Creamy Peppermint Swirl Fudge: The Ultimate Easy Holiday Treat for Gifting
Dive into the festive spirit with our irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge! This exquisite homemade fudge recipe combines the rich, smooth textures of both white chocolate and decadent semi-sweet (or milk) chocolate, creating a visually stunning swirl that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Each bite offers an ultra-creamy, chewy, and genuinely fudgy experience, perfectly balanced with a refreshing peppermint flavor. The added crunch from bits of crushed peppermint candies elevates this holiday treat, making it a standout addition to any Christmas cookie box or a thoughtful homemade gift.
Making this incredible peppermint fudge is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, whether you prefer the stovetop or microwave method. We’ll guide you through creating that beautiful, unique swirl, ensuring every piece of your fudge is a work of art. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic holiday confectionery!
Looking for more festive treats? These Christmas thumbprint cookies are also perfect for gifting and offer endless customization possibilities for their delicious flavors!
[feast_advanced_jump_to]
❄️ Why You’ll LOVE This Easy Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe
There’s a reason this Peppermint Swirl Fudge becomes a holiday favorite year after year. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget complicated candy-making! This peppermint fudge is incredibly quick and simple. With clear instructions for both stovetop and microwave methods, anyone can whip up a batch. If you’re short on time, you can even skip the swirl and make a single-chocolate peppermint fudge, making it even faster without compromising on flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced Peppermint Flavor: We’ve mastered the art of adding just the right amount of refreshing peppermint. By combining high-quality peppermint extract with crunchy crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, we achieve a vibrant, cool mint flavor that’s distinctly festive, without any hint of a “toothpaste” taste. It’s a true celebration of the season in every bite.
- Luxuriously Creamy and Chewy Texture: Prepare for a truly decadent experience. This fudge boasts an exceptionally creamy texture that melts in your mouth, followed by a satisfyingly chewy bite. It’s firm enough to hold its shape beautifully, yet soft and luscious, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Stunning Swirled Visual Appeal: The contrasting layers of rich dark chocolate and bright white chocolate, elegantly swirled together, create a captivating marble effect. Each piece is unique, making this fudge not only delicious but also incredibly photogenic and a feast for the eyes. It’s a simple technique that yields impressive results.
- Ideal for Holiday Gifting: Homemade fudge is one of the most cherished holiday gifts. This Peppermint Swirl Fudge is absolutely perfect for gifting to neighbors, teachers, colleagues, or for adding a touch of homemade charm to your Christmas cookie boxes. Its festive appearance and delightful flavor are guaranteed to impress everyone on your list.
- Versatile & Customizable: While the swirl is stunning, the recipe is flexible. You can easily adjust the peppermint intensity, or even try different extracts for other holidays. Plus, it’s a great activity for the whole family to get involved in, especially crushing the candy canes!
📝 Essential Ingredients for Delicious Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Mastering this peppermint fudge starts with understanding your ingredients. Read through for all the tips you will need for success!
Full steps and ingredients with precise measurements are detailed in the recipe card below.
- High-Quality White Chocolate: For the best flavor and smoothest texture, I highly recommend using white chocolate bars that you finely chop yourself, rather than white chocolate chips. White chocolate bars generally offer a creamier, richer flavor and a superior melting consistency. If you opt for chips, be absolutely sure they are labeled “white chocolate” and not “crème chips” or “white baking chips,” as these often contain less cocoa butter and can result in a grainy texture or poor melting.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (or Milk/Dark Chocolate): This recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips to create the beautiful dark contrast in the swirl. However, feel free to customize! You can easily substitute with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, milder flavor, or use chopped milk or dark chocolate bars if you prefer. Just ensure your chosen chocolate is of good quality for optimal melting and taste.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the magic ingredient that gives fudge its signature creamy, fudgy texture without requiring a candy thermometer. It provides both sweetness and a rich, thick base that, when combined with melted chocolate and butter, sets into perfect fudge. Do not confuse it with evaporated milk!
- Peppermint Extract: Essential for that signature refreshing flavor! A little goes a long way, so measure carefully. Using high-quality peppermint extract ensures a pure, bright minty taste that complements the chocolate without overpowering it or tasting artificial. Don’t worry – it won’t make your fudge taste like toothpaste, as we’re aiming for a balanced, delicious mint.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: These add a delightful textural crunch and an extra burst of concentrated peppermint flavor. They also provide a beautiful festive visual. You can crush them by placing them in a Ziploc bag and gently pounding with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer, or use a food processor for a finer crush.
