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- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Optional: red food coloring - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for topping) Gathering the right ingredients makes the magic happen. First, I use semi-sweet chocolate chips. They give the fudge a rich and deep flavor. Next, I add sweetened condensed milk. This milk makes the fudge creamy and smooth. White chocolate chips come next. They add sweetness and a lovely contrast. Peppermint extract is key for that holiday taste. Just one teaspoon gives a strong minty burst. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. If you want a pop of color, red food coloring is optional. It adds a festive touch. Lastly, I top the fudge with crushed peppermint candies. They bring crunch and extra flavor. You can save some for the top too. This way, each bite is delightful and festive. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by lining an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges. This helps lift the fudge out later. - Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, set over low heat, mix 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until it melts and becomes smooth. - Infuse Peppermint Flavor: Once melted, take the pan off the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and stir well. If you want a festive look, add a few drops of red food coloring. - Fill the Pan: Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture into the lined baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly for a nice layer. - Prepare the White Chocolate Layer: In the same saucepan, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips over low heat. Stir until it is fully melted and smooth. - Mix in Peppermint: Take the pan off the heat and fold in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies. Make sure they mix well into the white chocolate. - Top the Fudge: Pour the white chocolate mixture over the semi-sweet layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, covering the entire surface. - Finish with Extra Peppermint: Sprinkle the extra crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate layer. This adds flavor and looks festive. - Chill: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm. - Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut it into neat squares and serve. Enjoy your festive treat! Avoiding Common Mistakes To make great fudge, start with good quality chocolate. It matters. Measure your ingredients precisely. Too much liquid can cause the fudge to be too soft. Stir constantly while melting the chocolate. This helps avoid burning. If you see lumps, keep stirring until smooth. Ensuring Smooth Consistency Use low heat when melting chocolate. High heat can make it seize. Mix sweetened condensed milk with chocolate well. This creates a creamy texture. If you want to add red food coloring, do it slowly. A few drops go a long way. Swirl it gently for a lovely marbled look. Serving Suggestions Cut the fudge into neat squares. This makes it easy to grab. Serve on a festive platter. You can add a sprinkle of edible glitter. It looks fancy and fun. Pair the fudge with whole peppermint candies for a colorful touch. Festive Decorations Top the fudge with extra crushed peppermint candies. This adds crunch and flavor. You can also tie ribbons around the platter for a holiday feel. Use small cookie boxes for gifting. This way, friends and family can enjoy your delicious treat! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality chocolate chips. They melt more smoothly and enhance the overall taste of your fudge. Don’t Overheat: When melting the chocolate, keep the heat low and stir constantly. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, leading to a gritty texture. Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to chill the fudge for the full 2 hours, or until completely firm. This ensures clean cuts and a perfect texture. Add Variations: Feel free to customize your fudge by mixing in nuts, dried fruits, or different extracts for unique flavor profiles. {{image_4}} Adding Other Flavor Extracts You can spice up your fudge with other flavors. Try adding vanilla or almond extract. These flavors mix well with peppermint. They can give a nice twist to the classic taste. Just use about 1 teaspoon of your chosen extract. Mixing in Nuts or Dried Fruits Nuts or dried fruits can add fun textures to your fudge. Chopped walnuts or pecans work great. You can also mix in dried cranberries or cherries. These fruits add sweetness and color. Aim for about 1/2 cup of your choice. Just fold them in when you mix the peppermint. Dairy-Free Alternatives If you need a dairy-free option, replace the sweetened condensed milk. Use coconut milk or almond cream instead. They keep the fudge creamy and rich. Be sure to check labels for hidden dairy in chocolate. Gluten-Free Options This fudge is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your chocolate chips are labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat without worry. To store fudge in the refrigerator, first wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container. This keeps the fudge fresh and moist. Place the fudge in the fridge after it sets. It should stay good for up to two weeks. Cutting it into squares helps with easy access. If you want to save fudge for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the fudge in plastic wrap tightly, then place it in a freezer bag. This protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Peppermint fudge lasts about two weeks in the fridge. If frozen, it can last for three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks different, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy the festive flavor while it lasts! Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Yes, you can use milk chocolate. This change makes your fudge sweeter. However, it may lose some of the rich depth that semi-sweet chocolate provides. If you like a sweeter treat, milk chocolate works well. What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk? You can use coconut cream as a dairy-free option. You may also blend regular milk with sugar. Aim for a thick, sweet mixture. This keeps the fudge creamy and delicious. Is peppermint fudge suitable for gifting? Absolutely! Peppermint fudge makes a great gift. Its festive colors and flavors bring holiday cheer. Cut it into neat squares and package it in a cute box. Your friends and family will love it. Why did my fudge not set properly? Your fudge may not set if it’s too warm. Make sure you chill it for at least two hours. Also, check that you used enough sweetened condensed milk. This ingredient helps the fudge firm up. How can I fix grainy fudge? If your fudge is grainy, it could be due to overcooking. To fix it, try reheating it gently. Add a splash of milk or sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until smooth again. Let it cool and set properly this time. This blog post covered how to make delicious peppermint fudge. We explored key ingredients, steps to combine flavors, and how to create layers. You learned tips to avoid mistakes and how to present your fudge well. We also discussed various flavor options and storage methods. In closing, peppermint fudge is fun and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll impress everyone with this treat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your delicious creations!

Peppermint Christmas Fudge

A festive and delicious fudge with layers of semi-sweet and white chocolate, infused with peppermint flavor and topped with crushed peppermint candies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • optional red food coloring

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by lining an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Ensure the paper hangs over the edges, as this will help you lift the fudge out easily once it has set.
  • Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate: In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture is fully melted and has a smooth consistency.
  • Infuse Peppermint Flavor: Once the chocolate is melted, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the peppermint extract thoroughly. If you wish to add a festive touch, incorporate a few drops of red food coloring to create a marbled effect throughout the mixture.
  • Fill the Pan: Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring an even layer.
  • Prepare the White Chocolate Layer: In the same saucepan (no need to wash it), melt the white chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
  • Mix in Peppermint: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the remaining crushed peppermint candies until they're evenly distributed throughout the white chocolate.
  • Top the Fudge: Pour the white chocolate mixture over the layer of semi-sweet chocolate in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
  • Finish with Extra Peppermint: Take the extra crushed peppermint candies and sprinkle them generously over the top of the white chocolate layer for added flavor and festive decoration.
  • Chill: Place the baking dish into the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm and set.
  • Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut it into neat squares to serve.

Notes

For an enticing presentation, serve the fudge on a beautiful festive platter. Consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or surrounding the fudge with whole peppermint candies for an extra holiday flair.
Keyword Christmas, dessert, fudge, peppermint