There’s something truly magical about festive treats that taste as joyful as they look, and this Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe is exactly that. The creamy white chocolate blended with refreshing peppermint and those pretty red and green swirls make it an absolute holiday showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of fudge in my day, but this Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe stands out because it’s so simple yet festive. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special without complicated steps, perfect for gifting or enjoying with your family around the tree.
- Easy to make: You only need a few simple ingredients and your microwave or stove to get this fudge going.
- Gorgeous festive colors: The red and green swirls make it bright and joyful—perfect for holiday parties or gift bags.
- Delicious peppermint flavor: The balance of sweet white chocolate with peppermint extract is refreshing and not overpowering.
- Customizable: You can swap out colors, toppings, or even chocolate types to fit any holiday or flavor preference.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a big role in both the flavor and texture of your Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe. Using quality white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk gives the fudge that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re aiming for. Adding peppermint extract brings that subtle holiday kick.
- White Chocolate Chips: They melt smoothly and provide that creamy base that’s essential for fudge.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds extra richness and sweetness; it’s the magic that helps your fudge set beautifully.
- Butter: Contributes creaminess and helps the fudge stay soft yet firm enough to cut neatly.
- Peppermint Extract: Gives that festive minty flavor without overpowering the fudge.
- Red and Green Food Coloring: These bring the iconic Christmas look with fun swirls that everyone loves.
- Holiday Sprinkles (optional): Adds extra texture and color for a festive finishing touch.
Make It Your Way
I love adding my own twists to this fudge depending on the holiday mood. You can easily swap out peppermint for vanilla or even add crushed candy canes for some crunch. Feel free to adjust the colors or sprinkles to match whatever celebration you’re gearing up for.
- Variation: One year, I swapped out peppermint extract for a splash of orange extract—totally unexpected but so yummy with white chocolate.
- Dietary Modifications: For dairy-free options, try using dairy-free white chocolate chips and a plant-based condensed milk alternative.
- Seasonal Changes: Use pastel colors and spring-themed sprinkles for Easter fudge or red and pink for Valentine’s Day.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
First, line an 8x8-inch square pan really well with parchment paper, making sure to cover the bottom and all sides. This step is crucial — it’ll make lifting out the fudge so much easier when it’s set. Have all your ingredients ready: white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, peppermint extract, and food coloring.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until everything is smooth and melted. The white chocolate chips will keep melting as you stir — important to avoid overheating here or the chocolate can seize and become grainy.
Step 3: Divide and Color the Fudge Mixture
Take about half a cup of your fudge mixture and transfer it to a small bowl. Add 3-4 drops of red food coloring and stir quickly to combine. The mixture will be thick, so keep mixing fast! Repeat this step with another half cup of fudge mixture and green food coloring. Adjust the coloring until the reds and greens are as vibrant as you like.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl in Your Pan
Now for the fun part! Spoon dollops of the colored red and green fudge around the pan over the base white fudge. Once you’ve got a good scattering, use a spoon or butter knife to gently swirl the colors, creating pretty holiday patterns. Don’t overmix — you want those beautiful swirls to stand out.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Chill
If you’re using holiday sprinkles, sprinkle them on top now to give it an extra festive crunch. Then pop the pan in the fridge for at least two hours so the fudge can set completely. Resist the urge to dig in early — the chilling makes all the difference for clean slicing.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Lift the fudge out of the pan by the parchment paper edges and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife for slicing — wiping the knife with a paper towel after each cut helps make clean edges. Now go ahead, enjoy those festive red and green peppermint bites!
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned the biggest keys to perfect fudge are gentle melting and patience while chilling. Here’s what I keep in mind every time:
- Low and Slow Melting: Microwave in short bursts and stir well — overheating white chocolate causes it to seize.
- Coloring Speed: Stir food coloring quickly into the thick fudge before it cools and hardens for vibrant swirls.
- Swirling Technique: Use gentle motions to create pretty patterns — don’t overdo it, or the colors will mix and get muddy.
- Chill Time: Be patient! Proper chilling means fudge that slices cleanly without sticking to your knife.
How to Serve Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple by topping with festive holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a peppermint crunch. If I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of edible glitter really makes it sparkle on the holiday dessert table.
Side Dishes
This peppermint white chocolate fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a bold black coffee to balance the sweetness. It also fits right in with cookie assortments, festive nuts, or even alongside fruitcake for a real holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, try wrapping fudge squares individually in wax paper tied with ribbon, or arrange them in a pretty tin with tissue paper. I’ve also made layered fudge platters with different colors and flavors for holiday parties — they always get compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to 5 days. It’s amazing how long it keeps its creamy texture and peppermint flavor as long as it’s well sealed.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, you can freeze the fudge wrapped tightly in parchment and foil. When thawed in the refrigerator overnight, it retains its texture just fine without becoming grainy or crumbly.
Reheating
Since fudge is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. If you’d like it softer, just leave it outside the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips. Just keep in mind the flavor will be richer and less sweet, so you might want to adjust your peppermint extract accordingly.
The key is to melt the chocolate mixture gently in short bursts, stirring well between each. Avoid overheating and never add any water or steam during melting because that causes the chocolate to seize and harden.
Yes! This fudge can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored covered in the fridge. It’s perfect for holiday prep since it stays fresh and the flavors meld beautifully over time.
You don’t have to use butter—it adds extra creaminess and smoothness, but you can leave it out if you prefer a dairy-free or lighter version. The fudge might be slightly less rich but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe is one of those seasonal treats I always look forward to making. It’s quick, festive, and impressively delicious. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can play around with colors and flavors to make it your own family’s holiday tradition. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share it with your loved ones—it’s truly a sweet way to celebrate the season.
Print
Christmas 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: Microwaving is used here, which closely aligns with Stovetop methods of melting and combining ingredients, but since 'Microwaving' is not an allowed method, and there is no baking or frying, the primary technique of melting in a bowl is best categorized as Stovetop.
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Fudge recipe combines creamy white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk with peppermint flavor and colorful swirls for a delightful holiday treat. Easy to prepare and chill, it makes perfect gifts or party snacks during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Coloring & 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 to ensure easy removal of the fudge later.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract. Stir to combine.
- Microwave and Melt: Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat heating in additional 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth. Be cautious not to overheat as the chocolate can seize and harden.
- Color the Fudge: Take ½ cup of the fudge mixture and place it in a small bowl. Add 3-4 drops of red food coloring and stir quickly to combine, adding more drops if needed to reach the desired shade. Repeat with another ½ cup of fudge mixture using 2-3 drops of green food coloring, stirring well.
- Assemble in Pan: Spoon dollops of the colored fudge mixtures around the prepared pan. Once all the fudge is in the pan, swirl the colors gently using a spoon or butter knife to create a marbled effect.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the top if desired for added festive flair.
- Chill to Set: Place the fudge in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until fully set and firm.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into desired sizes with a sharp knife, wiping the knife with a paper towel after each cut for clean slices.
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 flavor profiles.
- Top with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for extra holiday crunch.
- Change up food coloring for different holidays: pink and red for Valentine’s Day, pastel colors for Easter, or red and blue for the 4th of July.
- Use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for variety, adjusting toppings as desired.
- Butter adds creaminess but can be omitted if preferred.
- If preferred, melt chocolate and condensed milk using a double boiler, ensuring no water or steam contacts the mixture to prevent seizing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1x1 inch)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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