White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

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This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is rich, creamy, and loaded with peppermint flavor. Made with white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and crushed candy canes, it's an easy no-bake Christmas candy that's ready with very little hands-on time.

Whether you're filling holiday cookie trays or making edible gifts, this festive fudge is always a favorite.

A festive plate stacked with red and white swirled peppermint fudge squares, topped with crushed peppermint and mint leaves, with holiday décor in the background.

What makes this peppermint fudge irresistible

Creamy, sweet, and full of festive flavor, this is a great holiday dessert idea. It takes just a few ingredients and comes together in minutes. It's the kind of recipe that makes you look like you tried way harder than you actually did (yes, please!).

Watch Mom and I make this no bake fudge

Close-up of square pieces of white chocolate peppermint fudge topped with crushed candy canes and a fresh mint garnish.

5 from 5 votes

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe

This fudge is perfect for gifting or just for sneaking bites during those cozy holiday movie marathons!

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Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 175kcal

Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

▢ 3 cups white chocolate chips
▢ 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
▢ ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
▢ pinch of salt
▢ ¾ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes half for mixing, half for sprinkling on top
▢ red food coloring for a swirl of festive flair - totally optional

Instructions

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each round, until the mixture is silky smooth. (Usually 2-3 rounds does the trick!) Stir in the peppermint extract, pinch of salt, and half of the crushed peppermint candies.
To jazz it up, add a few drops of red food coloring and give it a gentle swirl with a toothpick.
Pour the fudge into the lined pan and gently press the remaining crushed peppermint into the top.
Let the fudge set in the fridge for about 2 hours. Once firm, lift it out using the parchment paper. Cut the fudge into squares, and let the holiday cheer begin!

Notes

Storage - I've frozen this fudge for up to three months with great results. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

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Ingredients

Everything you need, including the exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions, is in the printable recipe card.

Test kitchen notes

I've found that white chocolate keeps melting for a minute or two after it comes out of the microwave, so I always stir well before heating it again. That little bit of patience gives me a much smoother fudge and helps keep the chocolate from overheating.

I also wait just a minute before sprinkling on the crushed candy canes. The candy stays crisp, and the red stripes don't bleed into the white chocolate nearly as much.

When it's time to cut the fudge, I wipe the knife clean between slices for neat, bakery-style squares.

Pretty red and white peppermint fudge cut into squares, garnished with mint and lined up on parchment paper.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

What kind of white chocolate chips work best?

I like using a good-quality white chocolate chip (like Ghiradelli) because it melts more smoothly and gives the fudge a creamier texture. Some store brands can be a little finicky, so if yours isn't melting well, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to help smooth it out.

How far in advance can I make White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge?

This fudge is a great make-ahead holiday treat. I usually make it a few days before I need it, but it'll keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The peppermint flavor has a chance to settle in, making it even more delicious after a day or two.

Do I have to use red food coloring?

Not at all! The red swirl is purely decorative and doesn't change the flavor. I like adding it for a festive look, but if you'd rather skip it, you'll still end up with creamy, peppermint-packed fudge.

Why did my white chocolate turn grainy?

In my experience, this usually happens when the white chocolate gets too hot or when even a small amount of water gets into the bowl. I microwave the chocolate in short bursts, stirring well after each one, and stop heating as soon as it's smooth.

Unfortunately, once white chocolate seizes, I haven't found a way to save it. It's usually best to start over with fresh chocolate.

A trio of peppermint fudge squares stacked neatly on a serving spatula, topped with mint, surrounded by more fudge on a brown parchment surface.

Deb's top tips

For clean, sharp slices every time, use a sharp knife and dip it in hot water first. Wipe it dry, then slice. The warm blade glides through the fudge like a hot knife through… well, fudge. 😄 Repeat the dip-and-wipe between each cut to keep things tidy.

If you're in the mood for more sweet, simple treats, don't stop here! My Rocky Road Fudge is packed with chocolatey goodness, marshmallows, and nuts-like a candy shop in every bite. Want something a little more playful? Try the Grinch Fudge-bright green, fun, and perfect for kids (and kids at heart!).

And if you're just starting your fudge journey, my Easy Homemade Fudge recipe is a great place to begin. All three are no-fuss and holiday-ready-just the way we like it around here!

Wrapping it up

And just like that, you've got a festive treat that looks fancy but takes hardly any effort-my kind of holiday magic!

If you give this White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge a try, I'd love it if you'd leave a comment or give it a star rating. And don't forget to pin it to your holiday board so it's easy to find when your peppermint candy cravings hit!