Name: Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, room temperature; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; Pinch of salt; 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips (use real white chocolate, not almond bark); ½ tablespoon unsalted butter; ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, room temperature; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; 1–2 drops red gel food coloring; ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 32 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a holiday treat that’s both creamy and festive, then this Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe is going to blow your mind. I remember making this for my family last winter, and the way the rich chocolate meets the refreshing peppermint swirl with crunchy candy bits on top? Absolutely heavenly. You’ll want to keep a batch on hand for a sweet pick-me-up all season long—so trust me, stick around, because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Texture: Using sweetened condensed milk creates that melt-in-your-mouth fudge consistency that’s perfectly smooth.
Peppermint Swirl Visual: The delicate red swirl beauty makes this recipe not just delicious, but a festive showstopper.
Crunchy Topping: Crushed peppermint candies add that refreshing crunch and extra holiday spirit.
Simple Process: The double boiler method avoids chocolate seizing and ensures easy melting every time.

Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge, holiday peppermint fudge, festive chocolate fudge, peppermint dessert recipe, easy Christmas fudge - A white baking pan lined with parchment paper holds a single-layer, glossy dark chocolate mixture spread evenly inside. A woman's hand is using a white spatula with a red tip to swirl crushed white and red peppermint pieces on top of the chocolate with circular motions. The spatula moves from the center outward, creating a marbled effect with the crushed peppermint pieces scattered mainly around the center and edges. The setting features a white marbled surface, and a pine cone is visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe is chosen to balance rich chocolate with cool peppermint, while giving you a fudge that’s creamy, smooth, and just sweet enough. And a quick heads-up—the quality of your chocolate chips seriously makes a difference.

Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge, holiday peppermint fudge, festive chocolate fudge, peppermint dessert recipe, easy Christmas fudge - Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl holding unsalted butter chunks, a small white bowl with thick sweetened condensed milk, a clean glass vial of peppermint extract (exclude since no bottles allowed—replace with a sprig of fresh peppermint leaves), a pinch of salt crystals scattered neatly, a separate simple white ceramic bowl filled with smooth white chocolate chips, a tiny white bowl containing vibrant red gel food coloring drops, a small white bowl with crushed red and white peppermint candies, all arranged symmetrically and naturally 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

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: Go for good-quality chips that melt smoothly; they make the fudge rich and decadent without extra sugar.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and keeps control over salt levels, letting the chocolate and peppermint shine.
Sweetened condensed milk: It’s the magic ingredient that makes fudge creamy without fussing over sugar proportions.
Peppermint extract: Choose pure peppermint extract rather than artificial for the freshest, cleanest mint flavor.
White chocolate chips: Be sure to use real white chocolate, not almond bark, for the perfect melt and authentic flavor.
Red gel food coloring: Gel colors give vibrant swirls without thinning your chocolate mixture.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds that satisfying crunch and festive look on top.

📝

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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add an extra splash of peppermint extract for a bolder kick, or swap out the dark chocolate for milk chocolate to make it a bit sweeter for the kids.

Variation: Sprinkling chopped nuts into the chocolate layer adds a lovely crunch and texture contrast that my family adores.
Dietary: You can try dairy-free sweetened condensed coconut milk for a vegan twist—just expect a slightly different texture.
Seasonal: Swap the peppermint extract with orange extract and replace crushed candies with candied orange peel for a citrus holiday version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace & Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on two sides so you can lift out the fudge easily when it’s set. I like to lightly spray the parchment with nonstick spray—this really helps the fudge release cleanly. Set the pan on a flat surface to keep everything even while you work.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Fudge Base

In a heatproof bowl, combine your semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, butter, and room temperature sweetened condensed milk. I use a double boiler—just a pot of simmering water with the bowl on top—to gently melt everything together. Stir constantly until it’s fully smooth and glossy. This gentle heat keeps the chocolate from seizing, which can happen if you rush it or use the microwave. Once melted, stir in your peppermint extract and a pinch of salt to enhance those deep chocolate notes.

