Easy Peppermint Fudge
Get ready to indulge in a decadent bite-size treat that captures the essence of the holiday season! This easy, no-cook, no-fuss foolproof fudge is made using a delightful concoction of white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint. I know some people aren’t ‘white chocolate people’ but honestly I think white chocolate works so incredibly well with peppermint. The boldness of the peppermint tempers the sweetness of the white chocolate (and sweetened condensed milk) just beautifully. Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, New Year’s Eve party, or looking for a sweet gift or hostess gift idea, this homemade white chocolate and peppermint fudge recipe is a surefire way to spread joy and satisfy your sweet tooth. Another couple great things about this no-bake treat is that you can make fudge well in advance. In the fridge, fudge will last a couple weeks, if not more. Point being, you can make this days ahead of any holiday entertaining and check it off your list! It’s also “sturdy” and so it’s easy to transport and it’s not fragile like Christmas cookies or a cake.
Ingredients in White Chocolate Fudge
To make this easy recipe for thick, dense, and rich peppermint fudge, you’ll only need 4 easy-to-find ingredients including the following: White Chocolate Holiday Fudge with an Oreo crust The Easiest Foolproof Fudge – This is what I’d recommend if you want classic fudge (not white chocolate). It’s similar to today’s recipe but made with semi-sweet chocolate chips rather than white chocolate chips.
White chocolate chips Sweetened condensed milk Peppermint extract Crushed candy canes (or other peppermint candies)
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Easy White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe
In just a few easy steps, and minimal prep time without the need for a candy thermometer, this super easy recipe yields enough candy pieces for you to enjoy and to give away as they make a great gift idea. I confess, when it comes to vanilla extract, if a recipe says 1 teaspoon, I probably add 2 teaspoons, and I use the eyeball method….Because with vanilla extract, more is better! However, you do NOT want to do that with peppermint extract because it’s so much more potent, intense, strong, and frankly your dessert will taste like mouthwash! So do NOT add more than called for. There are different types of minty extracts including peppermint, spearmint, wintermint, and on it goes. Use peppermint extract. Do not use peppermint oil. There’s always someone who asks me if they can use an oil in place of an extract – no, you can’t. Use peppermint extract. Wondering what to make with the rest of the bottle of peppermint extract? Peppermint Bark, Chocolate Peppermint Cake, Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies, or Double Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are all fabulous and festive. Step 1: Melt the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk on the stove on medium to low heat, stirring constantly. Step 2: Remove from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Step 3: Pour the mixture into your parchment-lined baking dish. Spread it evenly with a rubber spatula. Step 4: Sprinkle half of the crushed candy canes on top, gently swirl, and add more on top. Step 5: Let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Step 6: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Peppermint Fudge Recipe
High-quality ingredients: Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, use high-quality white chocolate chips for a rich and creamy texture. If you have a Trader Joe’s in your area, I always have good luck with their white chocolate chips. At my TJ’s in San Diego, white chocolate chips are a seasonal item so I always stock up. Although I’ve been told that in some parts of the country, they’re always available. Low to Medium-Low Heat: Do not be tempted to crank up the heat. White chocolate chips can be finicky to melt and at times it seems like they’ll never melt! But they will. Have patience, don’t use higher heat because you can easily scorch the chips and you’ll have to start over. Stir constantly: Stir the mixture constantly while it is melting to prevent any burning or uneven consistency. Crush the candy: An easy way to do this is by placing the candy in a plastic Ziploc bag. Remove all the air before sealing it, then use a rolling pin to crush them into bits. Candy cane swirl: Gently swirl the crushed candy canes into the fudge for an even distribution of peppermint goodness. Smaller pieces: If you want smaller pieces, go for it. I yield about 16 pieces of fudge but you can stretch that. Clean slices: For clean edges, wipe your knife clean in between each slice. Peppermint Extract: Read my above Words of Caution regarding this ingredient!
Storage Suggestions for Creamy Peppermint Fudge
It’s best to store the extra fudge in the fridge in an airtight container where they’ll keep for at least 2 weeks, but probably closer to a month. Remember there are no preservatives in the fudge though so your mileage may vary. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking the fudge in a container or bag. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s worth mentioning that this easy fudge with peppermint can be left out at room temperature for several hours, such as at a holiday party, without worry!
More Easy Holiday White Chocolate Recipes:
Holiday White Chocolate Fudge — This EASY foolproof white chocolate fudge recipe is perfect for Christmas and holiday parties!! A double dose of white chocolate with an Oreo Cookie crust for the WIN! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Peppermint Bark — An EASY, no-bake, and make-ahead recipe for homemade peppermint bark! This classic Christmas candy never goes out of style and is perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or cookie exchanges! No one can resist a piece of this festive looking and oh-so-pepperminty treat made with both semi-sweet and white chocolate, and crushed peppermints! White Chocolate Truffles — Made with real butter, heavy cream, and a double dose of white chocolate in both the filling and the coating, these EASY truffles are CREAMY, decadent, and perfect for the holidays! Make this festive no-bake candy recipe for your next Christmas party, holiday entertaining, gift them to a special friend, or bring them along as a hostess gift. Everyone will appreciate these decadent little treats! White Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles — Fast, EASY, no-bake, and the BEST peanut butter truffles! A creamy peanut butter filling with a bit of texture from graham cracker crumbs, dipped in white chocolate (or milk or dark), and topped with sprinkles! Great MAKE-AHEAD homemade hostess gifts, for cookie exchanges, or set them out at Christmas parties. No-Bake Gingerbread Truffles – Two EASY NO-BAKE gingerbread-inspired recipes that are perfect for the holidays! They make great gifts, and who can say no to silky smooth gingerbread truffles! No-Bake Oreo Balls — This Oreo balls recipe uses just 4 simple ingredients! If you’re looking for an easy no-bake dessert for cookie swaps or gift exchanges, this is it! White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies – These EASY white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, nutty, soft and chewy perfection! They’re loaded with creamy white chocolate chips and crispy chunks of macadamia nuts and baked until slightly crisp on the outside with a perfectly soft and slightly chewy center. Learn how to make these cookies that are BETTER than from a bakery! Soft and Chewy Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies — Super soft, buttery, and a holiday baking must-make!! Very popular at cookie exchanges and everyone will want the recipe! So good!! Shortbread Sandwich Cookies – Chocolate filling is sandwiched between two buttery shortbread cookies before the cookies are dipped in sweet white chocolate and festively decorated! EASY enough for novice bakers and PERFECT for holiday entertaining, gifting, and cookie exchanges! White Chocolate Cranberry Muffins — Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cranberries in every bite! Perfect way to use your fresh cranberries! Christmas White Chocolate Blondies with Cream Cheese Frosting — SOFT, buttery blondies loaded with white chocolate, sprinkles, and tangy cream cheese frosting!! EASY and perfect for Christmas parties and holiday events!! Christmas Cake Roll — Celebrate the holiday season with this scrumptious vanilla cake that’s filled to the brim with a tangy-sweet cream cheese filling and topped with melted white chocolate! Plenty of red and green sprinkles add the PERFECT festive flair to this stunning holiday dessert recipe that’s perfect for all your holiday entertaining needs and parties! Easy enough for novice bakers!
