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Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

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Enjoy this quick & easy peppermint fudge, perfect for holiday treats or year-round enjoyment. Rich, chocolatey, and topped with festive peppermint, it’s an irresistible dessert made in just minutes!

Close-up of chocolate peppermint fudge squares topped with crushed candy canes.

There’s something special about homemade treats, especially during the holiday season. This easy peppermint fudge is no exception. It quickly became a holiday staple in my home. The rich chocolate paired with peppermint goes great with a cozy cup of hot cocoa.

This recipe comes together effortlessly, just my white chocolate candy cane fudge. Even on the busiest days, I can pull this fudge together quickly, and it never fails to impress. It’s perfect for a holiday party, an easy homemade gift, or when I’m craving something sweet.

Trust me, once you make this quick chocolate peppermint fudge, it’ll become a must-have on your holiday dessert list. It tastes great with its refreshing peppermint twist and looks impressive.

Items Needed

A bowl of chocolate chips, a cup of cream, and several peppermint candies on a marble surface.

Here’s what you’ll need to make a quick chocolate peppermint fudge:

  • Peppermint extract: Enhances the peppermint flavor in the fudge for a more pronounced minty taste.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides a rich, balanced chocolate base that pairs perfectly with the peppermint.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creates a smooth, creamy texture that sets the fudge.
  • Crushed red peppermint candies: Offers a festive, crunchy topping that adds visual appeal and a refreshing peppermint crunch.

Tools you’ll need

Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:

  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups
  • Cooking spray
  • Knife
  • Medium saucepan
  • Rolling pin or food processor

Ways To Customize

Here are some easy ways to customize the easy peppermint fudge recipe:

  • Add different extracts: Substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
  • Use a different chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
  • Mix in nuts: Stir in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and richness.
  • Incorporate other candies: Replace crushed peppermint candies with other favorites like crushed Oreos or M&M’s for a fun variation.
  • Drizzle with chocolate: Top the fudge with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
  • Add sprinkles: Use festive sprinkles or colored sugar on top for a fun, decorative touch that enhances the holiday spirit.
  • Include dried fruit: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity contrast to the chocolate.
  • Make it layered: Create layers by adding a layer of white chocolate fudge beneath the peppermint layer for a beautiful two-toned effect.

How To Make It

Start by lining the 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper (or aluminum foil with cooking spray). Then follow these simple step-by-step directions.

Pouring condensed milk into a white bowl filled with chocolate chips on a marble surface.

Add the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a medium saucepan.

A bowl filled with thick, dark chocolate batter on a marble countertop.

Mix the chips and condensed milk together over low heat until melted and smooth.

A square glass dish with chocolate-covered peppermint bark, topped with crushed candy canes, lined with foil on a marble surface.

Pour the fudge mixture into the baking dish and spread out into an even layer. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint and top the fudge.

Plate of chocolate peppermint bark topped with crushed candy canes on a marble surface.

Place in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until the fudge has set. Cut into small squares and enjoy.

Note

Melt the condensed milk and chocolate chips together on low heat to prevent scorching. Stir continuously for a smooth, creamy consistency, as even a slight burn can affect the flavor.

A plate of chocolate fudge topped with crushed peppermint candy pieces.

Storage

To store the fudge, place it in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you want to keep it for an extended period, you can freeze the fudge for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen fudge, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Helpful Hints

Pro tip: Make it in advance

Prepare the fudge a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and ensure it sets perfectly for your special occasion or holiday gathering.

Here are some helpful hints for making the easy peppermint fudge:

  • Use quality ingredients: Choose high-quality chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk for the best flavor and texture in your fudge.
  • Chop peppermint candies finely: Crush the red peppermint candies into small pieces to ensure they sprinkle evenly and provide a satisfying crunch. Gently press them in for a festive and crunchy finish.
  • Monitor the Heat: Melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
  • Cool Before Cutting: Allow the fudge to chill completely in the refrigerator before cutting to achieve clean, even squares.
  • Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with different toppings or mix-ins, such as crushed nuts or a drizzle of chocolate, to personalize your fudge.
A chocolate brownie with a bite taken out, topped with crushed peppermint candies, on a marble surface.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing the fudge with warm drinks like white chocolate mocha or peppermint hot chocolate can create a cozy dessert experience for everyone. You can also serve it along with toppings like crushed nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Chocolate peppermint fudge also makes a fantastic gift! Package the pieces in adorable little boxes or clear bags tied with festive ribbons. Adding a personal note or tag can make your gift even more special.

FAQs

Yes, finely crusted peppermint candies can be stirred into the slightly cooled mixture. They will change the texture and add more peppermint flavor.

Ensure you cook the fudge mixture until the chocolate is melted smooth, as this helps set the fudge properly. You can also keep it in the refrigerator if room temperature is too warm.

Absolutely! You can enhance the peppermint flavor by adding ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture along with the sweetened condensed milk.

Recipe

Squares of chocolate fudge topped with crushed peppermint candy.

Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Enjoy this quick and easy chocolate peppermint fudge, the perfect festive treat for sharing or gifting during the holidays. Delicious and simple to make!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 275 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • red peppermint candies crushed (topping)

Instructions
 

  • Line a 8×8 baking dish with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together until melted and smooth.
  • Pour the fudge mixture into the baking dish and spread out into an even layer. Sprinkle of the crushed peppermint and top the fudge.
  • Place in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until the fudge has set.
  • Cut into small squares and enjoy.

Notes

If you like peppermint flavor, add in ½ tsp of peppermint extract with the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk for added peppermint flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 283mgFiber: 3gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 83IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 2mg

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • spatula
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper
  • cooking spray if using foil
  • knife
  • medium saucepan
  • Rolling Pin or food processor
Keyword chocolate, Christmas, fudge
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