10-minute Peppermint Fudge (Easy Holiday Recipe)

This 10-minute peppermint fudge recipe is so easy. Just 3 basic ingredients and 10 minutes of work. Make a batch tonight, and give it away tomorrow. Fudge is gluten-free. This is one of my favorite holiday treats! It's quick, it's handmade, and everyone loves it!

Its that time of year when you are rushing around for a last-minute gift or treat for some get-together that you've forgotten... or basically time just got away. And it is go-time, and you just ran out of time for all the things on your to-do list,

I've been there

I'm there right now.

And I'm gonna remind you of this fudge recipe that is so easy.... you can totally do this now and be ready for whatever is coming.

Why you will love this recipe

This fudge has a basic formula. I've made this recipe a chocolate peppermint fudge. I even got a little fancy and added a white chocolate layer. You don't have to. Just remember this - I can of condensed milk, 3 cups of chocolate chips. 3 hours of chill time. You are good to go. You can get as fancy as you want.

• This recipe uses pantry staples

• You can make endless variations based on what you have on hand. See below for some ideas!

Ingredients for 10-minute Peppermint Fudge

• 3 cups of chocolate chips
• 1 can of condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 cup white chocolate chip
• peppermint essential oil or extract
• Sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Fudge

Line a 9x9-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap.

I used two layers of plastic wrap, with each layer overlapping the opposite ends, in a criss-cross style.

Press firmly all around the pan and be sure to cover all sides. Leave enough to overhang the pan and use the plastic as handles later to help remove the fudge.

Melt fudge ingredients

Heat condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter over medium-low heat.

To be safe, it is best to use a double boiler for this. Otherwise, use very low heat and watch very carefully, stirring constantly.

Once the chocolate is melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If using vanilla extract or other flavorings (like peppermint essential oil in the recipe below), add it now and stir well to combine.

This is also the time to add other adds in -- nuts, cookie pieces, candies, etc... if you want them mixed throughout the fudge. Save some for sprinkling on top.

Chill for two hours to set

Pour fudge into the prepared pan, smoothing with the back of a spoon. Chill.

After at least two hours in the refrigerator, the fudge will be hard enough to cut into pieces. Of course, you can let it chill longer before cutting if needed.

To Make Layered Fudge

After the chocolate fudge base has chilled for at least 30 minutes. Melt white chocolate chips in a small glass, microwave-safe bowl. Or over a pan of simmering hot water (double boiler method)

You can also use a microwave, the "melt function" function, or a medium-power setting. Or just melt in 30-second increments, stirring after each, and continue until the chocolate is mostly melted. Continue to stir until there are no more lumps.

Pour white chocolate over the chocolate layer. Smooth with an offset spatula.

If you are using sprinkles or other candies, add them now while the top is still soft.

Press candies gently into the white chocolate.

Chill another 2 hours before cutting. Cut into small pieces.

Tips and Storage

Room Temperature - 1 week

Refrigerator - 3 weeks

Freezer - 3 months

Fudge is perfect for gift-giving, bake sales, and cookie exchanges. It will keep just fine at room temperature for about a week in an airtight container like a cookie tin. I like to line the tin with parchment paper first before adding the fudge.

Holiday cookie tin TIP - this is peppermint fudge. If you want to share other treats along with this fudge, it's best to pack it separately, or everything in the same tin will taste and smell like peppermint!

To store in the fridge, place the fudge in a sealed, airtight container, with parchment paper between layers. I've stored fudge in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks with no issue. Perfect if you want to have this treat ready ahead of time to share during the holiday season.

For longer storage, fudge can be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months. Again, store in an airtight container with layers of parchment between to keep the fudge from sticking together.

When serving, fudge is best at room temperature, so take it out of the freezer or refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you want to eat it.

📖 Recipe

PS - did you know this stuff is gluten-free?