Name: Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 25 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

I absolutely adore making this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe whenever the holidays roll around. It combines the richest, smoothest chocolate with a festive peppermint swirl that just lights up the taste buds. The creamy texture and the perfect balance of sweet and minty flavors always bring a smile to my face and my guests’ as well. Plus, it’s one of those treats that looks as stunning as it tastes, making it a go-to for gift-giving or festive gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

Let me tell you, what really sets this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe apart for me is the way the flavors dance on your tongue. The deep, luscious chocolate combines beautifully with the cool, refreshing peppermint, creating a taste that feels both indulgent and bright. I especially love how the peppermint isn’t overpowering but adds just the right burst of holiday magic in every bite.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this recipe is how straightforward it is. You don’t have to be a dessert expert to pull this off. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. I often think about giving up more complicated sweets in favor of this fudge—it’s both a time saver and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

And honestly, this fudge fits so many occasions. Whether I’m hosting a cozy winter party, need a sweet holiday gift, or just want to treat my family on a chilly evening, this peppermint fudge never disappoints. It stands out with its festive look too—the beautiful red and white swirl, topped with crushed peppermint for that special spark. It’s truly a recipe I keep close and make often.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows six containers with baking ingredients, all placed on a white marbled surface. At the top left is a white bowl filled with dark brown chocolate chips, next to it on the right is a white bowl filled with light yellow white chocolate chips. Below them is a small glass jar with a dropper, filled with amber-colored liquid. To the right of it is a small white bowl holding three cubes of pale yellow butter. Further right is a clear glass pitcher of creamy white liquid. At the bottom right is a white bowl filled with crushed red and white peppermint pieces. Two small bowls, one gray and one brown, contain coarse and fine white salts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays an essential role in delivering perfect taste, texture, and that irresistible festive color. From creamy chocolate to fragrant peppermint extract, every component is a building block of magic.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: These form the rich base of the chocolate layer with a smooth, slightly bittersweet flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds luscious creaminess to the fudge and helps create a silky texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to that melt-in-your-mouth softness and just the right amount of sweetness.
Peppermint extract: Injects that unmistakable refreshing peppermint flavor that makes this fudge holiday-perfect.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
White chocolate chips: Used for the swirl layer, bringing creamy sweetness and stunning color contrast.
Red gel food coloring: Creates vibrant red swirls without thinning the white chocolate.
Crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkled on top to add crunch, festive flair, and extra peppermint goodness.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by lining an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, making sure there's an overhang on two sides. This overhang will help you lift the fudge out later. Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick spray and set the pan on a flat surface.

Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and room-temperature sweetened condensed milk. Set this bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler. Stir constantly until the mixture is completely melted and silky smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: For the peppermint swirl layer, use a separate heatproof bowl to melt the white chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk together over the double boiler. Stir gently until smooth. Add the peppermint extract and 1 or 2 drops of red gel food coloring. Stir just enough to create lovely streaks of red without fully blending the color.

Step 4: Pour about three-quarters of the chocolate fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the red peppermint swirl mixture across the surface, then carefully add the remaining chocolate fudge in between those spoonfuls.

Step 5: Now, take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the two mixtures together using figure-eight motions. Be careful not to overmix—you want beautiful defined swirls, not a pink mess.

Step 6: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the top and press down gently so they stick into the fudge.

Step 7: Refrigerate the pan for at least 3 hours or until the fudge is fully set and firm. Once chilled, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and cut it into 25 bite-sized squares with a sharp knife.

Servings and Timing

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe yields about 25 delicious squares, making it perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to friends and family. The prep time is roughly 25 minutes, mostly spent melting and swirling the chocolate layers. You’ll need to allow for about 3 hours of chilling time to get that perfect firm texture. So, total time from start to finish is approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. Trust me, the wait for this fudge to set is absolutely worth it!

