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- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes - Pinch of sea salt - Optional toppings: Whipped cream and additional crushed peppermint To create the rich and creamy delight of Peppermint Hot Chocolate Fudge, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a deep chocolate flavor. Sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness. Pure vanilla extract brings warmth to the fudge. The peppermint extract gives that fresh, minty kick. The crushed peppermint candies add a fun crunch and a festive touch. A pinch of sea salt balances all the flavors. For a special finish, you can top the fudge with whipped cream and extra crushed peppermint. This adds a lovely look and extra flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this fudge a delightful treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by lining an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the fudge out later. In a medium saucepan, mix 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Keep the heat low. Stir it often to prevent burning. You want the mixture smooth and creamy. Once the chocolate is melted, take it off the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and a pinch of sea salt. The salt brings out the flavor and makes it more delicious. Next, fold in 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. Make sure to mix well so the candy is spread evenly. This adds a nice crunch and festive taste. Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top for a clean finish. This helps in getting nice squares later. Place the baking dish in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until it feels firm. After that, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang. Cut it into squares. For a fun touch, top each piece with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint. Using high-quality chocolate chips matters. They melt smoothly and create a rich base. Look for brands with good cocoa content. This ensures your fudge tastes amazing. To get a creamy consistency, stir the mixture continuously over low heat. This keeps the chocolate from burning. Remove it from heat once it’s glossy. Do not rush this step. You can add more flavors to your fudge. A dash of almond extract can give it a nice twist. You might also try hazelnut or orange extracts. Each option adds a unique layer of taste. For a festive look, arrange your fudge on a colorful platter. Top each square with whipped cream and extra crushed peppermint. This makes each piece pop. You can even use decorative cupcake liners for fun servings. Consider adding some holiday-themed decorations around the platter. This makes the fudge a centerpiece at any gathering! Pro Tips Tip for Melting Chocolate: Always melt chocolate over low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture for your fudge. Tip for Peppermint Flavor: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your taste. Start with less and add more if you prefer a stronger minty flavor. Tip for Cutting Fudge: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts to prevent the fudge from sticking. Tip for Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for longer and maintain its texture. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your fudge easily. Try using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. White chocolate is another fun choice. It gives a sweeter, creamier flavor. For mint lovers, mix up the mint flavor. You can use spearmint or even chocolate mint extracts. Each will add a unique twist to your fudge. Want to make your fudge even more special? Consider adding nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Marshmallows also work well. They bring a soft, chewy texture. Caramel can give a sweet surprise. Just fold in your chosen add-ins after mixing the chocolate. Keep the ratio balanced to maintain the fudge's creamy texture. Need to adjust for dietary needs? You can make this fudge gluten-free with simple swaps. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. You can also choose dairy-free chocolate chips. This way, everyone can enjoy the rich taste of peppermint hot chocolate fudge! To keep your peppermint hot chocolate fudge fresh, store it in a cool, dark place. The best way to store fudge is in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps it stay soft. You can stack layers of fudge. Just place parchment paper between them. This prevents sticking. At room temperature, your fudge stays fresh for about one week. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. Just remember, fudge may become a bit firmer in the fridge. You can let it sit out for a few minutes before serving for better texture. Freezing fudge is easy and a great way to save it. First, cut the fudge into squares. Then, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped fudge in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours. This helps maintain its creamy texture. To avoid graininess in your fudge, use good quality chocolate. Melt the chocolate slowly over low heat. Stir constantly. This helps to keep the chocolate smooth. If you notice any lumps, keep stirring until they disappear. Adding a small pinch of salt can also help improve the texture. Yes, you can use different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor. Milk chocolate makes it sweeter and creamier. White chocolate offers a vanilla twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you switch chocolates. You can make fudge without sweetened condensed milk. Try using coconut milk or a thick nut cream. You can also blend 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of milk and some butter. This mix can work as a substitute. Experiment with ratios to find what works best for you. The fudge needs about 2 hours to set in the fridge. Check after 2 hours. If it feels firm to the touch, it is ready. If not, let it chill a bit longer. The time may vary based on your fridge and thickness of the fudge. To cut fudge neatly, use a sharp knife. First, warm the knife under hot water. This helps it glide through the fudge. Wipe the knife clean after each cut to keep edges sharp. You can also score the fudge lightly before cutting to guide your squares. This blog post guides you through making delicious peppermint fudge. You learned about the key ingredients, from chocolate chips to peppermint extract. The step-by-step instructions show how to melt, mix, and chill your fudge for the best texture. You also discovered tips for flavor variations and storage. Fudge is a fun and easy treat to share. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Enjoy gifting or savoring this sweet delight during any season. Happy baking!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Fudge

A rich and creamy fudge infused with peppermint flavor, perfect for the holidays.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • to taste whipped cream (optional)
  • to taste additional crushed peppermint (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to remove the fudge once it’s set.
  • Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir continuously to ensure the chocolate melts evenly without burning, resulting in a smooth and creamy mixture.
  • Add Extracts and Salt: Once the chocolate is completely melted and glossy, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, along with a pinch of sea salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Fold in Peppermint: Carefully fold in the crushed peppermint candies, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture for a delightful crunch and festive flavor.
  • Transfer and Smooth: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and smooth out the top for a polished finish.
  • Chill Until Firm: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm to the touch.
  • Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has set, lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares. For a festive presentation, top each square with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint.

Notes

Arrange the fudge squares on a decorative platter and garnish with additional crushed peppermint for a delightful holiday touch.
Keyword chocolate, fudge, holiday, peppermint