- Salted Butter: I prefer using salted butter in this recipe because the hint of salt beautifully enhances and balances the sweetness of the chocolate and condensed milk, bringing out the depth of the flavors. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, simply add a small pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) of fine sea salt to your fudge mixture along with the other ingredients.
If peppermint is your favorite holiday flavor, you should also try these easy peppermint shortbread cookies for another delightful treat!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Creating this stunning peppermint swirl fudge is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a perfect batch every time. Remember, the key is to work efficiently once the chocolates are melted to achieve that beautiful swirl!
Preparation is Key: Begin by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with a sheet of parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper extends up the sides of the pan, creating “handles.” This will make it incredibly easy to lift the set fudge out of the pan for cutting, preventing any sticking.
Step 1: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Layer. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan (for the stovetop method) or a microwave-safe bowl (for the microwave method), combine your chosen semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of salted butter and approximately ⅔ cup of the sweetened condensed milk. If using the stovetop, heat over very low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. If using the microwave, heat in 5-second increments, stirring vigorously after each interval. It’s crucial to stir constantly and remove from heat just before the mixture is completely smooth. Continue stirring off the heat until all the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy. This prevents overheating and ensures a creamy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the White Chocolate Peppermint Layer. In a separate small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, repeat the melting process with the white chocolate, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and the rest of the sweetened condensed milk (which should be about ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons from the 14oz can). Use the same careful melting technique as in Step 1. Once this white chocolate mixture is smooth and fully melted, stir in the peppermint extract. Then, gently fold in the crushed candy canes, making sure to reserve about a tablespoon of the crushed candies for sprinkling on top of the fudge later. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3: Create the Swirl. This step requires you to work quickly while both chocolate mixtures are still warm and liquid enough to easily swirl. Using alternating spoonfuls, dollop both the dark chocolate mixture and the white chocolate peppermint mixture into your prepared square pan. Don’t worry about being perfectly neat; the alternating dollops are what create the beautiful marble effect. Once all the mixture is in the pan, take a toothpick, skewer, or the tip of a knife and gently drag it through the mixtures in various patterns to create your desired swirl. Be careful not to overmix, as this will blend the colors too much. Finish by sprinkling the reserved tablespoon of crushed candy canes evenly over the top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Step 4: Chill, Cut, and Enjoy! Once the swirl is complete and the crushed candy canes are sprinkled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Allow the fudge to chill and set completely, which usually takes about 2-3 hours. For best results and the firmest fudge, chilling it overnight is ideal. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into 36 even pieces – I find dividing the pan into 6 rows and 6 columns works perfectly. For perfectly clean, sharp slices, clean your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. Now, your homemade Peppermint Swirl Fudge is ready to be enjoyed or shared!
✔️ Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Swirl Fudge Every Time
Achieving perfectly creamy, chewy, and beautifully swirled fudge is easy with a few insider tricks. Here are my expert tips to ensure your Peppermint Swirl Fudge turns out flawlessly:
- Never Overheat the Chocolate: This is arguably the most critical tip for smooth, creamy fudge. Chocolate can easily seize or become grainy if exposed to too much heat. The best approach is to remove the mixture from the heat (or microwave) just before it’s completely melted. The residual heat in the pan and from the other ingredients will continue to melt the chocolate as you stir. This gentle melting process prevents the fudge from curdling, becoming lumpy, or splitting into an oily mess.
- Stir Continuously on Low Heat (or Short Microwave Bursts): Whether you’re using the stovetop or microwave, consistent stirring is key. On the stovetop, a very low heat setting combined with constant stirring ensures even heat distribution and prevents any part of the chocolate from scorching. In the microwave, sticking to very short, 5-second bursts and stirring thoroughly in between helps to gently melt the chocolate without creating hot spots that can ruin the texture. Patience here will be rewarded with silky smooth fudge.
- Use a Kitchen Scale for Accuracy: While cup measurements are provided, for best results and consistent texture, especially with chocolate, I highly recommend using a digital kitchen scale to measure your chocolate by weight (grams). This precision ensures that the proportions of chocolate, butter, and condensed milk are perfectly balanced, leading to that ideal creamy, chewy, fudgy bite every time. Different chocolate brands or chip sizes can vary in volume even if they weigh the same.
