There’s something undeniably festive and cozy about this peppermint-infused treat. This Peppermint Fudge Recipe combines creamy chocolate with a refreshing minty twist, making it a holiday classic you’ll reach for year after year.

A wooden board holds many small square pieces of chocolate fudge. The front group of fudge squares has a layer sprinkled with crushed red and white peppermint candy, showing a smooth, rich chocolate base underneath. Behind them, plain chocolate fudge squares are stacked neatly. The board rests on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth draped casually nearby. The fudge has a thick, dense look with clean edges, and the peppermint pieces add a crunchy texture on top. 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 Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This peppermint fudge hits all the right notes—the silky smooth texture, just the right amount of chocolate sweetness, and that cool peppermint zing on top. I love making a big batch because it’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking a few pieces when no one’s looking.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, making it easy and accessible.
Quick Prep: You’ll have this fudge ready in under 15 minutes, so it’s great for last-minute holiday treats.
Customizable: You get to decide if you want that extra crunch with crushed candy canes or keep it smooth and classic.
Perfect Gift: Wrapped up nicely, this fudge makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that friends and family adore.

The image shows a pile of thick, rectangular pieces of dark brown chocolate fudge with a smooth texture. Each piece is topped with crushed red and white peppermint candy bits, scattered unevenly across the top surface. The pieces are stacked loosely on a wooden board, with some fudge edges looking slightly rough or chipped. The background includes a blurred cloth with black and white stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this peppermint fudge starts with the simple, comforting ingredients that blend so well together. Each one plays a role in the texture, flavor, or that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy semi sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl filled with thick sweetened condensed milk, a quarter of a smooth butter stick, a tiny white bowl holding clear peppermint extract, and a few crushed red-and-white mini candy cane pieces arranged neatly near whole mini candy canes, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions 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: These give the fudge a rich chocolate base without being overly sweet; using good quality chips makes a noticeable difference.
Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient adds the creamy sweetness and helps everything come together smoothly.
Butter: It adds richness and keeps the fudge soft and luscious once set.
Peppermint extract: Just a little punch of peppermint brightens the entire fudge, giving it that classic holiday vibe.
Mini candy canes (optional): These crushed candies add festive crunch and an extra peppermint kick on top, but feel free to skip if you prefer a smoother finish or have little ones.

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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 love using crushed candy canes on top for that festive look and crunch, but you can personalize this Peppermint Fudge Recipe in lots of ways. Sometimes I add a swirl of white chocolate for a marbled effect or sprinkle festive colored sprinkles to jazz it up.

Variation: Once, I added a pinch of sea salt on top, and it balanced the sweetness beautifully—totally worth trying if you like salty-sweet combos.
Dietary tweak: If you prefer dairy-free, there are coconut milk-based condensed milk alternatives that work well, although the texture might be slightly different.
Seasonal twist: Swap the peppermint for orange extract when you want a citrusy fudge—equally delicious and unexpected!

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

Step 1: Melt the Magic Together

I usually combine the semi sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium-sized glass bowl. Then I microwave it for 90 seconds, giving it a stir halfway through. If it’s not quite smooth, another 15 seconds does the trick. If you’re not into microwaves, go old-school with a double boiler—just keep stirring gently until everything melts and blends into a silky mixture. Patience here is key to avoid scorching the chocolate.

Step 2: Add Peppermint Extract and Mix

This is when the magic happens. Add your peppermint extract and stir until that chocolate is beautifully smooth and glossy. Be careful with the peppermint—it’s potent, so a little goes a long way. Taste test cautiously if you’re unsure!

Step 3: Pour and Spread

Pour the fudgy mixture onto a tray lined with parchment paper. I like spreading it out to about an inch thick—that thickness gives you just the right balance between creamy and firm. Use a spatula dipped in hot water to help smooth the surface evenly.

Step 4: Top with Crushed Candy Canes

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly across the top. I love doing this while the fudge is still warm so the candy sticks nicely but still keeps its crunch. If you skip the candy canes, your fudge will still be amazing—just a smoother texture overall.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Pop the tray into the fridge and chill it until firm—usually a couple of hours. When it’s set, slice into fun, bite-sized squares. I find storing the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge helps keep it fresh up to a week (if you don’t eat it all first!).

Top Tip

From making this peppermint fudge multiple times, I’ve learned a few golden nuggets that really help if you want perfect fudge every single time.

Don’t Rush the Cooling: Give the fudge plenty of time in the fridge to set firmly; cutting too soon can make the edges crumbly.
Use a Glass or Heatproof Bowl: This avoids overheating and burning the chocolate, especially if using the microwave method.
Crush Candy Canes Fresh: Crushing just before topping helps keep the flakes crunchy instead of soggy on the fudge.
Test Peppermint Strength: It’s easy to accidentally overpower the fudge—start with a quarter teaspoon and add more if needed.

How to Serve Peppermint Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with crushed candy canes on top for crunch and color. But on occasion, I sprinkle a few tiny edible silver stars or dust it with cocoa powder to elevate the presentation—perfect for a holiday party centerpiece.

Side Dishes

While fudge doesn’t really need a side, I love setting it out with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or an espresso shot. Those warm drinks counterbalance the rich sweetness beautifully and make for a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I layered the peppermint fudge in clear jars with crushed candy cane pieces and whipped cream, turning it into a festive dessert parfait. Another time, I wrapped squares individually in wax paper and tied them with bright red ribbon for lovely homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the fudge firm and fresh while preserving that creamy texture. It lasts about a week before it starts to lose its charm, though I doubt it'll hang around that long!

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well! I wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When properly sealed, the fudge keeps its flavor and texture for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Generally, I don’t reheat fudge since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and firm. But if you prefer it a little softer, leaving pieces out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes softens them nicely without losing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make peppermint fudge without a microwave?

Absolutely! Just use a double boiler or place a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir gently until the chocolate, butter, and sweetened condensed milk are fully melted and blended.

How much peppermint extract should I use?

Start with ¼ teaspoon as recommended; peppermint extract is very strong. You can always add a little more if you want a stronger mint flavor, but going overboard can make the fudge taste bitter.

Are crushed candy canes necessary for this fudge?

Nope! The candy canes add a festive crunch and pretty look, but the fudge is delicious on its own. You can also try other crushed holiday candies or nuts as a topping.

What’s the best way to store peppermint fudge?

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly to preserve freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions. It’s not just about the flavors, but the joy of making something so simple that feels festive and special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your own memories with every sweet, minty bite.