Peppermint Swirl Fudge

As the holiday season draws near, there’s nothing quite like the joy of indulging in sweet treats that capture the essence of the festive spirit. One recipe that never fails to bring a bit of magic to my kitchen is Peppermint Swirl Fudge. It’s a delightful combination of creamy chocolate and refreshing peppermint, with a swirl of vibrant color that makes it as pretty as it is delicious. This fudge has become a staple in my home during the holiday season, and every bite takes me back to those cozy afternoons spent baking with family.

Planning to give it as a gift or share it at your holiday gatherings, this fudge is sure to impress.

Let me take you through the process of creating this little slice of holiday heaven.

The Story Behind the Fudge: A Family Tradition

Peppermint has always held a special place in my heart, particularly around Christmas time. Growing up, my family had a tradition of making peppermint-themed treats to celebrate the season, from peppermint bark to candy cane cookies. But this peppermint swirl fudge? It became an instant favorite from the moment I first tried it.

One year, I decided to mix up our regular holiday treat-making routine by experimenting with some leftover peppermint extract and crushed candies I had on hand. Instead of the traditional chocolate fudge, I created this swirl of peppermint and chocolate, and the result was pure holiday bliss. The cool, refreshing taste of peppermint paired with rich chocolate was just the kind of indulgence that made our chilly winter evenings feel extra cozy.

As soon as I made it, I knew it would become a tradition. Now, I love preparing this fudge every year, especially with the kids—watching them swirl the chocolate and sprinkle peppermint candy over the top is a memory I cherish. Plus, it’s the perfect treat to share with neighbors, friends, and family as a little sweet gift wrapped in holiday cheer.

What You Need for Peppermint Swirl Fudge

To create this festive fudge, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients, but what you do need are high-quality ones to make every bite memorable. The recipe relies on simple, pantry-staple ingredients that come together in a surprisingly easy process. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• White chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips: These two types of chocolate create the rich, decadent layers in the fudge. The white chocolate lends creaminess and sweetness, while the semi-sweet chocolate provides a deep, satisfying balance.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The key to achieving that luscious, smooth texture that defines fudge.
• Peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens. A little goes a long way, giving the fudge its signature minty freshness.
• Crushed peppermint candies: These are sprinkled over the top, adding both crunch and an extra burst of peppermint flavor. Plus, they give the fudge a festive appearance!
• Red food coloring (optional): For an added visual flair, you can swirl in a few drops of red food coloring. This gives the fudge that unmistakable holiday look, but it’s entirely optional.

How to Make Peppermint Swirl Fudge: Step-by-Step

Though it looks impressive, making this peppermint swirl fudge is far simpler than it seems. The key to success is in the preparation and knowing a few little tricks along the way.

1. Start with your baking pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the fudge out of the pan much easier later on. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—it’ll save you from any messy situations when it’s time to cut your fudge.
2. Melt your chocolate: The key to perfectly melted chocolate is to go slow. You can either use the microwave in 30-second intervals (stirring between each session) or use a double boiler on the stovetop. In this recipe, you’ll want to melt the white and semi-sweet chocolate separately.
3. Mix it all together: Once the chocolates are melted, you’ll stir half of the sweetened condensed milk into each bowl. The condensed milk is what gives the fudge its smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Peppermint magic: Add the peppermint extract to the white chocolate mixture. The cool, refreshing aroma of peppermint will instantly fill your kitchen.
5. Layer and swirl: Here’s where the artistry comes in. First, pour half of the semi-sweet chocolate mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Then, pour half of the white chocolate mixture over the top. Repeat this process with the remaining chocolate, and use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the layers together. If you’re using red food coloring, now’s the time to drop in a few swirls of color and blend it into the fudge.
6. Add some crunch: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top for a bit of texture and extra flavor. This not only adds to the visual appeal but gives each bite a delightful contrast between smooth fudge and crunchy peppermint bits.
7. Chill and wait: Patience is a virtue when it comes to fudge. Let the fudge chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours or until firm. It’s tempting to sneak a piece early, but waiting will give you the perfect sliceable fudge consistency.
8. Cut and enjoy: Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment overhang, slice it into bite-sized squares, and enjoy!

Dessert Information

• Servings: 30-36 pieces
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Calories: Approximately 160 kcal per serving

Bonus Tips for Perfect Fudge

1. Room temperature ingredients: Before you begin, let your ingredients come to room temperature. This helps the chocolate melt more evenly and ensures your fudge has a smooth, even consistency.
2. Swirling technique: For a more pronounced swirl effect, use a toothpick or butter knife and make large, slow movements. Too much swirling can blend the layers too much, so go easy on it!
3. Crushed candy size: Don’t crush the peppermint candies too finely. You want them to add a bit of crunch, so leave some slightly larger pieces for extra texture.
4. Chilling time: Resist the urge to cut into your fudge too soon! Letting it chill properly will ensure the layers set beautifully and the flavors fully meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This fudge is perfect for sharing during the holidays. Arrange the squares in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane with a festive ribbon to give as gifts. You could also set it out as part of a holiday dessert spread alongside cookies, cakes, and hot cocoa. For an extra indulgent touch, serve a square or two with a cup of rich hot chocolate or alongside a warm mug of peppermint tea.

See You in the Kitchen

This peppermint swirl fudge is a delicious and festive addition to any holiday celebration. Not only does it taste incredible, but its beautiful swirled appearance makes it a show-stopping treat for any dessert table. Plus, it’s simple enough to make that you’ll want to whip it up year after year.

I hope this recipe becomes a part of your holiday tradition as it has for my family. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or share your creation on social media—don’t forget to tag me so I can see your peppermint fudge masterpiece!