Easy Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is an easy fudge recipe you can make in the microwave. Perfect for the holiday season and only 5 ingredients! This festive fudge is a delicious addition to your holiday cookie trays and makes a great gift idea!
Everyone has a favorite recipe for fudge that they make for Christmas. When I was was growing up, my mom's neighbor used to always send over a plate of Fantasy Fudge. And my grandma used to make Mamie Eisenhower's Million Dollar Fudge.
Both are equally delicious but super sweet. If you're looking for a fudge recipe that's not too sweet, you'll love this peppermint fudge.
It's sweet, but it's not too sweet -- the peppermint flavor definitely balances it out. And of course, you can't go wrong with the classic chocolate peppermint combo!
This microwave fudge recipe is super easy -- practically foolproof -- and it takes about a minute in the microwave -- seriously.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients for this peppermint fudge recipe. You can find them in your grocery store or online:
- Sweetened condensed milk -- not evaporated milk
- Semi sweet chocolate morsels
- Peppermint extract
- Sea salt
- Crushed peppermint candies
How to Make Easy Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
First, add the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a large microwaveable bowl.
Heat the chocolate mixture in 15 second intervals, stirring between each interval. The melting process takes about a minute.
We usually melt chocolate in the microwave, but you could use the double boiler method over the stove on medium heat, if you choose.
As soon as the chocolate mixture is melted, add the peppermint extract and sea salt.
The mixture will be very thick, but this is perfectly normal. Spoon the fudge mixture into an 8 x 8 square pan, lined with aluminum foil.
You can use parchment paper or wax paper in place of foil if you like.
Next, you smooth the mixture out and top it with crushed peppermint candies or crushed peppermints.
You can crush some candy canes with a rolling pin or food processor, or look for crushed peppermint candy in the store.
If you want an extra pop of color, you can also add some red and green candy sprinkles to the top of the fudge.
Pop the pan into the fridge for about an hour, and the fudge is done. Just peel off the foil, and cut it into small pieces.
Mine were about an inch, and I got about 40 pieces from this recipe. I say about, because we sampled a few pieces before we remembered to count them!
The creamy texture and peppermint flavor of this 5 ingredient fudge make it the perfect treat for every holiday party, cookie exchange, or just for snacking at home!
It's a delicious holiday dessert perfect for Christmas time!
Variations
The easiest way to vary this homemade fudge recipe is to switch up what kind of fudge you make. Instead of semi sweet morsels, use white chocolate chips for a fudge with the creamy taste of white chocolate.
I already have a delicious white chocolate peppermint fudge recipe--check it out!
Use dark chocolate morsels for a rich dark chocolate fudge. Or, use multiple types of melted chocolate chips to make fudge with different distinct layers.
A white chocolate layer contrasted with a dark or milk chocolate layer and topped with crushed candy canes looks striking on all holiday cookie trays!
How to Store
Store your chocolate peppermint fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 2 weeks when refrigerated.
If your house is cool, you can leave it out at room temperature, but here in the desert it's too warm in the kitchen for fudge!
For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge. Wrap well in plastic wrap, and wrap again in foil or place in freezer bag.
Just make sure to let it thaw a bit before you bite into it!
Easy Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 cups semi sweet chocolate morsels
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- crushed peppermint candies and holiday sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- In a large microwaveable bowl, melt the semi sweet morsels and the sweetened condensed milk in the microwave, in 15-second increments, stirring frequently until melted
- Stir in the peppermint extract and sea salt
- Spread mixture into a foil-lined 8x8 baking dish, and smooth with spatula
- Sprinkle top with crushed peppermint candies and candy sprinkles, and press in slightly
- Place in refrigerator for about 1 hour or until firm
- Cut into 1-inch pieces, and store in a covered container
Notes
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
Seriously though, isn't this chocolate peppermint fudge gorgeous? We thought so, but that didn't stop us from eating it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Recipe published in 2016 and updated in 2021.
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Betty says
Another great recipe to make with the grandkids! Going to make these a few times before Christmas!
Elizabeth says
I made this after seeing it on your Instagram, and it’s such a great recipe. Love the flavor and how easy it is to make. I’ll definitely be making this again!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I'm thrilled that you like the fudge!
Sam says
When you refer to 'chocolate morsels' - do you mean chocolate wafers? Or chips? Or any old chocolate bar?
Thanks!
Dee says
Chocolate chips, like those used in cookies.
Vince says
Can you leave out the peppermint extract and peppermint pieces and get a regular chocolate fudge?
Dee says
Yes, you can leave out the peppermint for basic fudge. 🙂
Jessica says
Can’t wait to make this tonight! My only question is where to store it and how long it will keep. Thanks a bunch
Dee says
Hi Jessica! I usually keep it in an airtight container lined with wax paper and store it in the fridge, since our house is warm. It's usually gone within a week, so I can't say exactly how long it will keep, but it should be fine for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Miz Helen says
Hi Dee,
What a delightful Fudge recipe that we will really enjoy! We really appreciate you sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a great day!
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
eat good 4 life says
The perfect recipe for the holidays. Nothing better than fudge.
Carol says
This fudge recipe sounds delicious, Dee; but maybe a bit too easy, as in making it too easy to make too often and eating too much....lol! Sounds like a great choice to make for neighbor gifts. Thanks for sharing.
Warm hugs,
Carol
Cathy Trochelman says
I love the addition of peppermint....definitely perfect for the holidays!
Amy @ Lit says
I agree...everyone needs a few no bake recipes during the holidays! This fudge looks fantastic!
Dee says
Thanks, Amy. I can't wait to make some more!:)
Ginny McMeans says
Wow! That is easy and I love chocolate and peppermint together. Thanks!
Dee says
It's one of the easiest things I've made lately! 🙂
Stephanie says
I just love easy fudge like this, and this is the best flavor combo!
Dee says
Yes! I'm just slightly addicted to this combo. 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
This looks so incredible!!! Wow!
Dee says
Thanks, Jocelyn! We love how it turned out!
Kelly - A Side of Sweet says
Peppermint + chocolate = heaven! This looks amazing!
Dee says
I completely agree with you, Kelly -- one of my favorite combos!