How to Serve This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

The image shows several square pieces of marbled chocolate fudge stacked closely on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three visible layers with swirling dark and white chocolate mixed together, creating a smooth and creamy texture. The top layer of the fudge is smooth dark chocolate sprinkled generously with large, uneven white peppermint candy pieces that have red streaks. One piece on top has a bite taken out of it, revealing the creamy interior layers. The overall look is rich, festive, and detailed, with the crushed peppermint adding a rough texture contrast to the smooth chocolate fudge photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this fudge chilled or at room temperature, which keeps its luscious creamy texture just right. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or peppermint tea if you want to complement the minty flavors. For parties, I like arranging the squares beautifully on a festive platter decorated with more crushed peppermint and maybe some holly sprigs—it instantly elevates the presentation and gets everyone excited to dive in.

If you’re serving this at a family dinner or holiday gathering, I recommend setting out small plates and napkins so guests can easily enjoy these bite-sized treats without fuss. I find that the balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes it a great after-dinner sweet, especially alongside spiced wine or a peppermint cocktail for the adults.

For a fun twist, try gifting pieces wrapped individually in parchment paper tied with a red ribbon; these make the sweetest homemade presents. Whether for a season’s party, a cookie exchange, or a cozy night at home, this fudge feels special but effortless to enjoy.

Variations

Over time, I’ve tinkered with this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you want to switch things up, you could try using milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter base or add a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chocolate layer for a surprising spicy kick. For a vegan twist, swap the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut milk-based condensed milk alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips—though the texture will be slightly different, it’s still delicious.

If peppermint isn’t your favorite, I’ve had great results swapping in orange extract for a festive chocolate-orange version. You could also experiment with different colors of gel food coloring to create custom swirls for birthdays or themed parties. Another idea is to fold crushed candy canes directly into the chocolate base for extra crunch inside the fudge instead of just as a topping.

Finally, while I love the classic stovetop double boiler method for melting chocolate gently and evenly, you could try using a slow cooker set on low, stirring often, to keep hands free during prep. Just keep an eye on the melting process to avoid overheating.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying some, I always store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. I prefer glass or plastic containers with tight seals to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the fudge. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. I always recommend cutting the fudge into smaller squares before storing so you can grab a bite easily without thawing the whole block.

Freezing

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then place it inside a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. This will keep it fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the fudge overnight in the fridge. Freezing is my favorite way to prepare fudge in advance for holiday gifting or to have on hand for unexpected guests.

Reheating

Since fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, I generally don’t recommend reheating it. However, if your fudge becomes too firm after refrigeration, leaving it out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes softens it up nicely without losing texture or flavor. Avoid microwaving fudge, as this can cause the chocolate to seize or grainy textures to develop. Patience is the key to bringing this fudge back to its creamy glory.

FAQs

Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate for the swirl?

While almond bark can be easier to melt, I find that real white chocolate gives a richer, creamier flavor and a better texture for the peppermint swirl. The taste and consistency of almond bark differ, so I recommend sticking to quality white chocolate chips for the best results in this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe.

Is it okay to use extract other than peppermint?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla, orange, or even coffee extract to create unique flavor combinations. Just be mindful of the amounts since extracts can vary in strength—you want to complement, not overpower, the chocolate.

What if I don’t have a double boiler? Can I melt the chocolate another way?

If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, just ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate gently in the microwave on low power in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning. I prefer the stovetop method because it offers better control over the melting process.

Can I make this fudge ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! This fudge actually benefits from some resting time, as the flavors meld together beautifully when made a day or two before serving. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and you’ll have a stunning treat ready to wow your guests anytime.

How can I make the red swirls more vibrant without affecting the fudge texture?

I recommend using gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring because it adds concentrated color without thinning the white chocolate mixture. Add just one or two drops, swirl gently, and you’ll get those gorgeous vibrant red streaks that make this fudge so visually festive.

Conclusion

I can’t stress enough how much joy this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe brings to my kitchen and gatherings. It’s truly a treat that feels festive, special, and utterly delicious without being complicated or fussy. If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday sweet that anyone can make, this is it. I hope you’ll give it a try and create sweet memories with every bite just like I do!