- Swirl While Warm and Work Quickly: The beautiful swirl effect relies on the fudge mixtures being liquid enough to blend slightly without fully combining. As soon as both chocolate mixtures are ready, immediately begin dolloping and swirling. If the fudge starts to set too quickly, you can gently reheat it for a few seconds (very carefully!) to loosen it up, but working swiftly from the start is ideal to create defined, elegant swirls. Don’t overdo the swirling, a few gentle passes are often all it takes.
- Proper Chilling is Essential: Don’t rush the chilling process! Allowing the fudge to set completely in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours (or ideally overnight) is crucial for it to firm up properly. This ensures clean cuts and the perfect fudgy consistency.
- Clean Your Knife for Perfect Slices: For those Instagram-worthy, neat square pieces, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean with a paper towel between every cut. This simple trick prevents the fudge from sticking to the blade and dragging, resulting in beautifully sharp and distinct slices.
🥄 Make Ahead and Storage Tips for Peppermint Swirl Fudge
One of the many advantages of this delicious Peppermint Swirl Fudge is how wonderfully it can be made ahead, making it an ideal treat for busy holiday seasons and gift-giving. Planning ahead will save you stress and ensure your fudge is perfectly set.
Make Ahead: This fudge needs a minimum of 2-3 hours to fully chill and set in the refrigerator, but it can easily be made a day or two in advance. In fact, making it ahead often allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious treat. Simply prepare the fudge, chill it thoroughly, and then store it as described below until you’re ready to serve or gift.
Refrigerated Storage: Once your fudge has set and been cut into pieces, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored, it will maintain its freshness, creamy texture, and vibrant peppermint flavor for up to 2 weeks. For best results, place sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers of fudge to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing Instructions: Peppermint Swirl Fudge freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for long-term storage or preparing well in advance for holiday festivities. To freeze, first cut the fudge into individual pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Layer pieces with parchment paper if storing multiple layers. The fudge can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the fudge in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Its texture and flavor will remain just as delightful as when it was first made!
🤶🏻 Creative Ways to Package Peppermint Fudge for Gifting
Presenting your homemade Peppermint Swirl Fudge beautifully makes it an even more special gift. Thoughtful packaging not only looks lovely but also helps keep your fudge fresh. Here are some of my favorite ideas for packaging fudge and other homemade sweets:
- Decorative Tins: Classic and effective, decorative tins are an excellent choice for gifting fudge. They are nearly airtight, which helps maintain freshness. Line the bottom of the tin with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent the fudge from sticking. For multiple layers of fudge, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between each layer to keep them separated and prevent them from melting together.
- Mini Cupcake Liners: For an extra cute and practical touch, place individual pieces of fudge into mini paper or foil cupcake liners. This not only prevents pieces from sticking to each other but also makes them easy to grab and serve. Arrange these in a tin, box, or on a platter.
- Cellophane Bags with Ribbons: For smaller gifts or party favors, clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons are charming. You can layer a few pieces of fudge in each bag. Ensure the fudge is firm and cooled completely before bagging to avoid condensation.
- Small Paper Gift Boxes: More affordable and still very appealing, small paper gift boxes are a fantastic option. I particularly love these cardboard gingerbread house gift boxes. They are the perfect small size for a few pieces of homemade sweets or fudge. Just like with tins, I always recommend lining the inside of these boxes with a piece of parchment paper to prevent the fudge from sticking to the sides and to maintain its pristine appearance. Add a personalized tag for a thoughtful finish!
📖 Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe FAQs
Got questions about making this delightful peppermint swirl fudge? We’ve got answers to help you achieve the best possible results!
While I highly recommend using high-quality white chocolate bars for their superior flavor and melting properties, you can certainly use white chocolate chips as a substitute. The key is to ensure they are true “white chocolate” chips, not “white crème chips” or “white baking chips.” These alternatives often contain less cocoa butter, which can lead to a less creamy texture or a fudge that doesn’t set as perfectly. Always check the label!
