Name: Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 6 mini candy canes, crushed (optional)

There’s something utterly magical about the combo of mint and chocolate together, and this Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe really hits the spot with its creamy, dreamy texture and that fresh peppermint punch. It’s your go-to treat when you want something sweet but with that refreshing twist that keeps you coming back for more.

The image shows two layers of chocolate fudge squares on a smooth wooden board. The front layer has about ten squares topped with white and red crushed candy pieces, adding a rough texture. The back layer has plain chocolate fudge squares stacked neatly with a shiny texture. The wooden board rests on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partially folded nearby. The chocolate squares are rich brown and glossy, with clean edges and soft sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe. It’s deceptively simple to whip up, but the flavor and creamy texture feel extra indulgent. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just treating yourself, it’s always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

Simplicity: Just a few ingredients come together quickly for fudge that tastes like you spent all day.
Minty Freshness: The peppermint extract and optional candy canes keep this recipe bright and refreshing, balancing the rich chocolate.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in minutes and enjoy it chilled whenever you want a sweet, minty bite.
Perfect for Gifting: I love wrapping these up for friends and family during the holidays – they always ask for the recipe!

This image shows thick square pieces of smooth, dark brown chocolate fudge stacked together on a wooden board. Each piece has small bits of crushed red and white candy cane sprinkled on top, adding a rough texture and a pop of color. The edges of the fudge are clean but slightly rough, showing the dense and solid inside. The background has a white marbled texture with a blurred black and white striped cloth behind, creating a cozy setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — quality ingredients blend to create something truly luscious. Buying good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips makes a huge difference here, and using real peppermint extract keeps the mint flavor from tasting artificial.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet dark chocolate chips, a small white bowl holding thick, pale golden sweetened condensed milk, a small slab of smooth pale yellow butter, a tiny white bowl with clear peppermint extract, and several whole fresh red-and-white striped mini candy canes arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These give just the right balance of sweetness and chocolate depth without being overpowering.
Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the creamy base and sweetener, allowing the fudge to set perfectly smooth.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky texture everyone loves.
Peppermint extract: The star ingredient for that refreshing minty aroma — a little goes a long way.
Mini candy canes (optional): These crushed pieces add a delightful crunch and a burst of peppermint on top, plus they give your fudge a festive look.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like adding a handful of chopped nuts sometimes for crunch, but you can also swap peppermint extract for orange or almond if you want to experiment with flavors.

Variation: I enjoy stirring in some white chocolate chips for a marbled effect that’s both pretty and tasty — it’s a fun twist without any extra fuss.
Dietary swap: Using dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chips lets you keep that creamy texture without milk products — still delicious!
Seasonal twist: Swap candy canes for crushed pistachios or dried cranberries for a festive holiday look with a subtle savory contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Melt and Mix With Care

I combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and zap it for about 90 seconds. Stir gently — the mixture should be mostly melted, so if needed, I add 15 more seconds. (If microwaves aren’t your style, a double boiler is your friend here.) The trick is to keep stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy without letting it burn or seize up.

Step 2: Add Peppermint Magic

Once everything is melted and silky, I stir in the peppermint extract. This little addition takes the fudge from “yum” to “wow.” Mix it thoroughly so that mint flavor is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Spread and Sprinkle

I pour the fudge onto a parchment-lined baking tray, spreading it out to about 1-inch thickness with a spatula. Then, I sprinkle crushed candy canes on top to add texture and that beautiful mint sparkle. If you’re skipping candy canes, don’t worry—the fudge tastes amazing all on its own.

Step 4: Chill and Cut

Pop the tray into the fridge and let it firm up for at least 2 hours. After that, just slice into bite-sized squares. Trust me, these will disappear fast, so smaller pieces are the way to go if you want to keep your stash safe.

Top Tip

Through making this Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe a handful of times, I’ve learned some little hacks that help make it perfect every single time—no guesswork, just smooth, dreamy fudge.

Careful Melting: Avoid overheating the chocolate to prevent it from seizing. Microwave in bursts and stir well to achieve that perfect velvety texture.
Even Spreading: Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread fudge evenly for uniform thickness—it sets nicer and cuts better this way.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Fudge is tricky when warm, so chilling fully ensures your squares hold their shape instead of crumbling.
Storage Matters: Keep fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

mint chocolate fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with crushed candy canes on top because they add such a lovely festive crunch and look pretty too. Sometimes I toss on a light dusting of cocoa powder or even a few chocolate shavings for a fancier touch when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully alongside a warm cup of peppermint tea or hot cocoa, especially during chilly evenings. And if you fancy a little ice cream, serving a small fudge piece next to mint chocolate chip is a dream combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging fudge squares on a pretty platter lined with fresh mint leaves—it makes for an inviting centerpiece. Wrapping small bundles in festive wax paper tied with twine also turns them into charming edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep my leftover fudge cold in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays perfect for up to a week. This helps it keep that flawless creamy texture and minty freshness without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing fudge works well too! I wrap individual pieces tightly in parchment and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight to keep them from sweating.

Reheating

This fudge is best enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature — reheating isn’t usually necessary. But if it’s too firm for your taste, just let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of chocolate in this Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can try dark, milk, or even white chocolate. Just keep an eye on sweetness and adjust peppermint accordingly.

How long does mint chocolate fudge last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this fudge keeps well for up to a week. Make sure to cover tightly to prevent it from picking up fridge odors.

Can I make this fudge without candy canes?

Yes, the candy canes are optional and mainly provide extra crunch and a festive look. The fudge is delicious even without them, just pure creamy mint chocolate flavor.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for topping?

I place mini candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently hit them with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy pan until you get coarse bits—not dust or powder—that add texture and color nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. It’s the kind of sweet you can make on a whim that turns into a festive treat everyone loves. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it really is that good!