If you’re a fan of holiday treats or simply adore the refreshing burst of mint paired with rich chocolate, you’re going to be obsessed with this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of creamy, chocolatey fudge with a festive peppermint twist that’s both easy to make and utterly delightful to share. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to gift or cozy night-in indulgence.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Texture: Using sweetened condensed milk creates a luscious, smooth fudge that sets perfectly every time.
Flavor Balance: The peppermint extract adds just the right amount of minty freshness without overpowering the rich chocolate layers.
Classic Swirl Aesthetic: The red gel food coloring mixed with the white chocolate layer makes a stunning swirl that’s as festive as it is delicious.
Easy to Customize: This recipe is flexible—you can switch up chocolate types or toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Peppermint Swirl Fudge, peppermint fudge recipe, holiday fudge recipes, chocolate peppermint fudge, festive fudge treats - 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

The magic of this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe lies in the simple yet rich ingredients that combine for an incredible mouthfeel and flavor. Each element plays a key role, and I always recommend using real white chocolate for the swirl—trust me, the difference is night and day! Also, room temperature sweetened condensed milk blends more smoothly, so don’t skip that step.

Peppermint Swirl Fudge, peppermint fudge recipe, holiday fudge recipes, chocolate peppermint fudge, festive fudge treats - 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: Choose good-quality chocolate chips for depth of flavor and smooth melting.
Unsalted butter: It adds richness without salt interfering with sweetness.
Sweetened condensed milk: This gives the fudge that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Peppermint extract: Pure peppermint extract provides that fresh mint flavor—make sure it’s high quality to avoid any bitter aftertaste.
A pinch of salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness.
White chocolate chips: Use real white chocolate, not almond bark; it melts better and tastes richer.
Red gel food coloring: Gel keeps your fudge vibrant without thinning the chocolate mixture.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds irresistible crunch and boosts the festive vibe on top.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this peppermint swirl fudge as is because of its classic charm, but you can absolutely get creative. Adding a little crushed toasted nuts or swapping semi-sweet with milk chocolate works wonders, especially if you prefer a sweeter fudge. I’ve even experimented with flavored extracts like vanilla for subtle twists. Feel free to adjust peppermint intensity too—some like it bolder than others!

Nutty Variation: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts brings in a nice crunch, and my friends couldn’t get enough of it last holiday season.
Flavor Swap: Try vanilla extract instead of peppermint for a rich white chocolate fudge if you want a change of pace.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly twist, just keep an eye on consistency.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pan Like a Pro

I always start by lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper and leaving a good overhang on two sides. Why? This little tip saves you from struggling to get the fudge out later. After that, a light spray of nonstick spray helps prevent any sticky spots. Set it on a flat surface because an even base means smooth, uniform fudge thickness.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Fudge Base

In a heatproof bowl, combine your chocolate chips, butter, and room temperature sweetened condensed milk. Place it over a pot of simmering water, stirring constantly to gently melt everything together. This double boiler method is my favorite because it protects the chocolate from overheating and seizing — something microwave melting can easily cause! Once silky and smooth, remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. The salt really makes the chocolate pop.

Step 3: Whip Up the Peppermint Swirl Layer

Using a separate heatproof bowl, melt white chocolate chips with butter and the condensed milk the same way over your double boiler. When everything’s creamy and smooth, mix in peppermint extract and 1 or 2 drops of red gel food coloring. The key here is to stir gently so you get pretty red streaks rather than a full pink blend. This swirl effect gives the fudge its signature festive look.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl to Perfection

Pour about three-quarters of your dark chocolate mixture into the pan and spread it evenly. Then, spoon the red peppermint white chocolate mixture in droplets all over the top, followed by the remaining dark chocolate to fill in the gaps. Grab a knife or skewer and draw gentle figure-eight patterns to swirl the two mixtures together, but be careful not to overmix — those distinct swirls are the star!

Step 5: Sprinkle Topping & Chill

Finish off by sprinkling crushed peppermint candies evenly across the surface and press down gently. It sticks to the fudge and adds a wonderful crunch. Pop your pan into the fridge for at least 3 hours—it’s tempting, but letting it fully set is the key to slicing neat squares without crumbling.

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Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

Use a Double Boiler: It keeps the chocolate silky and prevents overheating, which can cause graininess or seizing.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially the sweetened condensed milk—cold can cause clumping or uneven melting.
Don’t Overmix the Swirl: Those pretty red streaks come from gentle swirling; overdoing it will blend the colors.
Sharp Knife for Cutting: Warm your knife under hot water and wipe dry before slicing for smooth, clean fudge squares.

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

Peppermint Swirl Fudge, peppermint fudge recipe, holiday fudge recipes, chocolate peppermint fudge, festive fudge treats - 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 always top this fudge with crushed peppermint candies because it not only looks festive but adds a pleasant crunch and a little extra peppermint zip. Sometimes, for a prettier presentation, I’ll place a few whole mini candy canes on plates beside the fudge pieces. You can even dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar or edible glitter for special occasions—it’s surprisingly charming!

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, peppermint tea, or rich hot chocolate—great for cozy winter evenings. If you’re serving at a party, consider offering alongside cookies or a cheese platter; the minty-sweet fudge provides a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gift-giving, I like to cut the fudge into small squares, wrap each piece tightly in wax paper, and pack them in a festive tin or box with tissue paper. Another party-favorite presentation I’ve tried is arranging the fudge on a decorative slate board with sprigs of pine and cranberries for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My experience is that storing the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator keeps it fresh and chewy for up to a week. I usually place parchment sheets between layers if stacking the fudge to prevent sticking. Just be sure to keep it chilled for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze leftover fudge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or an airtight freezer container. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. When you want a treat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge—we never lost that smooth texture or flavor this way.

Reheating

If your fudge hardens a little too much in the fridge or freezer, I find letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes makes it easier to chew. Reheating in the microwave isn’t necessary and can alter texture, so I stick with gentle thawing instead.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate in this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter fudge or even bittersweet for a richer, less sweet option. Just keep in mind that darker chocolates may require slight adjustment to the sweetness balance.
Is it necessary to use gel food coloring for the peppermint swirl?

Using gel food coloring is highly recommended because it provides vibrant color without thinning the white chocolate mixture. Liquid food coloring can make the white chocolate too runny and affect texture.
How long does the peppermint swirl fudge last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the fudge stays fresh for about one week. Freezing extends its life to a few months without significant flavor or texture loss.
Can I make this fudge ahead for holiday gifting?

Definitely! This fudge is perfect for making ahead. Just chill fully, slice, wrap well, and store refrigerated or frozen until ready to gift. It holds up well and the peppermint flavor stays bright.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s become a holiday tradition in my family, one that always fills the kitchen with nostalgic scents and smiles. What I love most is how approachable it is—no fancy equipment, just simple steps that yield a gorgeous, delicious result. Once you whip this up, you’ll want to share it (but maybe keep a few squares just for yourself!). Seriously, give this recipe a try and enjoy the magical combo of peppermint and chocolate melting on your tongue—it’s a sweet little moment worth savoring.