Chocolate Peppermint Fudge – Creamy, Minty, and Perfect for the Holidays

Nothing says the holidays like rich, creamy chocolate peppermint fudge. This easy recipe is perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying a sweet treat by the fire. With smooth chocolate, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and festive peppermint flavor, this fudge is sure to become a holiday favorite.

Around the holidays, I love to share easy and festive holiday treats that are perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging at home. If you enjoyed this chocolate peppermint fudge, you’ll also love exploring other sweet and simple recipes—from creamy fudge variations to peppermint bark popcorn, Oreo ornament cookies, and Grinch fruit skewers—that make the season extra delicious and merry.

What You’ll Love About this Christmas Recipe

Easy to make: Simple ingredients.

Festive and delicious: Chocolate and peppermint are the perfect holiday pairing.

Perfect for gifting: Makes a beautiful homemade treat for friends, neighbors, and teachers.

Customizable: Adjust chocolate, peppermint, or add nuts for your own twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cups sugar

1 cup evaporated milk

½ cup butter

1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme

1 tsp vanilla extract

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

5 oz Brach’s soft peppermint, crushed (set aside 1–2 tbsp for topping)

How to Make Peppermint Fudge

Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, wax paper, or lightly grease it. This ensures the fudge will lift out easily once set.

Combine Sugar, Milk, and Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter.

Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a full boil. Once boiling, continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Add Chocolate, Marshmallow Creme, Vanilla, and Peppermint

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Then fold in the marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and most of the crushed peppermint (save a small amount for decorating the top).

Mix until thoroughly combined.

Pour and Decorate

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint on top for a festive, decorative touch.

Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate for faster setting. Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Fudge

Soft peppermint works best: Hard candies can make the fudge grainy and are hard to bite into.

Use quality chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate melts smoothly and balances the peppermint flavor.

Candy thermometer optional: Boiling sugar, milk, and butter to a full boil ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

Gift-ready: Wrap squares in festive wax paper or place in decorative tins lined with tissue paper.

Storage: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for 2–3 weeks.

Variations

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips for a creamy, snowy look.

Peppermint Bark Fudge: Add a layer of melted chocolate under the fudge mixture and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top.

Nutty Peppermint Fudge: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint candies instead of soft Brach’s peppermint?

Soft peppermint works best because it blends smoothly into the fudge. Hard candies can make the texture grainy, so if you only have hard peppermint, crush it finely and stir in carefully after the fudge has slightly cooled.

Can I make this fudge ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this fudge a few days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate it for 2–3 weeks.

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate gives a balanced flavor, but milk chocolate will make it sweeter, and dark chocolate will give it a richer, more intense chocolate taste.

Can I double or triple this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to use a larger pan and cook the sugar, milk, and butter mixture carefully, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Storing

Room Temperature: Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent melting.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate fudge in an airtight container for 2–3 weeks. This is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm or you’ve made a larger batch.

Freezing: Fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in wax paper or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Printable Recipe

  ~Melissa – KidFriendlyThingsToDo.com