There’s something truly magical about creamy, festive sweets during the holidays, and this Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe hits all the right notes. Imagine smooth white chocolate melting on your tongue, bright swirls of holiday color, and that refreshing peppermint kiss—pure joy in every bite.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe has been my go-to holiday treat for years, and I’m excited to share why it’s so special. It’s quick, festive, and downright irresistible—all things I know you appreciate when holiday madness hits!
- Simple Ingredients: You don't need anything fancy or hard to find to make this fudge shine.
- Easy to Personalize: The peppermint flavor is perfect, but you can switch it up with colors and extras to suit any celebration.
- Perfect for Gifting: It sets up neatly and looks as impressive as it tastes—great to share with friends and family.
- Quick Prep, Big Impact: You’ll only spend about ten minutes prepping before it chills into something truly festive and delicious.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let's chat about the magic in this fudge: these ingredients work together to create that silky, peppermint-infused texture that’s so addictive. Plus, you likely have most of these at home, or they’re easy to find in any grocery store during the holidays.
- White chocolate chips: They melt smoothly and give the fudge that creamy sweetness without bitterness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and helps the fudge set perfectly firm yet soft.
- Butter: I love how it adds extra creaminess and a luxurious texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- Peppermint extract: The secret pop of refreshing festive flavor that makes this fudge truly holiday-worthy.
- Red and green food coloring: These fun touches give your fudge those classic Christmas swirls that make it look as good as it tastes.
- Holiday sprinkles (optional): For that festive crunch and sparkle that can elevate your fudge to showstopper status.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love experimenting with different coloring combos and sometimes swapping peppermint for vanilla for a more subtle flavor. Let yourself have fun with it!
- Variation: Once, I made this fudge with crushed candy canes mixed in instead of sprinkles—it added a wonderful crunch and extra peppermint zing my family couldn’t stop talking about.
- Diet-friendly swap: You can use dairy-free white chocolate chips and vegan butter to make this fudge friendly for lactose-intolerant guests.
- Seasonal twist: Try swapping the red and green food coloring for pastel shades for Easter or red and pink for Valentine’s Day—this recipe is seriously versatile.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep your pan and gather ingredients
Start by lining an 8x8-inch square pan completely with parchment paper—not only on the bottom but the sides too. This makes lifting the fudge out easy once it’s set. I always lightly grease the parchment just to be safe, especially if it’s a brand new sheet.
Step 2: Melt your fudge base gently
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, then stir. Keep microwaving in 30-second bursts and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. It usually takes about 2 minutes total, but watch it carefully—overheating will cause the chocolate to seize and get grainy. Stirring helps the chips melt evenly and prevents burning.
Step 3: Color and dollop your fudge layers
Take about half a cup of your fudge mixture and stir in 3-4 drops of red food coloring quickly; it gets thick fast! Do the same with another half cup in a separate bowl using green food coloring. Don’t be shy to add more drops if you want vibrant hues.
Step 4: Build your pretty swirls
Spoon dollops of the red and green fudge on top of the remaining white fudge in your lined pan, distributing them all over. Then take a butter knife or spoon and gently swirl the colors together for those festive marbled effects. If you like, sprinkle some holiday sprinkles over the top to add sparkle and a bit of crunch.
Step 5: Chill and cut
Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours so the fudge can firm up. When it’s set, lift the fudge out by the parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife for clean edges, wiping it with a paper towel between each cut—you’ll thank me later for the neat squares!
Top Tip
Making fudge feels a bit intimidating, but these tips from my kitchen have saved me more than once, so you get to skip the mistakes and get straight to yum!
- Gentle Heat is Key: Always microwave in short intervals and stir in between. It’s tempting to zap it fast, but slow melting prevents the chocolate from seizing.
- Don’t Skip Lining the Pan: Parchment all around saves you from wrestling with fudge stuck to the sides—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
- Swirl Art: Use a butter knife to very gently swirl colors; don’t overdo it or the colors will blend into a brownish mess. Less is more here for pretty patterns!
- Clean Cuts: Keep a paper towel handy to wipe your knife each time you slice. This keeps the squares looking sharp and handsome for gifting or serving.
How to Serve Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with festive sprinkles for sparkle, but crushed candy canes or mini peppermint candies also look incredible and add a lovely crunch. Sometimes, I add a dusting of edible glitter when I want to impress guests for a holiday party.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a warm drink—hot cocoa or peppermint tea are my top picks. It also makes a delightful finish to a holiday cookie platter or alongside robust coffee after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, I wrap squares in festive parchment paper tied with twine or pack them in decorative tins layered with wax paper. At parties, I’ve nestled pieces in mini cupcake liners and arranged them on a tiered dessert stand—it always gets compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it stays deliciously fresh for up to five days. This also keeps the fudge firm enough to cut easily and hold its shape beautifully.
Freezing
Freezing fudge is totally doable! I wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed in the fridge overnight, the texture stays indulgently creamy, just like fresh.
Reheating
Since fudge is best served cold or at room temperature, I usually let frozen fudge come down to room temp for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Reheating isn’t necessary and often changes the texture too much.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same, but skip the food coloring for a classic look.
The key is gentle heat in the microwave or using a double boiler without letting water or steam get into the chocolate mixture. Stir frequently and microwave in short bursts to avoid overheating.
Definitely. You can swap the peppermint extract for vanilla or mint extract depending on your preference, or even leave the flavor out for a simple white chocolate fudge.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this fudge will stay fresh and tasty for up to five days.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe has been a delightful holiday staple in my home for years. It’s one of those treats that immediately brings a smile, whether you’re sharing it or sneaking a piece for yourself. I hope you find joy in making and savoring it as much as I do—happy holidays and happy fudge-making!
Print
Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving is used for melting but the primary cooking method is Stovetop analog since it involves heating ingredients to melt (similar technique; microwave heating is an alternative). Since no stovetop pan or oven is used, the best match in the given list is Stovetop as microwaving is closest to stovetop heating and no separate option for microwaving is provided.
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Fudge recipe features creamy white chocolate combined with sweetened condensed milk and a hint of peppermint. Vibrant red and green swirls and optional holiday sprinkles make it a perfect sweet treat for the holiday season. Easy to prepare in the microwave, this fudge sets in the fridge and is ideal for sharing at parties or gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Coloring and Toppings
- ½ teaspoon green food coloring
- ½ teaspoon red 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 fully to ensure easy removal of the fudge later.
- 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 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- Color the fudge: Scoop out ½ cup of the fudge mixture into a small bowl, add 3-4 drops of red food coloring, and stir quickly to combine. Adjust color as desired. Repeat with another ½ cup of fudge and 2-3 drops of green food coloring in a separate bowl.
- Assemble swirls: Spoon dollops of the red and green colored fudge evenly around the prepared pan.
- Create swirls: Using a spoon or butter knife, gently swirl the colored fudge throughout the base mixture in the pan to create a marbled effect.
- Add sprinkles: Sprinkle the top with holiday sprinkles if using.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the fudge set completely.
- Slice and serve: Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper, and cut into desired sizes with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
Notes
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Substitute peppermint extract with mint or vanilla extract for different flavor variations.
- Top the fudge with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for extra festive flair.
- Change the food coloring to suit different holidays—pink and red for Valentine’s Day, pastel colors for Easter, or patriotic colors for Memorial Day and the 4th of July.
- Use this recipe as a base for any fudge by swapping white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips and topping with your preferred sprinkles.
- Butter adds extra creaminess but can be omitted if desired.
- You can melt the chocolate and condensed milk using a double boiler; just be careful to keep water or steam away to prevent seizing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 inch square)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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