Absolutely, yes! While the swirl adds a beautiful visual dimension and flavor contrast, this recipe is incredibly versatile. If you prefer a single-flavor fudge, simply substitute the other type of chocolate with your preferred choice (e.g., use all white chocolate or all semi-sweet chocolate). Combine the entire amount of chocolate, butter, and sweetened condensed milk in one batch and proceed with the melting and chilling steps. You’ll still get a wonderfully creamy and flavorful peppermint fudge!
Preventing your fudge from splitting (where the fats separate) or becoming grainy is all about careful technique. First, ensure you’re accurately measuring all your ingredients, ideally using a kitchen scale for the chocolate, as correct proportions are vital. Second, always melt your fudge mixture over very low heat and stir constantly. This gentle and continuous stirring ensures the ingredients melt evenly, preventing any hot spots that can cause the chocolate to seize or burn, which leads to a lumpy or split texture. Remove the mixture from the heat just before it’s completely smooth and continue stirring until it finishes melting from residual heat.
There are a couple of easy methods! For a rustic, varied crush, place candy canes in a sturdy freezer bag (or two bags for extra protection) and use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to gently tap and crush them. For a finer, more uniform crush, a food processor works wonders. Just pulse a few times until you reach your desired consistency. Be sure not to turn them into a fine powder unless that’s your preference!
Yes, absolutely! While peppermint is perfect for the holidays, this base fudge recipe is very adaptable. You could try vanilla extract for a classic chocolate fudge, almond extract for an elegant twist, or even a hint of orange extract for a chocolate-orange combination. Just ensure you use high-quality extracts for the best flavor.
🎄 More Festive & Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved this Peppermint Swirl Fudge, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful recipes perfect for any occasion, especially the holidays!
- Slice and Bake Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Tangy Lemon Brownies
- Gingerbread Cupcakes
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Did you make this recipe? I would love for you to rate this recipe and hear what you think in the comments below! Share your creation on Instagram and tag @flouringkitchen. Follow me on Pinterestto save and for more recipe ideas.
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Mary
Pin Recipe
Shop Ingredients
Equipment
-
2 small saucepans or microwave safe bowls
-
8-inch square baking pan
-
Parchment paper
-
Kitchen scale optional, for precise chocolate measurements
-
Toothpick or small skewer for swirling
-
treat boxes optional, for gifting
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups finely chopped white chocolate or high-quality white chocolate chips (150g)
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips (150g)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter divided for each chocolate type
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (approx. 300ml, divided)
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ⅓ cup crushed candy canes or peppermints (about 5-7 large candy canes or 15 peppermints, divided)
Shop Ingredients on Jupiter
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square pan with a piece of parchment paper, ensuring it extends up the sides to act as handles. This prevents sticking and makes lifting the fudge out much easier.
-
Melt Dark Chocolate: In a small saucepan (for stovetop) or a microwave-safe bowl (for microwave), combine the semisweet (or milk) chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of salted butter, and ⅔ cup of the sweetened condensed milk. Heat on very low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly, or in 5-second increments in the microwave, stirring vigorously after each. Remove from heat just before it’s fully smooth and continue mixing until entirely melted and silky.2 tablespoons salted butter, ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
-
Melt White Chocolate & Add Peppermint: Repeat the melting process in a separate saucepan or bowl with the white chocolate, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and the remaining sweetened condensed milk (approx. ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons). Once melted and smooth, stir in the ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract and ⅓ cup of crushed candy canes, reserving about 1 tablespoon of crushed candy for sprinkling later. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.1 ¼ cups finely chopped white chocolate, 2 tablespoons salted butter, remaining sweetened condensed milk, ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, ⅓ cup crushed candy canes or peppermints
-
Create the Swirl: Working quickly while both mixtures are still warm and liquid, alternate dolloping spoonfuls of the dark chocolate and white chocolate peppermint mixtures into the lined pan. Once all the fudge is in the pan, use a toothpick or a small skewer to gently drag through the mixtures, creating beautiful swirls. Be careful not to overmix. Immediately sprinkle the reserved tablespoon of crushed candy canes over the top.
-
Chill and Cut: Refrigerate the fudge until it is completely set, which will take approximately 2-3 hours, or ideally, overnight for the firmest results. Once firm, use the parchment paper to lift the entire block of fudge from the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 36 pieces (I recommend 6 rows by 6 columns). For exceptionally clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut. Serve and enjoy your festive peppermint fudge!
Video
Nutrition Information