Step 3: Make the Peppermint Swirl Layer

In a separate heatproof bowl, do the same melting process with your white chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk. Once smooth, add peppermint extract and a drop or two of red gel food coloring. When mixing the coloring in, don’t overmix—leave some streaks for those gorgeous peppermint swirls. I find this part fun because it’s like painting your fudge canvas with candy art.

Step 4: Layer, Swirl & Top

Pour about ¾ of the chocolate fudge base into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Then drop spoonfuls of the red peppermint swirl mixture over the surface, followed by dollops of the remaining chocolate fudge. Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl them together with figure-eight motions—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose those distinct swirls. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top, pressing lightly so they stick before chilling.

Step 5: Chill & Slice

Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 3 hours—honestly, patience here is key. When fully set and firm, use the parchment overhang to lift out the fudge slab and cut it into 25 neat squares with a sharp knife. If your knife sticks, just warm it slightly under hot water and dry before slicing for cleaner cuts.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Double Boiler Melting: Avoid microwaving chocolate—it’s easy to burn or seize. Melting over simmering water gives you perfect control and silky results every time.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring sweetened condensed milk and butter to room temp before melting to ensure even blending and smooth texture.
Gentle Swirling: Use a toothpick or skewer and swirl lightly to keep those vibrant red swirls distinct—too much swirling mutes the colors.
Sharp Knife for Cutting: Warm your knife under hot water, then dry it to cut fudge cleanly without squashing or cracking pieces.

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge, holiday peppermint fudge, festive chocolate fudge, peppermint dessert recipe, easy Christmas fudge - The image shows thick square pieces of fudge with three visible layers: a bottom white layer, a middle layer with swirled white and milk chocolate, and a smooth milk chocolate top layer. Each piece is topped with large broken peppermint candy pieces in white and red, scattered unevenly, giving a crunchy texture. The fudge’s edges are clean with the swirls creating a marbled effect on all sides. The background and base have a white marbled texture. The top piece has a bite taken out of it, revealing the creamy inside photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple with the topping of crushed peppermint candies—they add that sweet crunch and are visually gorgeous for gifting or serving. Sometimes I’ll add a light dusting of edible glitter or a few mini chocolate chips on top for extra pizzazz when serving at parties.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea to double down on that cozy winter vibe. For holiday gatherings, I like serving it alongside a cheese platter with crisp apples and nuts; the fudge adds a sweet counterbalance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try cutting the fudge into festive shapes using cookie cutters—stars or Christmas trees are perfect. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming edible gifts. I found that layering different swirl colors (like adding green food coloring) brings a festive twist that wows at holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh and firm for up to a week. I recommend layering pieces with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I pop the fudge into a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. When thawed in the fridge, the fudge retains its creamy texture, and the peppermint flavor stays bright.

Reheating

Generally, I don’t reheat fudge—honestly, it’s best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it softer, let the fudge sit out for 15 minutes to warm up slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate in this Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the fudge sweeter and creamier but might be less rich. Adjust the peppermint extract to balance the sweetness to your taste.
Why is it important to use real white chocolate and not almond bark for the swirl?

Real white chocolate melts smoothly and gives the authentic creamy flavor that complements the peppermint. Almond bark, while convenient, can be waxier and might not produce the same texture or taste.
How do I prevent my fudge from being grainy?

Using fresh, quality ingredients and melting the chocolate gently via a double boiler helps avoid graininess. Also, make sure to stir constantly as it melts to keep the mixture smooth.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This fudge is perfect for making days or even weeks in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, and it will keep its flavor and texture beautifully.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Can I use peppermint oil or candy canes instead?

Peppermint extract is best for consistent flavor without overpowering. Peppermint oil is stronger, so use sparingly. Using crushed candy canes alone adds texture and sweetness but won’t replace the pure mint flavor the extract provides.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s become my go-to holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Sharing it with friends and family always sparks compliments, and honestly, it’s just plain joyful. If you try it, I promise you’ll fall in love with the creamy, minty, chocolaty goodness just like I did. So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite mug of hot cocoa, and dive into whipping up this sweet peppermint dream—it feels like Christmas on your tongue!