If you’re looking for a treat that combines the rich, creamy goodness of fudge with a refreshing burst of peppermint, then you’re in for a real treat with this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to holiday (or anytime!) sweet that you’ll want to share—and maybe even sneak a few pieces before anyone else does!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The deep chocolate layers combined with cool peppermint create a delightful contrast that feels festive yet classic.
Easy Swirling Technique: Simple layering and swirling make this fudge look gourmet without much fuss—impress guests effortlessly.
No Candy Thermometer Needed: The double boiler melting method is foolproof and gentle, so even beginners can succeed.
Customizable Toppings: Crushed peppermint candies add texture and charm, but you can easily swap or skip for dietary needs.

Peppermint Swirl Fudge, peppermint fudge, holiday fudge recipe, easy peppermint fudge, Christmas fudge dessert - 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

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe is all about quality ingredients working together to make something truly irresistible. The blend of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips creates those beautiful layers, and the sweetened condensed milk gives it that ultra-smooth, creamy texture that fudge is famous for.

Peppermint Swirl Fudge, peppermint fudge, holiday fudge recipe, easy peppermint fudge, Christmas fudge dessert - 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: Use good quality chocolate for a rich flavor and smooth melt; avoid lower-quality chips with fillers.
Unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and richness without overpowering the chocolate’s flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is your secret weapon for creamy, never-grainy fudge.
Peppermint extract: Choose a pure, strong peppermint extract for that vibrant, refreshing zing; a little goes a long way here.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance the chocolate and balance sweetness.
White chocolate chips: Go for real white chocolate chips, not almond bark, for the best flavor and smooth swirl.
Red gel food coloring: This keeps the peppermint swirl color bright without thinning the white chocolate layer.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds crunch and that classic holiday look, plus a little extra peppermint punch.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often tweak things just a bit depending on the season or what I’m in the mood for, and there’s a lot of flexibility in the flavors and textures you can play with.

Chocolate variety: Sometimes I swap the semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate if I want a more intense cocoa flavor, and it turns out fantastic every time.
Naturally dyed swirls: If you prefer to avoid food coloring, try swirling in crushed freeze-dried raspberries or a natural red beet powder for a subtle tint.
Nut add-ins: Feel free to sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top instead of peppermint candies for a crunchy twist.
Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free version, experiment with vegan white chocolate and coconut-based condensed milk alternatives; just note the texture may differ slightly.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan With Care

I like to start by lining my 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving those handy overhanging edges on two sides—this makes lifting the fudge out a breeze later on. Then I lightly spray the parchment with nonstick spray just to be extra sure nothing sticks. Getting this done first saves you from a sticky mess and ruined pieces later!

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Chocolate Layer

Next, grab a heatproof bowl and combine the semi-sweet (or dark) chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Place this bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a gentle double boiler, stirring constantly. This slow, steady heat keeps the chocolate smooth and prevents it from seizing. Once everything is melted and glossy, stir in the peppermint extract and just a pinch of salt to deepen the flavors. Pay attention here: stirring continuously is key to avoid scorching.

Step 3: Create the Peppermint Swirl Layer

In a separate bowl, repeat the same melting process with your white chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk. Once silky, add in that peppermint extract and carefully mix in 1 or 2 drops of red gel food coloring for a vivid streak. Don’t fully blend the color—you want those striking swirls. This step always makes me feel like a fudge artist on Christmas Eve!

Step 4: Layer, Swirl, and Add Peppermint Crunch

Now comes the fun part: pour about three-quarters of your chocolate fudge base into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the colored peppermint layer randomly across the surface. Next, fill in the spaces with the remaining chocolate fudge. Use a knife or skewer to swirl them together gently, making figure-eight or swirl patterns—don’t overmix or you’ll lose those distinct layers! Finally, sprinkle your crushed peppermint candies on top and press them lightly into the fudge so they stick well.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop the pan into the fridge for at least 3 hours. I usually give it a bit longer just to be sure it’s perfectly firm before cutting. When it’s set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and slice into 25 squares with a sharp knife. A clean cut avoids messy edges—wipe your knife between cuts if the fudge starts to stick.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Double Boiler Patience: Use gentle heat and stir often to avoid burning chocolate and getting gritty texture.
Use Gel Coloring: It provides vivid color without thinning the white chocolate, unlike liquid coloring.
Crush Peppermint Evenly: Crush candies so you get a mix of fine and chunkier pieces for texture variety.
Cut with a Warm Knife: Running your knife under hot water before slicing helps achieve smooth edges.

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

Peppermint Swirl Fudge, peppermint fudge, holiday fudge recipe, easy peppermint fudge, Christmas fudge dessert - 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 love adding a little extra sparkle by sprinkling crushed peppermint candies or tiny edible silver balls on top if it’s for a special event. Fresh mint leaves or even a light dusting of powdered sugar can bring a nice visual contrast if you’re serving this as part of a dessert platter.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy mug of hot cocoa. For holiday parties, I often serve it alongside soft sugar cookies or lightly spiced gingerbread—perfect bites together.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I like to stack squares on a decorative plate lined with parchment paper and tie the stack with a red ribbon. You can also pack pieces into clear cellophane bags with a personalized tag—great for gifting neighbors or coworkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and firm. It holds up well for up to a week that way. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for a softer bite.

Freezing

Freezing peppermint fudge works great if you want to stash some for later. I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want some, thaw them overnight in the fridge to keep the texture perfect.

Reheating

Fudge isn’t usually reheated, but if you want it softer, letting it sit at room temperature is the best approach. Avoid microwaving or warming directly, which can compromise the texture and cause separation.

FAQs

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel for the peppermint swirl?

While you can, gel food coloring is preferred because it’s more concentrated and won’t thin the chocolate mixture, which helps maintain that thick, creamy fudge texture and vivid swirl color.
What’s the best way to prevent fudge from being grainy?

Using sweetened condensed milk and melting the chocolate gently over a double boiler while stirring constantly really helps. Avoid direct heat or microwaving to prevent seizing or grainy texture.
Can I make this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe ahead of time for holiday parties?

Absolutely! This fudge actually benefits from chilling and can be made several days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and slice just before serving.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract on hand?

You can substitute with vanilla extract for a classic chocolate-white chocolate fudge, but it won’t have that refreshing peppermint kick. Or try a drop of peppermint oil if you have it, but use sparingly as it’s stronger than extract.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those treats that feels like a warm seasonal hug, yet is easy enough to whip up anytime you crave something sweet and festive. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe it becomes one of your cherished recipes to share with family and friends. Just promise me you’ll save a piece for yourself!