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This creamy, minty square is loaded with peppermint and a fun candy crunch. Smooth fudge topped with bits of candy canes makes a gorgeous treat for the holidays. It’s the kind of sweet you want to give as a gift or just snack on with your loved ones at home. Honestly, it just feels right at Christmastime.
Dreamy Holiday Fudge
Every winter, making this fudge is my favorite thing. Shiny pieces of smashed candy cane pop against the creamy white and truly look like snowy sparkles. Biting into creamy fudge and crunchy peppermint just screams Christmas morning. It totally takes me back to when I was a kid.
Gather These Goodies
- Candy Canes: Half a cup, smashed up for a pop of crunch and color.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon to bring out all the sweet flavors.
- White Chocolate Chips: Melt three cups of these (usually two bags) for that oh-so-silky texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: One 14-ounce can gives you all the creaminess and sweetness you want.
How To Whip It Up
- Chill the Mix
- Pop the pan in your fridge for three or four hours. Once it’s nice and set, cut into bite-sized pieces to eat or share.
- Top With Extra Candy
- When the fudge hits room temp, sprinkle more smashed candy cane over the top.
- Flavor Time
- Pour in vanilla and stir in those crunchy peppermint bits until they’re everywhere.
- Melt Stuff Together
- Toss white chocolate chips and condensed milk into a big pot, heat on medium, and keep stirring till everything’s super smooth.
- Prep Your Pan
- Line a square pan with parchment or foil, then give it a swipe of butter so fudge pops out easy later.
Easy Fudge Hacks
Over the years I’ve found a few tricks that always work. Top-notch white chocolate makes all the difference for a silky bite. I put my candy canes in a zip-top bag and bash them with a rolling pin—it’s weirdly satisfying and gives the perfect crunch. For giving, stack the fudge between wax paper in cute holiday tins for a sweet presentation.
Spread Some Cheer
This fudge means Christmas is here for me. I love seeing friends crack a smile when they munch that soft sweet square with a punch of minty crunch. It totally feels like sharing a little bit of holiday magic every single time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need foil or parchment?
- It makes lifting out the fudge easy and keeps it from sticking. Greasing adds extra non-stick protection.
- → What’s the purpose of two-step cooling?
- Letting it cool at room temperature first prevents texture issues when chilling in the fridge.
- → Is this only good for Christmas?
- No, you can enjoy it at any time, especially during winter parties or cozy days.
- → Why two white chocolate chip bags?
- This ensures the right balance with condensed milk for the perfect creamy texture.
- → When should I sprinkle extra candy canes?
- Once the fudge is cooled but not cold, so the pieces stick without melting.