Peppermint Swirl Fudge

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

There’s something magical about peppermint and chocolate together, and this Peppermint Swirl Fudge captures that festive flavor combo in the most dreamy way. Creamy, rich, and dotted with bursts of cool mint, this fudge is as stunning to look at as it is to bite into. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party or packaging it for edible gifts, it never fails to impress.

This is the kind of sweet treat that feels extra special but is secretly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and no candy thermometer required, you’ll have swirled squares of goodness ready in no time. The marbled effect is easy to achieve and adds a beautiful finish that looks professionally made without all the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Swirl Fudge

This fudge is a go-to when you need something festive, easy, and guaranteed to disappear quickly. It’s smooth and creamy with just the right balance of chocolate and peppermint. The red swirls make it eye-catching on dessert trays, and the flavor delivers on every level. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which is always a win during the busy holiday season.

What Kind of Peppermint Should I Use?

For that classic candy cane flavor, peppermint extract is the best choice. It’s strong enough to stand out without being overpowering, and it pairs beautifully with both white and semi-sweet chocolate. Avoid using peppermint oil unless you’re familiar with it—it’s much more concentrated and can easily take over the entire recipe if not used carefully.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Making this fudge doesn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few notes on why each one matters.

White Chocolate Chips bring the creamy base that allows the peppermint flavor and red swirl to shine. They melt smoothly and set up beautifully.

Sweetened Condensed Milk gives the fudge its rich texture and sweetness without needing to boil sugar or use a candy thermometer.

Peppermint Extract provides that fresh, cool bite that defines this recipe. A little goes a long way.

Red Food Coloring is used to create the swirl. You only need a few drops to get that iconic peppermint look.

Butter adds a silky finish and helps the fudge set with a smooth texture.

Salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

How To Make the Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Color

Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract and salt. Scoop out a few tablespoons of the mixture into a small bowl and stir in the red food coloring.

Step 4: Swirl It Up

Pour the plain white fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Drop small spoonfuls of the red fudge mixture over the top, then use a skewer or butter knife to swirl it through the surface to create a marbled effect.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours or until firm. Once set, lift it out using the parchment and cut into squares.

Serving and Storing Peppermint Swirl Fudge

This peppermint swirl fudge makes about 25 small squares, perfect for sharing or gifting. It holds up well on dessert platters, in cookie tins, or wrapped in cellophane bags with a festive ribbon.

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before cutting.

What to Serve With Peppermint Swirl Fudge?

Hot Chocolate

Pairing this fudge with a mug of creamy hot chocolate is the ultimate cozy holiday treat.

Espresso or Coffee

The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the fudge perfectly.

Shortbread Cookies

Add some buttery crunch alongside the smooth fudge for texture contrast.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Chop up a few pieces of fudge and sprinkle over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Chocolate Bark

Make a holiday dessert board with a mix of peppermint fudge and festive chocolate bark.

Cheesecake Bites

Serve alongside mini cheesecakes for a creamy, dreamy dessert pairing.

Cranberry Punch

A zesty fruit punch can cut through the richness and refresh the palate.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you loved this Peppermint Swirl Fudge, check out these other fun and festive recipes:

• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for a warm cinnamon twist.
• Classic French Butter Cookies if you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth textures.
• Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a nostalgic, gooey treat.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe if you crave something tangy and sweet.
• Easter Chocolate Lasagna even outside Easter, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go bold with the swirl? Add crushed candy canes on top? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated holiday sweets and health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen inspiration!

Conclusion

Peppermint Swirl Fudge is the ultimate low-effort, high-impact holiday dessert. It’s festive, flavorful, and comes together in one pan with minimal mess. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a little winter magic, this fudge delivers every time.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?