There’s something utterly magical about biting into a rich, creamy fudge that bursts with cool peppermint and sweet white chocolate flavors. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe — it’s like holiday joy in every bite, perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cozy cup of cocoa.

The image shows a stack of four square-shaped colorful fudge pieces on white parchment paper on a white plate with a slightly rough edge. The top piece is held by a woman's hand and has a marbled red and cream surface decorated with small red, green, and white round and stick sprinkles. Below it, the second piece has alternating thick layers of red and cream, with tiny festive sprinkles on top. The third piece shows a creamy base with green swirls and subtle sprinkles. The bottom piece has a cream color base with red swirls and a few sprinkles. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with some sprinkles scattered around, and a red ornament is visible out of focus in the background. 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 Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this fudge quickly became one of my favorite holiday treats to make—and share—because it’s simple, flexible, and always impresses. The peppermint and white chocolate swirl together so beautifully, giving you festive colors and flavors all in one bite.

Effortless to make: You only need a handful of ingredients and your microwave, which means zero fancy equipment or stress.
Beautiful swirls: The red and green colors make it so festive, and those peppermint-flecked white chocolate bites taste as good as they look.
Customizable: You can easily swap in different flavors or colors depending on the season or your mood.
Perfect for gifting: Wrapped in parchment or festive boxes, it feels like a thoughtful, homemade treasure everyone will appreciate.

A small square piece of festive candy is held by a woman's hand against a white marbled surface. The candy has two visible layers: a thick bottom layer in bright red and a top layer in creamy white mixed with spots of red. The top layer is covered with colorful sprinkles in red, green, white, and orange, including both round and rod shapes, giving a cheerful holiday look. The candy is glossy with a smooth texture and is resting lightly on a crinkled white paper above a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe comes together for smooth texture and amazing flavor. Here’s why each is important and a few tips about picking the best ones.

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy white chocolate chips, a stick of smooth pale yellow butter, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick creamy sweetened condensed milk, two small white bowls each containing vibrant red and green liquid food coloring, a few colorful round holiday sprinkles scattered neatly on the surface, a fresh sprig of peppermint leaves for visual context, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions 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: These give the fudge its creamy sweetness; make sure to buy good-quality chips so your fudge melts smoothly.
Sweetened condensed milk: It’s what makes the fudge soft and chewy without any fuss. One can is just right.
Butter: Adds extra richness and helps keep the fudge silky.
Peppermint extract: The star flavor—go with pure extract for a natural peppermint punch.
Red and green food coloring: For those festive holiday swirls; gel or paste colorings work best to avoid thinning the mixture.
Holiday sprinkles (optional): To add crunch and a little extra sparkle on top if you’re feeling fancy.

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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

One of my favorite things about this fudge recipe? It’s a total blank canvas. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit my family’s tastes, and I encourage you to do the same—it’s so easy to personalize!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap peppermint extract for vanilla or even a hint of almond extract for a special twist that still feels festive. Once, I tried replacing white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips—and it gave a richer, more intense fudge that my husband loved!

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

Step 1: Prep your pan and ingredients

Start by lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, covering the bottom and sides fully—this makes lifting the fudge out so much easier later on! Have your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract measured and ready to go.

Step 2: Melt the fudge mixture carefully

Combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each interval. Be patient—the chocolate chips will melt gradually as you stir. The key here is to avoid overheating because burnt or seizing chocolate means you’ve got to start over (been there, done that!).

Step 3: Color your fudge

Once melted and smooth, scoop out about half a cup of the fudge into a small bowl and stir in red food coloring—start with a few drops and add more to get your perfect color. Repeat with another half-cup in a separate bowl and add green food coloring. The fudge will thicken quickly, so stir energetically to blend before it sets.

Step 4: Create your festive swirls

Spoon dollops of the colored fudge over the parchment-lined pan, alternating red and green across the surface. Then, take a butter knife or spoon and gently swirl the colors together to create those signature holiday hues. Don’t over-mix—you want to keep those pretty swirls.

Step 5: Add sprinkles and chill

Top with holiday sprinkles if desired, then pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the fudge set fully. Once set, lift it out carefully by the parchment and slice with a sharp knife. For clean cuts, I like wiping the knife between slices with a paper towel—it makes all the difference.

Top Tip

Making fudge might seem tricky at first, but with a few insider tips from my own kitchen experiments, you’ll nail it every time.

Gentle melting: Be patient and microwave in short bursts. Stirring between intervals helps spread heat evenly and prevents chocolate from burning.
Swirling strategy: Don’t over-swirl the colored fudge layers; that keeps pretty, distinct swirls that make the fudge feel extra festive.
Knife hygiene: Wiping your knife clean between cuts stops fudge from sticking so you get perfect pieces each time.
Extract caution: Start with half the peppermint extract if you’re unsure — it’s strong and easy to add more, but tough to fix if you add too much!

How to Serve Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

peppermint white chocolate fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra holiday sparkle on top—crushed candy canes or red and green nonpareils add a delightful crunch that balances the fudge’s creamy texture perfectly. Plus, it amps up the festive vibe.

Side Dishes

This fudge is a perfect companion to a warm cup of coffee, mint hot chocolate, or even spiced cider. I love serving it alongside gingerbread cookies or fresh fruit for a festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I line little boxes with parchment paper and tie them with holiday ribbons—plus, a small handmade tag adds a lovely personal touch. You can cut fudge into festive shapes with cookie cutters for themed parties, too. Just be sure to chill it well before cutting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 5 days, and honestly, it rarely lasts that long at my house!

Freezing

Freezing fudge is a lifesaver for busy holidays. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge—the texture stays just right.

Reheating

I don’t usually reheat fudge since it’s perfect chilled, but if it’s a bit too firm from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a little while before serving. That softens it up beautifully without losing texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this fudge without a microwave?

Absolutely! You can use a double boiler to gently melt the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together. Just be careful not to let any water or steam drip into the chocolate mixture, or it could seize up and harden.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

If peppermint extract isn’t on hand, you can substitute with mint extract or even vanilla extract for a different but still delicious flavor profile. Start with a smaller amount since extracts vary in strength.

How do I avoid grainy fudge?

Grainy fudge usually happens if the chocolate overheats or the mixture isn’t stirred enough while melting. Use low heat and stir often to keep everything smooth and glossy.

Can I use different colors or flavors for other holidays?

Definitely! This fudge is super adaptable—try red and pink for Valentine’s Day, pastels for Easter, or red and blue for Fourth of July. You can also swap in flavors to match the season, like vanilla for spring or orange extract for fall.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen every holiday season. It brings simple ingredients and joyful colors together into something truly charming and delicious. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—there’s nothing quite like sharing homemade treats that show you care.