There’s something truly magical about the rich creaminess paired with a fresh peppermint zing in this **Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe**. It’s a festive treat that melts in your mouth and instantly transports you to cozy holiday moments with loved ones. You’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to make but feels so special!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Why You'll Love This Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
This fudge is one of my favorite holiday staples because it’s as delightful to make as it is to share. The balance between the creamy white chocolate and bright peppermint flavor is just right, and you get those gorgeous swirls that make it feel extra festive.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples that come together quickly.
- Vibrant Presentation: The red and green swirls make this fudge an eye-catching centerpiece on any holiday dessert table.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily tweak the peppermint intensity or swap colors for other occasions.
- Perfect Gift Idea: Wrapped in pretty boxes or jars, this fudge makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe plays an essential role—from texture to flavor balance. The combination of creamy white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk creates that luscious fudge base, while peppermint extract gives it that unmistakable holiday freshness. A touch of butter adds silkiness, and the food coloring turns it into a festive treat.
- White Chocolate Chips: Use good-quality chips for the smoothest, creamiest fudge texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and a velvety consistency that binds everything together.
- Butter: Enhances the richness and helps with the fudge’s creamy mouthfeel.
- Peppermint Extract: Gives that signature cool, refreshing taste—add cautiously as it’s potent.
- Red and Green Food Coloring: These create the festive swirls; gel colors work best for vibrancy without thinning the fudge.
- Holiday Sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun crunch and festive look if you want to go the extra mile.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I swap peppermint extract for vanilla to mellow out the flavor, or I switch up the colors to match different holidays. Feel free to experiment—this fudge is a fantastic base to get creative with.
- Flavor Variation: I’ve tried this with mint extract instead of peppermint, and it’s slightly milder—great if peppermint is too bold for you.
- Color Changes: For Valentine’s Day, pink and red swirls are my go-to, while pastel tones are perfect for Easter.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free twist—though the texture shifts slightly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch square pan completely with parchment paper, making sure to cover the bottom and all sides. This little prep step makes it so much easier to lift the fudge out later without breaking it. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each. The key here is patience—stirring after every interval helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents overheating, which could cause it to seize. You want it silky smooth but be cautious not to go too long at once.
Step 3: Divide and Color Your Fudge
Take about half a cup of this melted mixture and transfer it to a small bowl. Add 3-4 drops of red food coloring and stir quickly—it thickens fast! Do the same with another half cup, using 2-3 drops of green food coloring. Add more drops if you want a deeper color. These vibrant colors give the fudge those festive swirls we all love.
Step 4: Create the Swirls
Use a spoon to drop dollops of the colored fudge all around the parchment-lined pan. Alternate red, green, and a little plain white fudge to create a pretty, marbled effect. Then gently swirl the colors together with a butter knife or the back of a spoon. Just a few soft circles will do—you want to see distinct swirls, not a complete mix.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles & Chill
Sprinkle your favorite holiday sprinkles on top if you’re feeling fancy. Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours until the fudge sets completely. Then, lift it out by the parchment and slice with a sharp knife. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep the edges clean and pretty.
Top Tip
I've made this fudge dozens of times, and one thing I've learned is that patience and gentle stirring are everything. Overheating the white chocolate chips can ruin the texture quickly, so here are my best tips to make your Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe foolproof.
- Slow and Steady Melting: Microwave in short bursts and stir each time to keep chocolate smooth.
- Quick Coloring: Stir food coloring into small portions fast before fudge thickens.
- Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices to avoid crumbling edges.
- Use Parchment Lining: It’s the secret to lifting the fudge out easily without cracks.
How to Serve Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with festive holiday sprinkles for that extra sparkle, but crushed candy canes bring a lovely crunch and amplify the peppermint flavor. For a more elegant look, I sometimes dust the fudge lightly with edible glitter or finely chopped pistachios for color contrast and a nutty twist.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of rich hot chocolate or peppermint mocha, especially on cold winter evenings. It's also lovely alongside simple cookies or spiced nuts if you’re hosting a holiday dessert buffet.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifts or parties, I like to cut the fudge into small squares and arrange them in mini decorative boxes or mason jars layered with parchment paper. You can also tie bundles with festive ribbons or place the individual pieces on colorful toothpicks made of peppermint sticks for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I find keeping it chilled keeps that perfect creamy texture intact and prevents it from getting too soft or sticky.
Freezing
You can freeze the fudge for longer storage—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover fudge gently by bringing it to room temperature; avoid microwaving directly as it can alter the texture. If you want it softer for spreading, a short warm bath in a plastic bag sealed tightly usually does the trick without overdoing it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
This fudge needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to set completely. For best results, chilling overnight ensures it’s firm and easy to cut without crumbling.
Definitely! You can melt the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk using a double boiler on the stovetop. Just be careful to avoid any water or steam droplets getting into the mixture as that can cause the fudge to seize.
You can substitute with mint extract or even vanilla extract if you prefer a different flavor profile. Mint extract will give a slightly different but still festive taste, while vanilla softens the overall flavor.
Absolutely! This recipe serves as a great base for any fudge variation. Just swap the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips and add your favorite sprinkles to match the occasion.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe has become a beloved part of my holiday tradition because it combines simplicity with that unmistakable festive flair. I truly enjoy making it when I want something sweet that feels homemade but special. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this fudge as I do—give it a try, and soon it’ll be your go-to festive treat too!
Print
Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Fudge combines creamy white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and a hint of peppermint extract for a delightful holiday treat. Swirled with red and green food coloring and topped with optional holiday sprinkles, this fudge is easy to make and perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Coloring and Topping
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring
- ½ teaspoon green food coloring
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan completely with parchment paper, covering the bottom and all sides to ensure easy removal of the fudge once set.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract.
- Microwave and Stir: Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat heating in additional 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate chips are fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat to prevent seizing.
- Color the Fudge: Transfer ½ cup of the fudge mixture into a small bowl and add 3-4 drops of red food coloring, stirring quickly to combine and achieve the desired color. Repeat with another ½ cup of fudge and 2-3 drops of green food coloring in a separate bowl.
- Assemble and Swirl: Spoon dollops of the colored fudge mixture alternately around the prepared pan. After all mixture is in the pan, gently swirl with a spoon or butter knife to create a marbled effect.
- Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the fudge, if desired, for a festive touch.
- Chill to Set: Place the fudge in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to set completely.
- Cut and Serve: Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into desired sizes with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean after each cut for neat edges.
Notes
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Substitute peppermint extract with mint extract or vanilla extract for different flavors.
- Top with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for extra festive decoration.
- Change food coloring for holidays like Valentine's Day (pink and red), Easter (light green, blue, pink), or Independence Day (red and blue).
- Use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for flavor variations.
- Butter adds creaminess but can be omitted if preferred.
- A double boiler can be used for melting instead of a microwave; avoid any water or steam contact to prevent seizing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1/16 of the recipe)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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