This easy 3-ingredient peppermint fudge recipe combines 3 cups of white chocolate chips, one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a rich holiday candy that sets in about 2 hours. The active preparation takes only 5 to 10 minutes, while melting takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
The finished fudge is creamy, sweet, and wonderfully minty, with a smooth white chocolate base and a cool peppermint finish. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes on top if you like a festive crunch, but the basic fudge itself uses only three ingredients.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
This peppermint fudge is the kind of candy that looks special without demanding a long ingredient list or complicated candy thermometer work. White chocolate chips provide the creamy foundation, sweetened condensed milk creates a soft, rich texture, and peppermint extract supplies the signature cool flavor.
Because the mixture comes together in one bowl or one saucepan, cleanup is pleasantly simple. The fudge is also easy to prepare ahead, making it useful for holiday dessert trays, classroom treats, potlucks, and small homemade gifts.
The texture is firm enough to cut into tidy squares after chilling, yet tender enough to melt pleasantly on the tongue. If you enjoy making easy party foods too, you may also like this cheesy cheeseburger dip for a savory contrast to this sweet candy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only three ingredients are required for the basic recipe, so measuring and preparation move quickly. Choose ingredients carefully because the simple formula means each one has an important role.
- White chocolate chips: Use 3 cups, or 18 ounces. They melt into the pale, creamy base and give the fudge its rich sweetness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Use one 14-ounce can. This thick, sweet dairy ingredient helps bind the fudge and gives it a soft, luxurious bite.
- Peppermint extract: Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. Half a teaspoon gives a gentler mint note, while 1 teaspoon creates a pronounced peppermint flavor.
- Optional topping: Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for color, crunch, and a festive finish.
Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk rather than evaporated milk. They are not interchangeable here: evaporated milk is thinner and unsweetened, so it will not produce the same fudge texture or sweetness.
For another simple homemade treat, keep our easy beignets recipe nearby when you want a light, powdered-sugar dessert alongside your candy selection.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare an 8-inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides so you can lift the chilled fudge out in one piece later, and smooth the parchment into the corners as neatly as possible.
Step 2: Add the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a microwave-safe bowl. The bowl should be large enough for vigorous stirring, since thorough mixing helps distribute heat and prevents pockets of unmelted chocolate.
Step 3: Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after every interval. Continue until the chips are almost completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth; the residual heat will usually finish melting small pieces as you stir.
Step 4: If you prefer the stovetop method, place the chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently and remove the pan from the heat as soon as the mixture is smooth, because white chocolate can scorch or become thick and grainy when overheated.
Step 5: Stir the peppermint extract into the warm mixture after removing it from the heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon for a balanced flavor or up to 1 teaspoon for a more pronounced peppermint taste, mixing until the extract is fully incorporated.
Step 6: Immediately transfer the fudge mixture to the parchment-lined pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners while it is still warm and easy to move.
Step 7: Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the surface, if desired. Press the pieces lightly into the fudge so they stay in place without disappearing into the creamy layer.
Step 8: Refrigerate the pan for approximately 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm throughout. Once set, lift it out using the parchment overhang and cut it into small squares before serving.
Pro Tips for Smooth Peppermint Fudge
The most important technique is gentle, controlled heating. White chocolate is more delicate than dark or semisweet chocolate, so frequent stirring and short microwave intervals make a noticeable difference.
- Do not rush the melting: Thirty-second intervals give you control and allow you to check the texture often.
- Stir thoroughly: The mixture may look only partly melted when it comes out of the microwave, but stirring can spread the heat and finish the job.
- Add extract off the heat: Peppermint extract belongs in the smooth mixture after melting, not during prolonged heating.
- Spread immediately: The fudge thickens as it cools, so transfer it to the pan right away.
- Use a sharp warm knife: Run the knife under hot water, wipe it completely dry, make a cut, and repeat between cuts for cleaner edges.
If your kitchen is busy during the holidays, make the fudge before preparing a larger meal. Our easy bread stuffing is a useful savory recipe to pair with a dessert-focused prep schedule.
Chilling, Cutting, and Serving
The fudge needs approximately 2 hours in the refrigerator to become firm. Avoid cutting it early, since a fully chilled slab will produce sharper squares and a more pleasing texture.
Use the parchment handles to lift the fudge onto a cutting board. Trim the edges if you want especially uniform pieces, then cut the slab into small squares; the richness of white chocolate fudge makes small portions just right.
Serve the squares straight from the refrigerator for a firm, cool bite, or let them stand briefly at room temperature for a softer texture. The crushed peppermint topping adds a pretty red-and-white finish, but you can leave it off for a completely smooth candy surface.
For a menu that includes both sweet and savory make-ahead dishes, our easy red potato salad offers a creamy side dish that works well at casual gatherings.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
Store the cut fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place parchment between layers if you stack the pieces, especially when using crushed peppermint candies on top.
This recipe is well suited to make-ahead holiday planning because the fudge sets while you work on other dishes. Keep the container chilled until serving so the squares remain firm and easy to arrange on a platter.
If you are packing the candy as a gift, use a small food-safe box or tin lined with parchment. Separate the layers, keep the pieces cool, and label the container so everyone knows it contains peppermint fudge.
For a complete gathering menu, consider serving this candy after a cozy slow-cooker main course such as our slow-cooker fiesta chicken. The bright peppermint flavor makes a refreshing finish after a savory meal.
Easy 3-Ingredient Peppermint Fudge
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on two sides to lift out the chilled fudge.
- Place the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the mixture is smooth; alternatively, melt them together in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove the bowl or saucepan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Immediately spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the surface with crushed peppermint candies, if using, and press them lightly into the fudge. Refrigerate for approximately 2 hours, or until firm.
- Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut it into small squares with a sharp warm knife, wiping the blade dry between cuts.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This easy 3-ingredient peppermint fudge proves that homemade candy can be both simple and impressive. With white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract, you can create creamy holiday squares in minutes, then let the refrigerator handle the setting.
Use 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract when you want a bold mint flavor, or start with 1/2 teaspoon for a softer finish. Crushed peppermint candies are optional, but their color and crunch make the fudge especially inviting on a holiday dessert tray.
Remember to heat gently, stir often, add the extract after melting, and chill the fudge completely before cutting. Once you make a batch, you may find yourself returning to this reliable candy whenever you need a quick edible gift or a festive sweet treat.