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To make this quick and easy peppermint fudge, you need just a few key ingredients: - Chocolate components: - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for a swirled look) - Sweetening agents: - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - Flavorings and toppings: - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes - Pinch of sea salt These ingredients come together to create a rich and minty treat. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a deep chocolate flavor. The sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness. Peppermint extract gives that fresh, minty kick. Crushed peppermint candies add texture and a pop of color. The white chocolate chips swirl in for visual flair. A small pinch of sea salt balances all the flavors. When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for a quick win in the kitchen. This fudge recipe is not only simple but also fun to make. You can enjoy it at home or share it with friends. The best part? You can whip it up in just ten minutes! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by lining an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on the sides. This helps you lift out the fudge easily later. Make sure the paper fits snugly in the corners. In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Heat this mixture over low to medium heat. Stir it constantly with a spatula. Keep mixing until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. This step is key for a great texture. Once the chocolate is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to mix everything together. This adds a nice flavor kick to your fudge. Next, fold in half of the crushed peppermint candies. Save the rest for later. This gives your fudge a fun crunch. Pour the chocolate mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. For the white chocolate swirl, melt 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips in a separate small bowl. Use the microwave for this, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between. Once it's smooth, drizzle it over the chocolate layer. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it. This creates a beautiful marbled effect. Now, sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies on top. This adds extra texture and looks nice too. Place the dish in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This will help the fudge set. Once it’s firm, lift it out using the parchment overhang. Cut the fudge into squares and enjoy! To make sure your chocolate stays smooth, use low heat. Stir constantly while it melts. This helps prevent the chocolate from burning. If it feels too thick, add more sweetened condensed milk. This will help it blend better and stay creamy. You can change the fudge flavor to suit your taste. Use different extracts like vanilla or almond. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. You can also mix in nuts or dried fruit. Experimenting with flavors makes each batch unique and fun! The texture of your fudge should be rich and creamy. Make sure to fold in the crushed peppermint carefully. This keeps some pieces whole for crunch. If you want a firmer fudge, let it set longer in the fridge. Pay attention to the cooling time for the best results. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt better and provide a richer taste. Chill for Better Cutting: After refrigerating, let the fudge sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting. This helps avoid cracks. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute peppermint extract with flavors like orange or almond for a unique twist on the fudge. Store Properly: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to two weeks. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your fudge easily. Instead of peppermint, try other extracts. Almond extract adds a nutty taste. Vanilla extract gives a classic touch. For a fruity twist, use orange or lemon extract. Just swap the peppermint extract with your choice. Use the same amount for best results. Toppings can really change your fudge. Instead of crushed peppermint candies, use other goodies. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch. Mini marshmallows can give a fun texture. Try drizzling caramel sauce for a sweet layer. Get creative! Mix and match to find your favorite combo. You can make this fudge fit different diets. To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips. Look for sweetened condensed milk made from coconut. This keeps the fudge creamy without dairy. Also, check your toppings. Make sure any candies or extras are dairy-free. Enjoy your treat without worry! To keep your peppermint fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method works well for short-term storage. Keep the fudge in a cool, dark place, like a pantry. If you live in a warm area, the fridge is best. The chill helps maintain the fudge's texture. You can freeze peppermint fudge for longer storage. Cut the fudge into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps the fudge fresh and tasty. When you're ready to enjoy it, take out a piece and let it thaw in the fridge. It should remain soft and delicious. Peppermint fudge lasts about one week at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. Freezing extends its life to about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying. Fresh fudge should smell sweet and have a smooth texture. Yes, you can make fudge without chocolate chips. You can use cocoa powder or carob chips instead. These options will change the taste and texture. If you choose cocoa powder, add more sweetened condensed milk to keep it smooth. To make smaller servings, cut the recipe in half. Use a smaller dish, like a 6x6 inch pan. You will need 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 can of sweetened condensed milk. This makes about 8 pieces. If you do not have peppermint extract, you can use vanilla extract or almond extract. Both will give a nice flavor but will change the taste a bit. You may also try orange or lemon zest for a fresh twist. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious peppermint fudge. We covered key ingredients like chocolate, sweeteners, and flavorings. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, melt, and swirl the fudge. Tips ensured smooth chocolate, perfect texture, and flavor customization. We discussed variations to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Lastly, proper storage tips help keep your fudge fresh. Fudge-making is fun and allows you to be creative. Enjoy your delicious treat!

Ten Minute Peppermint Fudge

A quick and easy peppermint fudge recipe perfect for the holidays.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
  • 1 2 white chocolate chips (for a swirl effect)
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and add the peppermint extract and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to combine.
  • Fold in half of the crushed peppermint candies into the chocolate mixture, saving the rest for topping.
  • Pour the chocolate layer into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • In a separate small bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
  • Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the chocolate layer and use a toothpick or knife to swirl it gently for a marbled effect.
  • Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies on top for added flavor and decoration.
  • Refrigerate fudge for about 10 minutes or until fully set.
  • Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, peppermint