There's something magically festive about that perfect balance between rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, isn't there? This Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe brings those two flavors together into a creamy, dreamy treat that's as easy to make as it is to share. Trust me, once you try it, it'll be your go-to holiday sweet.

The image shows two types of chocolate fudge squares stacked on a wooden board. The fudge is dark brown with a smooth, soft texture. The front pile has a single layer of dark brown fudge topped with small pieces of crushed white and red candy canes, giving a rough texture on top. Behind this pile is another stack of plain dark brown fudge squares without any topping, showing smooth and clean surfaces. The wooden board has a natural light brown color with visible grain patterns, and it is placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth nearby. 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 Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve loved making this peppermint chocolate fudge over multiple holidays — it’s simple, festive, and it always wows. It’s that kind of recipe where you feel like a pro chef but with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s a firm family favorite around here!

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip this up, no specialty items required.
Quick Preparation: Melting everything together in the microwave or stovetop means no long waiting or complicated steps.
Festive Flavor: The peppermint extract and crushed candy canes give it that unmistakable holiday cheer everyone loves.
Perfect Gift or Treat: It slices neatly for easy sharing, making it great for gifting, parties, or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its own role in creating that silky, melt-in-your-mouth fudge. I always pick good-quality chocolate chips because that really elevates the flavor, and the sweetened condensed milk helps keep the fudge luxuriously smooth without extra effort.

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick sweetened condensed milk, a few pieces of pale yellow butter, a tiny white ceramic bowl with clear peppermint extract, and several whole mini red-and-white striped candy canes arranged neatly, all 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: The backbone of the recipe — they provide the rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture. Choose your favorite brand for best results.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness without needing to add extra sugar yourself.
Butter: Helps create a smooth, velvety consistency, and adds a subtle richness.
Peppermint extract: Brings in that refreshing holiday spirit with just the right amount of minty zing.
Mini candy canes (optional): These crushed on top add a lovely crunch and eye-catching festive flair.

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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 play around a bit with peppermint intensity and toppings. It’s a forgiving recipe, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to match your taste or the occasion.

Variation: One year, I swapped half the semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor — absolutely delicious if you prefer a less sweet fudge!
Dietary tweaks: You can experiment with dairy-free butter alternatives and plant-based chocolate chips to adapt this for vegan friends.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Melt the magic together

Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter in a medium glass bowl. Pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds, then give it a good stir. If the chocolate isn’t fully melted, heat it for another 15 seconds. (Personally, I've done it on the stovetop using a double boiler many times — just melt gently, stirring constantly until smooth.)

Step 2: Infuse that peppermint bliss

Once everything is smoothly combined, add about a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir until the fudge mixture is evenly scented and glossy.

Step 3: Set and add festive toppings

Spread the fudge mixture onto a parchment-lined tray to about 1-inch thickness. If you’re using crushed candy canes, sprinkle them generously on top now for that classic peppermint crunch and pretty look. Then refrigerate until firm.

Step 4: Slice and savor

Once chilled, slice into squares. I find a small sharp knife works best here to keep edges clean. Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge — it keeps perfectly for up to a week and even improves slightly in flavor overnight.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe several times, I’ve learned that paying attention to temperature and stirring really makes a difference. Here are my best tips to ensure your peppermint chocolate fudge comes out perfect every time.

Gentle Melting: Melt your ingredients slowly, especially if you’re using a microwave. Stop and stir often to prevent scorching.
Fresh Peppermint Extract: Use good quality peppermint extract—not the artificial kind—to avoid bitter aftertaste.
Even Spreading: Use a spatula dipped in hot water before spreading to smooth the fudge more easily.
Refrigerate Fully: Be patient! Let the fudge chill completely before slicing so it holds its shape nicely.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

peppermint chocolate fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it classic with crushed candy canes on top—they add the perfect crunch and look so festive. Sometimes I gently press a few whole mini candy canes into the fudge edges for guests to grab. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of white chocolate adds a beautiful contrast.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee glühwein in winter gatherings. For a decadent dessert spread, I offer nuts, dried fruit, and soft cheeses alongside it—it balances the sweetness just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like presenting this peppermint chocolate fudge in little decorative tins or on festive plates lined with parchment paper. Wrapping small squares individually in wax paper makes for adorable edible gifts, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover peppermint chocolate fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to a week, though honestly, mine never lasts that long! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep pieces from sticking together.

Freezing

Freezing fudge works great if you want to make it well in advance. I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep texture perfect.

Reheating

No need to reheat fudge—it's best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it softer, just leave a piece out for 10-15 minutes before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! You can substitute milk chocolate chips, but keep in mind the fudge will be sweeter and milder in chocolate flavor, so reduce the peppermint slightly if desired.

What’s the best way to crush the candy canes?

I recommend placing them in a sealed plastic bag and gently bashing with a rolling pin or heavy pan. This avoids mess and helps control the size of the pieces.

Can I make this fudge without peppermint?

Absolutely! You can omit the peppermint extract for classic chocolate fudge, or try other extracts like orange or almond for a different twist.

How thick should I spread the fudge?

Aim for about 1-inch thickness when spreading the mixture. This thickness helps the fudge set properly and makes slicing easier.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely believe this Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe captures the coziness of the holidays in every bite. It's straightforward enough for even last-minute gift-making, yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients can come together and fill your kitchen with such inviting warmth and cheer.