White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Creamy, festive, and bursting with cool peppermint flavor, White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is the ultimate holiday treat with a delicious twist. This irresistible confection features smooth white chocolate fudge swirled with peppermint extract and topped with crushed candy canes, all set to perfect creamy firmness. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the whole kitchen with wonderful aromas and draws everyone straight to the counter.

Each bite delivers a delightful combination of textures—creamy, smooth, and delightfully crunchy from the candy cane pieces with sweet, minty, and luxurious white chocolate notes. Whether you’re making treats for holiday parties or gifting to loved ones, this fudge is as easy to make as it is to love. Add your favorite toppings like extra crushed peppermint, white chocolate drizzle, festive sprinkles, or red and green swirls for a colorful, customizable treat that feels like pure Christmas magic.

Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

No-fail simplicity: Uses just a few ingredients and doesn’t require a candy thermometer—foolproof every time.
Perfect holiday gift: Makes beautiful edible gifts that everyone appreciates during the festive season.
Festive and elegant: The red and white colors are naturally Christmas-perfect without extra effort.
Make-ahead friendly: Stores for weeks, making it ideal for early holiday prep or last-minute treats.
Crowd-pleasing favorite: The combination of white chocolate and peppermint appeals to all ages.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to clean-up.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

8×8-inch or 9×9-inch Baking Pan
This is the MVP of the recipe. It creates the perfect thickness for fudge that’s easy to cut into neat squares.

Medium Saucepan
Essential for melting the white chocolate mixture gently without burning.

Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
Perfect for lining the pan so the fudge releases easily without sticking.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for stirring the fudge mixture constantly to prevent scorching.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision matters—especially for the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract ratios.

Sharp Knife
Best for cutting the set fudge into clean, even squares.

Zip-Top Bag or Rolling Pin
For crushing candy canes into perfect sprinkle-sized pieces.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and safe.

Preparation Tips

Line the pan with parchment with overhang on the sides for easy lifting and removal.
Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture—chocolate chips work but bars melt better.
Don’t overheat the chocolate—use low heat and stir constantly to prevent seizing or burning.
Add peppermint extract gradually—it’s potent, so start with less and taste before adding more.
Crush candy canes finely for sprinkling, or leave some larger pieces for extra crunch.
Let it set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before cutting for clean edges.

These small touches make a big difference in taste, texture, and presentation.

Ingredients for This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this festive, flavor-packed fudge to life. Most of the ingredients are holiday staples, making it both special and accessible.

For the Fudge Base:

3 cups white chocolate chips (or 18 oz white chocolate, chopped)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

½ cup candy canes, crushed
2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (for drizzle, optional)
Red food coloring (optional, for swirls)

Optional Add-ins:

Mini chocolate chips
Crushed Oreos
White chocolate chunks
Festive sprinkles
Red and green M&Ms
Crushed peppermint bark

Everything in this list balances sweetness and mint—the creamy white chocolate base perfectly complements the cool peppermint crunch. The toppings are optional but give the fudge a festive, professional finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides (this creates handles for easy removal). Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray or brush with butter. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate Mixture

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 5–7 minutes. Be patient and keep the heat low to prevent burning or seizing.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Once the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the flavoring is evenly distributed throughout the fudge. Taste a tiny bit (carefully, it’s hot!) and add more peppermint extract if you want a stronger mint flavor.

Step 4: Pour and Spread

Immediately pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners and smooth the top. Work quickly as the fudge begins to set as it cools.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Swirls

While the fudge is still warm and soft, sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top, pressing them gently into the surface so they adhere. If making swirls, add a few drops of red food coloring to a small portion of reserved fudge mixture, then use a toothpick or knife to create swirl patterns on top.

Step 6: Set and Cut

Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for 2–3 hours until completely firm. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between cuts. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cut pieces.

Notes

Peppermint Intensity: Start with ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract and add more to taste. Different brands vary in strength.

Storage Containers: Layer fudge pieces between parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking when storing.

Gift Packaging: Arrange pieces in festive tins, cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or small gift boxes for beautiful homemade presents.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using high heat: White chocolate scorches easily. Always use low heat and stir constantly.
Not lining the pan: Fudge sticks terribly to bare pans. Always line with parchment or foil for easy removal.
Adding too much peppermint extract: It’s very concentrated. Start with less—you can’t remove it once added.
Not stirring constantly: Unstirred chocolate can burn on the bottom even over low heat. Keep stirring.
Cutting before fully set: Warm fudge is too soft to cut cleanly. Always chill completely first.
Using chocolate chips with additives: Some chips contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting. Use quality chocolate for best results.
Skipping the salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the peppermint flavor.
Not crushing candy canes finely enough: Large pieces can be hard to bite through. Crush to smaller, manageable sizes.

What to Serve With White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge?

This rich, sweet fudge is perfect on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate it into a complete holiday dessert spread. Whether you’re going classic or creative, there’s an option for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Hot Chocolate
Creamy hot cocoa is the perfect warm beverage to enjoy alongside cool, minty fudge.

Peppermint Coffee or Latte
A festive peppermint coffee drink echoes the fudge flavors beautifully.

Sugar Cookies
Classic frosted sugar cookies create a complete holiday cookie platter.

Chocolate Truffles
Dark chocolate truffles provide contrast to the sweet white chocolate fudge.

Spiced Nuts
Candied or spiced pecans and almonds add savory-sweet variety to dessert spreads.

Caramel Corn
Sweet, crunchy caramel corn offers a different texture for holiday snacking.

Fruit and Cheese Platter
Fresh strawberries, grapes, and mild cheese balance the sweetness.

Eggnog or Mulled Cider
Traditional holiday beverages complement the festive peppermint flavors perfectly.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a restaurant-level feel to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge stores beautifully—and actually improves slightly as flavors meld.

How to Store:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 1 week in a cool, dry place.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezer: Wrap individual pieces or portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Serving After Storage:

From Refrigerator: Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

From Freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Note: The candy cane topping may become slightly sticky in humid conditions. Store in a cool, dry place for best results.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	285
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugar	36g
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	9g
Unsaturated Fat	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	75mg

This treat delivers a sweet indulgence—perfect for holiday celebrations and special occasions in moderate portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it up to 3 weeks ahead and store in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but it becomes a different flavor profile. Milk or dark chocolate with peppermint is delicious but not the same classic combination.

3. Why is my fudge grainy?
Overheating or using low-quality chocolate can cause graininess. Use low heat, quality chocolate, and stir constantly.

4. Can I make this without peppermint extract?
You can substitute with vanilla, almond, or orange extract for different flavor variations.

5. What if I don’t have candy canes?
Use peppermint candies, starlight mints, or Andes mints crushed up. Any mint candy works.

6. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients. The method remains exactly the same.

7. How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Use low heat, avoid getting any water in the mixture, and stir constantly while melting.

8. Can I add food coloring to make it more festive?
Definitely. Add a few drops of red or green gel food coloring and swirl with a toothpick for marbled effects.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is the ultimate combination of creamy sweetness and cool mint flavor—all set into one festive, irresistible treat. With its smooth white chocolate base, refreshing peppermint, and crunchy candy cane topping, it’s everything you love about holiday desserts, made simple enough for anyone.

Perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or holiday entertaining, this fudge is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with endless topping and variation options, it never gets boring. So grab your saucepan and make treats something everyone looks forward to.