There’s something so magical about the smooth, creamy bites of peppermint-infused white chocolate fudge that instantly get you into the holiday spirit. This Festive White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe is one of my go-to treats for gift-giving and cozy gatherings. It’s delightfully colorful, easy to make, and tastes just like a winter wonderland in every bite.

A stack of four square fudge pieces is shown on a white plate lined with crumpled white paper on a white marbled surface. The bottom fudge piece is mainly cream with thin red swirls near the base. The second fudge piece is cream with green patches scattered throughout. The third fudge piece has thick red and cream stripes alternating horizontally. The top fudge piece, held by a woman's hand above the stack, features a cream base with one corner covered in red and is topped with red, green, and white round and stick-shaped sprinkles. The scene looks bright and festive. 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 Festive White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love sharing this fudge because it’s the perfect mix of creamy white chocolate with a refreshing peppermint kick. Plus, the colorful swirls make it not just tasty but visually festive, which always impresses guests and family alike.

Simple Ingredients: This fudge uses pantry staples and white chocolate chips, making it easy to whip up without a special trip to the store.
Easy to Customize: You can play around with colors, extracts, and toppings to match any holiday vibe or personal taste.
Perfect Texture: It’s silky, firm enough to cut, but melts in your mouth — that balance is everything in fudge.
Great for Gifting: It stores well and looks gorgeous in gift boxes, making it a heartwarming homemade present.

A close-up image of a white marbled square dessert piece held by a woman's hand. The dessert has two visible layers: a bottom red layer and a thicker top creamy white layer with splashes of red. The top layer is decorated with green, red, and white small round and cylindrical sprinkles scattered unevenly. The dessert rests on white parchment paper on a white plate with a white marbled surface as the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This fudge combines sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips to create a luscious creamy base. The peppermint extract adds a refreshing zing, while the food coloring brings that signature festive flair.

Flat lay of white chocolate chips scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick sweetened condensed milk, a few slices of fresh butter on a small white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear peppermint extract liquid, two small white ceramic bowls each holding vibrant red and green food coloring liquids, and a small white ceramic bowl with colorful holiday sprinkles, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

White chocolate chips: Melts smoothly and creates that rich, creamy fudge base you want.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creamy texture without extra sugar measuring stress.
Butter: Gives extra richness and helps with a smooth, glossy finish.
Peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives fudge its holiday spirit.
Green and red food coloring: These bring the classic Christmas colors to life with swirls.
Holiday sprinkles (optional): A fun touch for texture and festive appearance.

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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 often switch up this fudge to keep things exciting. Whether I swap peppermint with vanilla or toss in crushed candy canes on top, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

Variation: I tried using mint extract once for a slightly different coolness, and it was a fresh twist that guests loved.
Dietary swaps: Using dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate can make the fudge richer and less sweet.
Holiday colors: Change up the food coloring to match any celebration — think pink and red for Valentine’s Day or pastel colors for Easter.
Texture add-ins: Adding chopped nuts or crushed peppermint on top adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy fudge.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro

I line an 8×8-inch square pan thoroughly with parchment paper—covering the bottom and sides—to make lifting the fudge out super easy later on. Don’t skimp on this step; it’s key for easy cleanup and neat squares.

Step 2: Melt Your Fudge Base

In a large microwave-safe bowl, I combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract. Then I microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until everything is melted and smooth. It’s important to stir often to prevent overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize – trust me, I learned this the hard way!

Step 3: Color and Swirl

Once melted, I spoon about half a cup into a small bowl and mix in red food coloring quickly before it thickens. Then I do the same with green food coloring in a separate bowl. Dolloping these colorful mixtures all over the parchment-lined pan creates a festive, swirled canvas that’s almost too pretty to eat. A gentle swirl with a butter knife finishes the look.

Step 4: Chill and Cut

I pop the pan into the fridge for at least two hours until the fudge is fully set. When it’s firm, I lift it out using the parchment and cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for perfect edges.

Top Tip

Making fudge can seem tricky at first, but these tips from my kitchen will save you some stress and help you get perfect results every time.

Don’t Overheat: Chocolate chips scorch easily in the microwave, so stir often and heat in short bursts.
Use Fresh Peppermint Extract: Old extract loses its punch, and fresh definitely brings out that vibrant seasonal flavor.
Swirl Gently: Over swirling can muddy the colors—take your time and swirl just enough for a marbled effect.
Sharp Knife for Cutting: A sharp, wiped-down knife makes slicing fudge easier and keeps the edges clean without crumbling.

How to Serve Festive White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe

white chocolate peppermint - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle crushed candy canes or extra holiday sprinkles on top for a pop of crunchy texture and extra charm. They add a nice festive touch and make the fudge feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Festive fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa, mulled wine, or even alongside a cheeseboard as a sweet contrast. For parties, I often serve it with gingerbread cookies or a creamy eggnog shake.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I love arranging fudge pieces in a festive tin lined with parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. For parties, placing it on a tiered candy stand makes it the centerpiece everyone can’t stop admiring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge where it stays delicious and fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure the container seals tightly to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezing

Freezing fudge works surprisingly well! I wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying — it holds its creamy texture beautifully.

Reheating

This fudge is best enjoyed chilled, so I don’t recommend reheating. If it becomes too firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes—this softens it up perfectly without melting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a double boiler instead of a microwave for this fudge?

Absolutely! Using a double boiler is a gentle way to melt chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. Just be sure to keep the water at a simmer and avoid getting any steam or water droplets in the mixture, as this can cause the chocolate to seize and harden.

How do I prevent the fudge from becoming grainy?

To prevent graininess, avoid overheating the chocolate and stir frequently while melting. Also, don’t rush the cooling process; chilling the fudge slowly in the fridge ensures a smooth texture.

Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?

Yes, you can swap peppermint extract for mint extract or vanilla extract if you prefer a milder flavor or want to experiment with different tastes. Each extract will give the fudge a unique twist.

What’s the best way to cut fudge for neat pieces?

Use a very sharp knife and wipe it clean with a paper towel between each cut. Make sure the fudge is fully chilled and firm, then slice with a gentle sawing motion for the cleanest edges.

Final Thoughts

This Festive White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe is one of those holiday staples that always brightens my kitchen and brings smiles around the table. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and just downright joyful to eat — you really can’t go wrong here. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!