There’s something so irresistible about the cool, minty zing paired with creamy chocolate — that’s exactly what makes this Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe a holiday classic. Every bite melts on your tongue, bursting with festive flavor that’s perfect for gifting or indulging yourself.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe is one that I always keep in my back pocket around the holidays because it’s so simple yet reliably delicious. It comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, and the flavor combo never disappoints — plus, it’s got that beautiful peppermint sparkle from crushed candy canes on top!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus just a hint of peppermint extract for that seasonal twist.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip it up in under 10 minutes, no candy thermometer or fuss required.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy, smooth, and holds together nicely without being too dense or chewy.
- Customizable Touch: The crushed candy cane topping adds a festive crunch but is totally optional depending on your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe lies in a handful of key ingredients that blend beautifully for a creamy, minty treat. Here’s a quick look at why we use each one and some tips for picking the best:
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: These provide rich chocolate flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and depth; I prefer good-quality chips for a smoother fudge.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Key for creating that fudgy, creamy texture without having to temper chocolate or cook sugar syrup.
- Butter: Adds richness and keeps the fudge soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Peppermint extract: A concentrated burst of mint that transforms this from regular chocolate fudge to a holiday showstopper.
- Mini candy canes (crushed, optional): I love the festive crunch and bright flavor they add on top, but you can leave them off if you want a smoother finish.
Make It Your Way
I like to keep this fudge recipe pretty classic, but every now and then, I’ll tweak it a bit with extra mix-ins or change up the peppermint for a different twist. Feel free to make it your own — chocolate fudge is a forgiving canvas!
- Variation: Sometimes I add a handful of chopped nuts or drizzle white chocolate over the top for a pretty finish and extra texture.
- Dairy-free option: Swap sweetened condensed coconut milk and a dairy-free butter alternative to suit your needs.
- Extra minty: Add a bit more peppermint extract if you love that cool kick, but be cautious — it’s potent!
- Without candy canes: For a smoother fudge, I skip the crushed candy canes on top and sometimes sprinkle a pinch of sea salt instead.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Melting Magic
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, semi sweet chocolate chips, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for 90 seconds, then stir to combine — it should be mostly melted but not completely smooth yet. Pop it back in the microwave for 15 more seconds if you need until everything’s melted and silky. If you prefer, you can do this over a double boiler to gently melt everything without the microwave.
Step 2: Peppermint Perfection
Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract carefully — trust me, a little goes a long way here! Give it a good fold to evenly distribute that bright mint flavor throughout your fudge base.
Step 3: Setting It Up
Pour or scoop the fudge mixture onto a parchment-lined tray or dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly to about 1-inch thickness. This step sets the stage for neat, even pieces once the fudge firms up.
Step 4: Festive Finishing Touch
If you’re a candy cane fan like I am, sprinkle crushed mini candy canes over the top now while the fudge is still soft — it sticks beautifully and adds that classic peppermint crunch. Chill the fudge in your fridge until firm, at least a couple of hours.
Step 5: Slice & Store
Once cold, slice into squares and store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge — it keeps perfectly for up to a week. I like to let the fudge come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving so it’s nice and creamy.
Top Tip
Over the years, making this Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe, I’ve learned a few small tricks that really make a difference between good fudge and great fudge. Here are my favorites that I hope help you, too.
- Melting gently: Avoid overheating the chocolate; stir between microwaving intervals to prevent scorching.
- Measure peppermint carefully: Too much can make the fudge taste medicinal; start with ¼ teaspoon and add a little more if you want stronger mint.
- Use fresh candy canes: For the best crunch and flavor on top, crush candy canes just before adding to keep their texture intact.
- Let it chill well: Don’t rush the refrigeration step – firm fudge slices neater and tastes creamier after resting.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I love keeping it simple with crushed candy canes on top as a garnish — it’s festive and adds that classic peppermint crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a pinch of sea salt for a little extra flavor pop that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for dipping moments. I also like to serve it alongside spiced nuts or fresh seasonal fruit for a nice contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like to arrange the fudge on decorative platters or stack little squares in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons — it makes a perfect homemade gift. Layering pieces with sprigs of fresh peppermint leaves adds an elegant, fresh touch too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge — it stays fresh for about a week. To keep the fudge from sticking together, I separate layers with parchment or wax paper, especially if stacking them.
Freezing
Freezing fudge works well if you want to prep in advance: just wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When you want some, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
I don’t usually reheat fudge since it’s best served cold or at room temp, but if it’s too firm, leaving it out for 10–15 minutes softens it nicely without losing that creamy fudge feel.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives the fudge a richer, more intense flavor. Just be aware it might be less sweet, so you may want to adjust the peppermint extract or add a touch of sugar if you prefer.
Nope, the crushed candy canes are optional. They add a nice crunch and festive look, but the fudge tastes amazing even without them. You can also swap them for chopped nuts or leave the top plain.
Grainy fudge usually means the chocolate or sugar wasn't fully melted or overheated. Be sure to melt gently and stir frequently. Also, use good-quality chocolate chips and don’t rush the cooling process.
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this fudge will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months, then thaw before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings people together and makes the holidays feel just a bit sweeter. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and festive as I do — it’s truly a simple joy wrapped in chocolate and mint!
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 36 small pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving is mentioned but the primary cooking method for melting is stovetop or microwave. Since the microwave is the main suggested method, but stovetop (double boiler) is an alternative, the primary method is Baking should not apply, so the best choice is Stovetop as per instructions on double boiler and mention of it, but it says heating in microwave first, so to follow the instruction, the primary cooking method is Stovetop because of the double boiler option and manual melting. However, microwave is the main method described, which is not in the allowed method list, so Stovetop is the closest match.
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy peppermint fudge combines rich semi-sweet chocolate with smooth sweetened condensed milk and a hint of peppermint extract. Topped with crushed candy canes, this festive treat is perfect for the holiday season and easy to prepare using the microwave or stovetop.
Ingredients
Fudge Ingredients
- 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Topping
- 6 mini candy canes (crushed, optional)
Instructions
- Heat Ingredients: In a medium glass bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semi sweet chocolate chips, and butter. Heat in the microwave for 90 seconds, then stir thoroughly to blend the mixture. If the chocolate and butter are not fully melted, heat for an additional 15 seconds and stir again. Alternatively, melt the ingredients gently in a double boiler on the stovetop if you prefer not to use a microwave.
- Add Peppermint Extract: Stir in ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract until the fudge mixture is smooth and evenly flavored.
- Spread Fudge: Pour the mixture onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread the fudge evenly to about 1-inch thickness.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crushed mini candy canes evenly over the surface of the fudge, pressing lightly if desired to help them adhere.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the fudge in the refrigerator until fully set and firm. Once cold, slice into 36 small squares. Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Use high quality semi sweet chocolate chips for a richer fudge flavor.
- If you do not like peppermint, you can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla extract.
- For a smoother texture, ensure to stir the mixture well during the melting process.
- If you prefer a softer fudge, reduce the chilling time slightly.
- Crushed candy canes add a festive touch but can be omitted for a plain chocolate fudge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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