The holiday season is full of joy, family, and of course, amazing food. But let’s be honest, it can get a little busy. Sometimes you just need a simple treat that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this recipe comes in to save the day.
This is one of those Christmas fudge recipes easy enough for even the most novice cook. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a beautiful and delicious candy that looks like it came from a fancy sweet shop. It’s perfect for parties, gifts, or just a cozy night in.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is a huge win. There is no need for candy thermometers or complicated techniques. If you can melt chocolate in a microwave, you can absolutely make this fudge. It is a truly quick fudge recipe that comes together in minutes.
The flavor combination is a classic for a reason. Creamy, sweet white chocolate pairs beautifully with the cool, bright taste of peppermint. It tastes exactly like the holidays in a single bite. The little red and white candy cane pieces on top add a delightful crunch.
This is also one of the most versatile holiday fudge recipes. You can package it in cute tins or boxes to give as homemade gifts to friends, teachers, and neighbors. Everyone appreciates a thoughtful, homemade treat, especially one this tasty.
It’s a fantastic recipe to make with kids. They will love helping to sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top. It is a fun activity that gets everyone in the festive spirit. What more could you ask for from easy Christmas candy recipes?
Ingredients
You will only need three basic items to create this wonderful peppermint fudge recipe. It’s amazing how something so simple can taste so good. Quality matters here, so pick a white chocolate you love to eat.
- 2 bags White chocolate chips (12 oz. each)
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz. can)
- ⅓ cup Candy canes or peppermint candy, finely chopped
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how simple this is? This is one of my favorite Christmas fudge recipes easy to whip up on a whim. Just follow along and you’ll have a delicious treat chilling in no time.
Step 1: Melt Chocolate And Milk
First, find a deep, microwave safe bowl. You want something with enough room for stirring. Add both bags of your white chocolate chips and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk into the bowl.
Now for the melting. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high. The key is to do this in short bursts. Heat for 30 seconds, then take it out and give it a good stir with a spatula. This is so important.
Stirring every 30 seconds prevents the chocolate from burning, which can happen very quickly. White chocolate is more delicate than dark chocolate. Continue this process until the chips are all melted and the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Pour And Spread
Before you start melting, prepare your pan. A 9 inch square pan is a great size. To make life easier later, line the pan with wax paper or parchment paper. Leave a little extra paper hanging over the sides to use as handles.
Once your white chocolate mixture is smooth, work quickly. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared pan. Use your spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Try to get it into all the corners for a nice, uniform batch of fudge.
Step 3: Add The Topping
Here comes the fun part. Take your finely chopped candy canes or peppermint candies and sprinkle them evenly all over the top of the fudge. Don’t be shy with it. This adds the festive color and that wonderful crunch.
After you have sprinkled the candy on top, gently press it down with your hands or the back of a spoon. This helps the peppermint pieces stick to the fudge mixture so they do not fall off when you cut it later. A simple step that makes a big difference.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm
Now the hardest part: waiting. Place the pan in the refrigerator. It needs to chill for at least three hours. This time allows the fudge to set up and become firm enough to cut into neat squares. You can leave it longer if needed.
You will know it is ready when the fudge feels solid to the touch. It should not be soft or wobbly. Patience is key for that perfect fudge texture. This is a crucial step for any quick fudge recipe.
Step 5: Cut And Serve
Once the fudge is fully chilled and firm, it is time to cut it. This is where lining the pan pays off. Simply lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper handles and place it on a cutting board.
Use a large, sharp knife to cut the fudge into small pieces. Small squares are best, as this is a rich treat. A little goes a long way. Now you can arrange it on a plate and enjoy your beautiful homemade candy. It’s one of the best easy Christmas candy recipes around.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing this fudge is easy. Simply place the cut squares in an airtight container or a small box with a lid. This keeps it fresh and stops it from drying out in the fridge.
Keep the container in the refrigerator. The fudge will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. It is also a good idea to place sheets of wax paper between layers if you are stacking the fudge. This prevents the pieces from sticking together.
Tips
Want to make your peppermint fudge recipe even better? Here are a few extra tips. Using high quality white chocolate chips will give you a creamier texture and richer flavor. It really does make a difference in the final product.
For an extra boost of mint flavor, you can add a tiny drop of peppermint extract to the white chocolate mixture after it’s melted. Be careful though, a little extract goes a very long way.
No square pan? No problem. You can use an 8×8 inch pan for slightly thicker fudge pieces, or even a loaf pan. Just remember to line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This is one of those forgiving holiday fudge recipes.
To crush your candy canes, place them in a zip top plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This gives you more control over the size of the pieces compared to a food processor.
Conclusion
There you have it. A wonderfully festive treat that proves you don’t need complicated steps to make something special. This is truly one of the best Christmas fudge recipes easy enough for anyone to make and everyone to enjoy.
So this holiday season, add this simple peppermint fudge recipe to your baking list. It’s a delightful way to spread a little cheer, one sweet, creamy, and minty square at a time. Happy holidays and happy fudge making.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Chocolate?
Yes, you absolutely can. Semi sweet or milk chocolate chips will also work with the sweetened condensed milk. The taste will be different, of course, but it will still create a delicious and simple fudge.
How Do I Get Clean Cuts?
For super clean, sharp edges on your fudge squares, use a large, sharp knife. Run the blade under hot water for a few seconds, then wipe it dry with a towel. The warm blade will slice through the fudge cleanly. Wipe the knife between each cut for the best results.
Can I Make This On The Stovetop?
Yes, a stovetop works well if you prefer it over a microwave. Use a double boiler or a heavy bottomed saucepan over low heat. Add the chocolate chips and condensed milk and stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth. Do not let it boil.
How Far In Advance Can I Make This Fudge?
This fudge stores very well, making it a great make ahead option for the holidays. You can make it up to a week in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve or gift it.
Easy Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge
This easy, festive peppermint white chocolate fudge comes together with just three simple ingredients, creating a beautiful and delicious candy that’s perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or a cozy night in.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a deep, microwave safe bowl, combine both bags of white chocolate chips and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Heat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well with a spatula after each burst, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
- Line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides to create handles. Pour the smooth white chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and use your spatula to spread it into an even layer, reaching all corners.
- Evenly sprinkle the finely chopped candy canes or peppermint candies over the top of the fudge. Gently press the peppermint pieces down with your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure they stick to the fudge mixture.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least three hours, or until the fudge is firm and solid to the touch. Patience is key for the perfect texture.
- Once firm, use the parchment paper handles to lift the fudge out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut the fudge into small squares. For cleaner cuts, run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice. Arrange on a plate and enjoy!
Notes
Using high quality white chocolate chips will give you a creamier texture and richer flavor. It really does make a difference in the final product.
For an extra boost of mint flavor, you can add a tiny drop of peppermint extract to the white chocolate mixture after it’s melted. Be careful though, a little extract goes a very long way.
You can use an 8×8 inch pan for slightly thicker fudge pieces, or even a loaf pan. Just remember to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
To crush your candy canes, place them in a zip top plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan.
If you have any leftovers, store the cut squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Place sheets of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
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Carbs
