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.

A wooden board sitting on a white marbled surface holds two groups of square chocolate fudge pieces stacked in soft piles. The pile on the left has about ten fudge pieces topped with crushed red and white peppermint candy, giving a mix of smooth dark brown and crunchy white with red bits on the top layer. The pile on the right has plain dark brown fudge squares with a smooth texture, arranged in a scattered stack. A black and white striped cloth is partly visible on the left side under the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe

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:

Flat lay of semi sweet chocolate chips loosely piled, a small white bowl filled with thick sweetened condensed milk, a small piece of pale yellow butter on a simple white ceramic dish, a tiny white bowl holding clear peppermint extract, and a scattering of crushed bright red-and-white striped mini candy cane pieces on a white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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:

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi sweet in this fudge?

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.

Do I have to use candy canes on top?

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.

My fudge turned out grainy, what did I do wrong?

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.

How long can I keep this fudge?

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!