The first time I made White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge, the kitchen filled with that unmistakable holiday aroma—sweet, creamy white chocolate melting into rich condensed milk, kissed with cool peppermint. It smelled like Christmas morning before the wrapping paper hits the floor. One bite took me straight back to childhood, sneaking candy canes off the tree and crushing them just for fun.
This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge has become a seasonal tradition in my kitchen, especially when December rolls around and gifting season begins. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet effortless, festive yet foolproof. Readers love it because it delivers bold peppermint flavor, smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture, and eye-catching candy cane crunch—all with just a handful of ingredients.
2. Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
- Ultra-creamy texture thanks to sweetened condensed milk
- Perfect balance of sweet and minty—refreshing without being overpowering
- No baking required, making it beginner-friendly
- Holiday-ready presentation with crushed peppermint on top
- Great for gifting—travels well and stays fresh
- Easy to customize for dietary needs or flavor twists
3. Ingredient Breakdown (with Substitutions)
White Chocolate Chips
White chocolate provides the smooth, rich base for this fudge. Choose high-quality chips for the best melt and flavor.
Substitution: Dairy-free white chocolate chips for a vegan option.
Expert Tip: Avoid white baking morsels with stabilizers—they can cause grainy texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
This ingredient creates the creamy structure and sweetness that makes fudge set beautifully without baking.
Substitution: Coconut condensed milk for dairy-free fudge.
Expert Tip: Do not substitute evaporated milk—it won’t thicken properly.
Peppermint Extract
Adds that signature cool mint flavor. A little goes a long way.
Substitution: Vanilla extract for a non-mint version.
Expert Tip: Measure carefully—too much peppermint can taste medicinal.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Substitution: Sea salt or kosher salt both work well.
Expert Tip: Don’t skip it—salt makes the peppermint pop.
Crushed Starlight Mints or Candy Canes
Adds crunch, color, and festive flair.
Substitution: Andes peppermint bits or peppermint bark pieces.
Expert Tip: Crush mints finely for even distribution and easier slicing.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, pressing it firmly into corners. This ensures easy removal later.
- Melt the chocolate
- In a double boiler over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir frequently until mostly melted and silky smooth.
- Add flavorings
- Fold in half of the crushed mints, peppermint extract, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated and glossy.
- Transfer to pan
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Spread evenly using a rubber spatula.
- Top with peppermint
- Sprinkle remaining crushed mints on top, gently pressing them in so they adhere.
- Chill and set
- Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until firm.
- Slice and serve
- Lift fudge out using parchment paper and slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.
Troubleshooting Tip: If fudge looks oily, chocolate overheated—stir vigorously and cool slightly to re-emulsify.
A note about nutty swaps. If you are drawn to nutty flavors, some people love to swap a portion of the butter for a spoon or two of nut butter. For ideas about how nut butter changes texture and flavor in frozen treats and sweets, I once followed a link that led me to this helpful guide on almond butter in frozen treats. It is a small inspiration when you want to play with flavors.
5. Variations & Flavor Twists
- Dark Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and swirl before chilling
- Holiday Sprinkle Fudge: Add red and green sprinkles with crushed mints
- Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free white chocolate and reduced-sugar condensed milk
- Kid-Friendly Funfetti: Mix in white chocolate chips and holiday confetti sprinkles
- Orange Peppermint: Add ¼ teaspoon orange extract for a citrus twist
- Chocolate Chip Peppermint: Fold mini semi-sweet chips into the base
6. Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 2 weeks when chilled
- Freezer: Freeze slices in layers with parchment for up to 3 months
- Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge or 30 minutes at room temp
Perfect for making ahead before holidays or cookie exchanges.
7. Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on a holiday dessert platter with cookies and truffles
- Serve with hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or espresso
- Wrap individual pieces in wax paper for edible gifts
- Add to brunch dessert boards for Christmas morning
Presentation Tip: Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
8. Pro Tips for Success
- Use low heat only when melting white chocolate
- Stir constantly to prevent scorching
- Chill fully before slicing for clean edges
- Use a hot knife for bakery-style cuts
- Choose real peppermint extract, not imitation
9. FAQs – People Also Ask
Can White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge be frozen?
Yes, White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and store up to three months. Thaw gently before serving.
Why is my White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge grainy?
Overheating white chocolate can cause separation. Use low heat and stir constantly for smooth results.
How strong is the peppermint flavor?
This recipe delivers a balanced peppermint taste. Adjust extract slightly to preference.
Can I make White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge without a double boiler?
Yes, melt gently in a heavy saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly.
Is White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free as long as candy ingredients are certified gluten-free.
More Sweet, Seasonal Treats You’ll Love
When the craving for cozy, festive desserts strikes, there’s always something new (and delicious) waiting for you on My Flavor Recipes. For more creamy fudge goodness, don’t miss this ultra-smooth Marshmallow Fluff Fudge or the fun, kid-approved No-Bake Blue Christmas Truffles. If holiday baking is your love language, you’ll adore classics like Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies, Peppermint Snowball Cookies, and the show-stopping Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll.
For no-bake treats and party favorites, try Christmas Crack, Butterfinger Lush, or the refreshing No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Truffles. Seasonal dessert lovers will also enjoy fall-inspired favorites like Better Than Fall Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Blondies, and Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, while spring and summer cravings are covered with treats like Lemon Fluff, Magic Lemon Cobbler, and playful sweets such as Homemade Gushers and Watermelon Gummies.
For even more inspiration, behind-the-scenes baking moments, and brand-new recipe drops, follow along on Pinterest and join the community on Facebook—it’s where seasonal desserts, sweet ideas, and cozy kitchen moments come together all year long.
White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, pressing it firmly into corners for easy removal.
- In a double boiler over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir frequently until mostly melted and silky smooth.
- Fold in half of the crushed mints, peppermint extract, and salt, stirring until fully incorporated and glossy.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly using a rubber spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed mints on top, gently pressing them in to adhere.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until firm.
- Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.
