Our Favourite Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe (A Christmas Delight!)

Are you searching for a sweet treat that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas in one delicious mouthful? Picture the comforting richness of a luxurious hot chocolate, infused with the cool, refreshing buzz of peppermint, all crafted into a velvety, melt-in-the-mouth fudge. It sounds like a festive dream, doesn’t it? We’re thrilled to share that this delightful vision is not only achievable but also remarkably easy to bring to life in your own kitchen.

We’ve always believed that the most cherished holiday recipes are those that deliver maximum joy with minimum fuss. This is why we have poured our hearts into creating this Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge. It’s a straightforward, reliable dessert that beautifully merges the comforting nostalgia of hot cocoa with the vibrant, celebratory notes of peppermint. This fudge is wonderful for sharing with family, giving as a thoughtful gift to friends, or simply enjoying during a peaceful winter’s night. Leave behind any worries about complicated confectionery; this is your new signature recipe for effortless festive indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Wonderfully Simple: There’s no need for candy thermometers or tricky techniques here. Our recipe relies on sweetened condensed milk to create a foolproof base that sets beautifully every time, making it a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and experienced home bakers.
• A Truly Festive Flavour: We’ve carefully balanced intense dark and creamy milk chocolate with premium hot chocolate powder and a touch of peppermint extract. The end result is a profound, gratifying flavour that genuinely feels like a warm hug on Christmas Day.
• Ideal for Gifting: Once cut into neat little squares and arranged in a decorative tin or a clear cellophane bag, this fudge transforms into a charming homemade present. It stands out as one of those christmas dessert ideas that friends and family will be truly delighted to receive.
• A Make-Ahead Masterpiece: The festive season can be hectic! This fudge can be prepared up to two weeks ahead of time, which frees you up for other holiday tasks. It keeps perfectly in the fridge, ready to be presented whenever a sweet craving strikes.
• Endlessly Adaptable: While we adore the classic topping of mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes, you can easily personalise your fudge. Feel free to experiment with festive sprinkles, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even a light dusting of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Ingredients

• 200g good-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped
• 200g good-quality milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 30g unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 tbsp high-quality hot chocolate powder or cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste)
• 50g mini marshmallows
• 50g candy canes or peppermint sweets, crushed
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Creating this fudge is a wonderfully simple and enjoyable activity. We have outlined the process in clear, easy-to-follow steps to guarantee a flawless, creamy finish every time. Simply follow our lead, and you’ll soon have a tray of beautiful festive fudge setting in the fridge.

1. Prepare Your Tin

First and foremost, let’s get the baking tin ready. You will need a 20cm (8-inch) square tin, which should be lined with baking parchment. We find the most effective method is to use two overlapping strips of parchment, placed crosswise to cover the bottom and sides. Allow the paper to hang over the edges slightly; these overhangs will serve as handy ‘handles’ to lift the fudge out cleanly once it’s set.

2. Melt the Base Ingredients

For this crucial step, you have two straightforward options:

1. On the Hob: In a medium, heavy-based saucepan, combine the chopped dark and milk chocolates, the sweetened condensed milk, and the butter. Set the pan over a low heat and stir constantly with a spatula until all the ingredients have melted into a smooth, glossy consistency. Maintaining a low temperature is vital to prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing.
2. In the Microwave: Alternatively, place the same ingredients into a large, microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in 30-second increments, stirring thoroughly after each one, until everything is fully melted and beautifully combined. This method minimises the risk of scorching but does require your full attention.

3. Add the Flavours

As soon as your chocolate mixture is silky smooth, take it off the heat. Stir in the hot chocolate powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and the pinch of salt straight away. Mix with energy until every element is completely integrated. The hot chocolate powder enhances the depth of the chocolate, lending it that classic cocoa richness. Use the peppermint extract judiciously, as its flavour is potent. We recommend starting with one teaspoon, having a little taste, and then adding a tiny bit more if you desire a stronger minty kick.

4. Assemble the Fudge

Next, pour this thick, decadent fudge mixture into your prepared tin. Use a spatula to guide it into the corners and create a smooth, even surface. It’s best to work swiftly at this stage, as the fudge will start to firm up. Without delay, scatter the mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes over the top. Gently press them down into the fudge with the back of a spoon to ensure they adhere well.

5. Chill Until Firm

Transfer the tin to the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. It needs to be completely firm to the touch. This chilling period is crucial for the fudge to set correctly, which will allow for clean, precise slicing. Be patient with this step; it’s well worth the wait!

Top Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Fudge

To ensure your fudge is the undeniable highlight of any festive occasion, here are some of our most trusted tips and tricks.

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The quality of chocolate you use has a significant influence on the final taste and texture of your fudge. We suggest using a high-quality chocolate bar that you would happily eat by itself. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they often contain stabilisers that can interfere with the melting process. Using a combination of dark chocolate for richness and milk chocolate for creaminess creates the most wonderfully balanced flavour profile.

Slicing for a Professional Finish

To achieve those appealing, clean-cut edges, use the parchment ‘handles’ to lift the set block of fudge from the tin onto a chopping board. Take a large, sharp knife and dip it into a jug of hot water, then carefully wipe it dry. The warmth from the blade will glide through the firm fudge effortlessly. For the neatest results, remember to heat and wipe the knife clean between each slice.

Serving and Gifting Your Fudge

This fudge makes a superb addition to any festive platter and is one of the best christmas finger foods to offer guests. It looks wonderful presented alongside an assortment of biscuits and mince pies. After a delicious savoury meal, such as our comforting Low Carb Chicken Casserole, this fudge serves as the perfect sweet conclusion.

If you’re giving it as a gift, slice the fudge into small, bite-sized pieces. Arrange them in a pretty tin lined with fresh parchment paper, or pack them into clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. Including a small, handwritten tag listing the ingredients is a lovely, personal touch.

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Christmas Tradition

And there we have it—a simple, delectable, and thoroughly festive recipe for Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge that we are sure will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. It’s the ideal treat to make for a cosy evening in, to serve at a lively Christmas gathering, or to give as a heartfelt homemade present. Following a wonderful festive dinner, such as our crowd-pleasing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, a plate of this fudge is the perfect way to round off the meal.

We hope you’ll have fun with this recipe, get creative with your toppings, and share the delight of this impressive yet simple dessert. It’s more than just a sweet confection; it’s a taste of the warmth and magic that defines the season.

We would be absolutely delighted to see what you create! If you try this recipe, please do leave a comment below with your thoughts or tag us in your photos on social media. Happy fudge making!

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Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time (inc. chilling): 4 hrs 20 mins
Yields: 36 squares

Ingredients

• 200g good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 200g good-quality milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 30g unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 tbsp high-quality hot chocolate powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 50g mini marshmallows
• 50g candy canes, crushed
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Line a 20cm (8-inch) square tin with two overlapping strips of baking parchment, leaving an overhang to lift the fudge out later.
2. In a heavy-based saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped dark and milk chocolates, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
3. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the hot chocolate powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared tin and spread evenly. Scatter the mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes over the top, pressing them in gently.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely firm. Use the parchment paper to lift the fudge from the tin, then slice into 36 squares with a sharp knife.

Nutrition (per square):
Calories: 117,
Carbs: 19g,
Protein: 2g,
Fat: 7g