Making this festive fudge always kicks off my Christmas season. The swirls of red and green dancing through creamy white chocolate remind me of candy cane lanes and holiday magic. I love watching little faces light up when they spot this treat on my dessert table. Best of all it comes together without ever turning on the oven.
Pure Christmas Joy
This fudge has become my holiday signature. The combination of silky white chocolate and cool peppermint creates the most incredible melt-in-your-mouth experience. When December gets busy this no-fuss recipe saves me time while still delivering those wonderful Christmas flavors everyone craves.
Your Shopping List
- 3 bags white chocolate chips: Choose good quality chips they truly make a difference in the smoothness of your fudge.
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk: This gives the fudge its irresistible richness and perfect texture.
- 1/2 cup butter: I use unsalted so I can control the flavor balance.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: A little goes a long way in creating that festive taste.
- Food coloring: Get red and green gel colors for the prettiest swirls.
- Holiday sprinkles: Pick your favorites or grab some candy canes to crush on top.
Making the Magic
- Start With Your Base
- Pop your chocolate chips condensed milk butter and peppermint into a big microwave safe bowl. Heat it in 30 second bursts stirring each time until everything looks smooth and glossy.
- Add Some Color
- Scoop out two small portions of your mixture. Make one red and one green stirring quickly before they set.
- Create Your Design
- Drop spoonfuls of each color into your lined pan. Swirl them together gently with a knife to create beautiful patterns.
- Finish and Wait
- Sprinkle the top with your chosen decorations then pop it in the fridge to set. After a couple hours you can cut it into perfect little squares.
Fun Twists
Sometimes I use vanilla instead of peppermint for a different flavor. Crushed candy canes on top add such a lovely crunch and look beautiful. You can even change up the colors for other holidays like orange and black for Halloween.
Keep It Fresh
Your fudge will stay perfect in a sealed container on the counter for about 5 days. Pop it in the fridge and it lasts two whole weeks. For long term storage wrap pieces in parchment then foil and freeze them they'll keep for months.
My Fudge Making Secrets
Always heat your chocolate slowly and stir often to keep it from scorching. Gel food coloring works better than liquid and won't change your texture. Wipe your knife clean between cuts for those picture perfect fudge squares that look like they came from a candy shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does fudge last?
Your fudge stays fresh in a sealed container at room temp for 5 days. Pop it in the fridge and it'll keep for 2 weeks - just make sure it's wrapped tight to stay creamy! Though between us, it never lasts that long in my house.
- → Can I freeze my fudge?
Absolutely! Perfect for getting ahead on holiday treats. Wrap pieces in parchment or wax paper, then foil (this keeps them from sticking), and seal in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
- → No microwave? No problem!
You can melt everything in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring as you go. Just keep water drops away from your chocolate - they'll make it seize up faster than you can say 'fudge'!