become a go-to holiday tradition in your kitchen — just like it has in mine.

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