The Story & Intro
Growing up on the island of Crete, Christmas wasn’t filled with snowflakes or peppermint candy canes everywhere like it is in the US but the spirit of sweetness was always alive in my grandmother’s kitchen. When I make White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge, it instantly takes me back to those days when I’d watch her melt chocolate in a small metal pot, stirring slowly while telling me stories from her childhood. She always believed desserts should be simple, comforting, and full of love… and this recipe feels exactly like that.
Every year, I make White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge for my family and friends, and it’s the kind of treat that makes everyone smile before they’ve even taken a bite. Maybe it’s the creamy texture, the peppermint crunch, or the way the chocolate melts on your tongue but something about this fudge feels like a warm hug during the coldest days of winter.
What I love most is that it’s incredibly easy to make. No baking. No complicated steps. You only need a few basic ingredients and a holiday mood. Whenever my kitchen gets messy from crushed candy canes flying everywhere, I just laugh because that’s where the magic happens. Cooking isn’t supposed to be perfect it’s supposed to be joyful.
This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is the kind of recipe that brings people together, especially women who love sharing warmth through food. Whether you’re preparing treats for a holiday party or simply craving something sweet on a chilly night, this fudge will make your home smell like Christmas. And trust me once you try it, you’ll want to make it every year.
Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
This recipe checks every holiday box:
• Creamy white chocolate base
• Festive peppermint pieces
• Ready in minutes
• Perfect for gifting
• Loved by kids and adults
It’s also a great beginner-friendly treat. You don’t need baking experience; just melt, mix, and chill. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or already comfortable experimenting with sweets, this White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge will quickly become one of your holiday favorites.
Ingredients You Need
• 3 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup crushed candy canes (divided)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• A small pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
• Mini marshmallows
• Dark chocolate drizzle
• Crushed Oreos
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over so you can lift the fudge out easily once it sets.
2. Melt the Chocolate
Warm a medium-sized saucepan over low heat. Pour in the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Add the butter and a tiny pinch of salt.
Stir gently until the chocolate fully melts and becomes smooth. Don’t rush this step white chocolate burns quickly, so low heat is your best friend.
3. Add Peppermint Flavor
Once melted, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Start with 1 teaspoon; add a little extra if you want a stronger flavor.
4. Add the Peppermint Crunch
Fold in half of your crushed candy canes. They’ll melt slightly into the warm chocolate, giving your fudge beautiful red swirls.
5. Transfer to the Pan
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top. Gently press them in so they stick.
7. Chill
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until firm.
8. Slice & Enjoy
Remove the fudge using the parchment paper edges. Cut into squares. It keeps perfectly for a week in the fridge or longer in the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve on a Christmas dessert board
• Pack in holiday tins for gifting
• Add to hot chocolate for peppermint flavor
• Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy treat
• Use as stocking stuffers wrapped individually
This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge makes any moment feel festive, even if you’re enjoying it alone on a quiet evening.
Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
• Use good-quality white chocolate for smoother melting.
• Don’t overheat white chocolate burns easily.
• Add the peppermint extract after melting, not before.
• Chill fully before cutting for clean squares.
• Freeze leftovers to enjoy throughout the winter.
Conclusion
Making White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge feels like creating a sweet holiday memory every single time. It’s simple, festive, and full of the kind of warmth I learned in my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete. Whether you’re making it for your family, gifting it to friends, or preparing treats for a holiday party, this fudge brings the cozy Christmas feeling right to your home.
Cooking is more than just following steps it’s sharing stories, flavors, and love. I hope this fudge becomes part of your holiday traditions just like it did for mine.
Recipe Card ❤️🍬
⏰ TIME COOK
20 minutes + 2 hours chilling
🛒 INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 tbsp butter
- Pinch of salt
🍳 INSTRUCTION
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate, condensed milk, butter, and salt over low heat.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Fold in half the crushed candy canes.
- Pour into pan and top with remaining candy canes.
- Chill 2 hours and slice.
📝 NOTE
Store in fridge 7 days or freeze up to 2 months.
🔢 Nutrition (per square)
Approx: 140 calories • 2g protein • 7g fat • 18g carbs
