Name: Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, room temperature; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; Pinch of salt; 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips (use real white chocolate, not almond bark); ½ tablespoon unsalted butter; ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, room temperature; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; 1–2 drops red gel food coloring; ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy, and minty treats, you are absolutely going to love this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe. It’s one of those holiday classics that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and every time it steals the show at parties or just makes my kitchen smell like a winter wonderland. Stick around, because I’m about to share all my best tips so your fudge comes out perfectly smooth, beautifully swirled, and packed with pepperminty goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The blend of rich chocolate and bright peppermint creates a festive and fresh taste that’s never overpowering.
Simple Yet Stunning: You don’t have to be a candy maker to achieve those gorgeous swirls that make this fudge look like a work of art.
Great for Gifting: Cut into neat squares and wrapped up, this fudge becomes an instant holiday favorite for friends and family.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it days in advance, making party planning way less stressful.

Peppermint Swirl Fudge, peppermint fudge recipe, holiday peppermint fudge, easy peppermint fudge, festive peppermint treats - The image shows square pieces of peppermint fudge stacked on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three layers: a top layer of smooth dark brown chocolate, a middle layer of swirled creamy white and brown chocolate, and a solid white chocolate bottom layer. The fudge is topped with chunks of red and white peppermint candy scattered unevenly on the top. The surface texture of the fudge appears smooth and slightly glossy, with clear swirls visible in the side view. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe really shines because of its straightforward, quality ingredients that come together to create those classic creamy layers. Using real chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk gets you that dreamy texture without fuss, and a tiny splash of peppermint extract makes all the difference in adding that refreshing bite.

Peppermint Swirl Fudge, peppermint fudge recipe, holiday peppermint fudge, easy peppermint fudge, festive peppermint treats - Flat lay of glossy dark chocolate chips, smooth white chocolate chips with a creamy hue, a small pile of bright red crushed peppermint candies, a glass jar of thick, creamy sweetened condensed milk, a few fresh green peppermint leaves for contrast, and a tiny dish with clear peppermint extract droplets, all beautifully arranged with a few red gel food coloring drops artfully placed nearby, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: These bring depth and a luscious chocolate flavor that’s not too sweet—perfect when paired with peppermint.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the fudge set with a shiny finish.
Sweetened condensed milk: Key for the creamy, smooth texture that fudge is known for; make sure it’s at room temperature to melt evenly.
Peppermint extract: This little bottle packs a punch of mint flavor without watering down your fudge.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and amps up the chocolate notes.
White chocolate chips: Use genuine white chocolate chips, not almond bark, for authentic flavor and texture in the peppermint swirl layer.
Red gel food coloring: This is what gives that festive swirl a vibrant, beautiful pop without turning your fudge runny like liquid dyes can.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds crunch and an extra peppermint kick right on top—my favorite finishing touch.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your personal taste. Sometimes, I bump up the peppermint if I’m feeling wild, or swap in dark chocolate chips if I want a richer fudge vibe. It’s your fudge, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it!

Variation: If you’re not a peppermint fan, you could substitute vanilla extract and add a sprinkle of crushed toffee instead—you’ll still get that festive crunch and sweetness.
Dietary tweaks: For dairy-free options, try vegan butter and coconut condensed milk, but be aware it might affect the texture slightly.
Seasonal twists: During autumn, I sometimes swap the peppermint extract for a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Before you do anything, line your 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. I always leave a little overhang on two sides—it makes lifting the fudge out a breeze once it’s set. A quick spray of nonstick spray on top ensures nothing sticks. Make sure your pan is flat and stable on the counter to keep your fudge layer even.

Step 2: Melt & Mix the Chocolate Fudge Base

In a heatproof bowl, toss in your semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and room temperature sweetened condensed milk. Place this bowl over simmering water—this gentle double boiler method prevents scorching. Stir constantly until fully melted and silky smooth. Once it’s ready, remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and just a pinch of salt, which really lifts the flavors. Watching it come together like molten lava is so satisfying!

Step 3: Create the Peppermint Swirl Layer

Grab another heatproof bowl for the white chocolate layer. This time, combine the white chocolate chips, butter, and a smaller amount of sweetened condensed milk. Gently melt over the same double boiler set up, stirring until smooth. Stir in peppermint extract and a drop or two of red gel food coloring to get that signature festive look. The key here is to swirl the color just enough—don’t mix it in completely. That gives you those pretty streaks that look like candy canes.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl Like an Artist

Pour about three-quarters of the chocolate fudge base into your prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Next, drop spoonfuls of the red peppermint white chocolate mixture scattered across the surface—don’t try to cover everything just yet. Add the remaining chocolate fudge mix in the gaps. Then, grab a knife or skewer to gently swirl both layers together using figure-eight motions. The goal here is a pretty marbled effect without overmixing and muddying the colors.

Step 5: Sprinkle on Peppermint for Crunch & Chill

Top your luscious swirled fudge with the crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces. Press down gently with your fingers or the back of the spoon just enough to help them stick—this adds texture and a burst of peppermint every bite. Pop your pan into the fridge and chill for at least three hours until firm and ready to cut.

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Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

Use Room Temperature Condensed Milk: Cold condensed milk can cause the chocolate to seize; letting it warm up ensures silky smooth melting every time.
Double Boiler Control: Keep your simmer gentle—too hot and your fudge might separate or scorch.
Swirl with Care: Use slow, figure-eight motions with your knife or skewer to get beautiful patterns without mixing colors harshly.
Patience Pays Off: Resist the urge to cut too soon; fudge that’s not fully chilled can be messy and hard to slice cleanly.

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my fudge with crushed peppermint candies—they add a bright crunch and look so festive. Sometimes, I’ll add a few whole mini candy canes leaning on the side of a serving platter for an extra holiday touch, especially when gifting. A light dusting of edible glitter really amps up the wow factor if you’re making it for a party.

Side Dishes

Serve this fudge alongside hot cocoa or a peppermint mocha for a perfect winter treat combo. If you’re offering a dessert platter, pair it with gingerbread cookies or classic sugar cookies for a festive spread that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I cut the fudge into neat squares and place them in mini cupcake liners. Then, I arrange them on a tiered serving tray—it’s both practical and elegant. I’ve also wrapped individual pieces in colorful parchment paper tied with twine, making for cute edible gifts that feel just as special as homemade ornaments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works well too, though I find it can firm up the fudge quite a bit. Just bring pieces to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing fudge is a lifesaver when you want to stock up. I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight—they keep their flavor and texture nicely!

Reheating

Since fudge is meant to be eaten chilled or at room temp, reheating usually isn’t necessary. However, if your fudge has been in the fridge and is too firm, just let it sit out for about 10 minutes before enjoying so it softens up to that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate for the peppermint swirl?

While almond bark melts smoothly, it lacks the creamy, authentic flavor of real white chocolate. Using white chocolate chips in your peppermint swirl layer gives a richer taste and better texture, so I recommend sticking with white chocolate for the best results.
How do I avoid grainy fudge?

Graininess usually happens if the sugar crystallizes or the chocolate overheats. Using sweetened condensed milk helps prevent this, and melting over low heat with constant stirring is key. Also, don’t stir the mixture too vigorously once it’s off the heat.
Can I make this peppermint swirl fudge ahead of time?

Absolutely! This fudge holds up beautifully and actually tastes better when the flavors sit a couple of days. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your climate.
What’s the best way to get clean fudge cuts?

Use a sharp knife and warm it slightly by dipping in hot water, then wiping dry before cutting. Clean the knife between cuts to keep edges neat and smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe is honestly like a warm, minty hug during the chilly months. It’s become my go-to when I want to impress friends without spending hours at the stove. Every batch brings back sweet memories of cozy holiday gatherings and happy faces waiting for that first bite. I can’t recommend it enough—you’ll end up making it a tradition too, I promise. So grab your apron, let’s make some magic!