Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge!

If you’re looking for an easy and delightful treat to warm your heart during the chilly seasons, you’ve come to the right place! This Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge! is not just any dessert; it’s a cozy hug in a square. Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or even a sweet surprise on Valentine’s Day, this fudge is super simple to whip up and makes a fantastic addition to your hot chocolate bar. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a cherished recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family.

Every bite of this fudge is rich, creamy, and infused with the delightful flavor of peppermint. It’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights when you need a little something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This no-bake fudge comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time—perfect for those last-minute cravings!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out with stirring and sprinkling marshmallows. It’s a fun activity for everyone!
• Make-Ahead Treat: Whip up this fudge ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s an easy way to have dessert ready whenever you need it.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a heavenly taste that’s sure to impress your guests.
• Customizable Garnish: With crushed candy canes or peppermint candies on top, you can make each batch uniquely yours!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge! are simple and wholesome. No need for complicated items here! Just gather these friendly ingredients, and you’re all set for fudge-making fun.

For the Fudge

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 4 packages of hot chocolate mix (1/2 cup)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 cups vegan marshmallows (divided)

For Garnish

• Peppermint candy canes or crushed peppermints – about 1/2 cup

Variations

One of the best things about this fudge recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to fit your personal taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the chocolate: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor twist!
• Add nuts: For extra crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans before refrigerating.
• Try different extracts: Substitute vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
• Seasonal spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your fudge a warm holiday flair.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge!

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8” pan with foil or parchment paper. Make sure to spray it lightly with cooking spray. This step is crucial because it helps your fudge come out easily without sticking!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a double boiler over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips, butter, sweetened condensed milk, and hot chocolate mix. Stir continuously until everything melts together smoothly. This keeps our fudge creamy and prevents any burning—no one wants burnt fudge!

Step 3: Add Marshmallows

Once melted, stir in 2 cups of vegan marshmallows and keep stirring for about one minute until they start to soften. This will give our fudge that delightful gooey texture everyone loves!

Step 4: Vanilla Time

Remove from heat and add in those lovely two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Give it a good mix! The vanilla enhances the rich flavors of our fudge.

Step 5: Transfer & Top

Pour the melted mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly and press down the remaining vegan marshmallows into the top generously—this adds extra fluffiness!

Step 6: Chill Out

Pop that pan into the fridge for four hours. I know waiting is hard, but this step is vital for allowing the fudge to set perfectly.

Step 7: Cut into Squares

After chilling, take out your fudge and cut it into squares—feel free to make them as big or small as you like!

Step 8: Drizzle with Chocolate

Melt the remaining half cup of chocolate in the microwave in short increments until smooth. Drizzle this over your cut squares for that professional touch!

Step 9: Let Cool Completely

Finally, let everything cool completely before serving. Then enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge!

Making fudge is a delightful adventure, and with a few expert tips, you can ensure your Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge turns out perfectly every time!

• Use high-quality chocolate chips: The better the chocolate, the richer and more decadent your fudge will taste. Look for semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips that have minimal additives for the best flavor.
• Don’t rush the melting process: Stirring continuously over medium heat ensures that the chocolate melts evenly without burning. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
• Press marshmallows gently: When adding the remaining vegan marshmallows on top of the fudge, press them in gently so they stay in place without being completely submerged. This will give you that beautiful, fluffy topping!
• Chill thoroughly before cutting: Allowing your fudge to sit in the refrigerator for the full four hours (or longer) helps it set perfectly, making it easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of peppermint extract for an extra flavor boost! These small adjustments can make a big difference in your final product.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge!

This rich and creamy fudge is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for any gathering or festive occasion. Here are some fun ideas on how to present this treat to delight your guests!

Garnishes

• Crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkling some crushed candy canes on top adds a crunchy texture and enhances that delightful peppermint flavor.
• Chocolate shavings: A handful of chocolate shavings sprinkled on top offers an elegant touch and additional chocolatey goodness.
• Whipped coconut cream: For an indulgent twist, serve each square of fudge with a dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Side Dishes

• Warm almond milk: Pairing your fudge with warm almond milk creates a delightful complement to this dessert, echoing the hot chocolate theme while keeping everything cozy.
• Fresh fruit platter: A vibrant platter of strawberries, bananas, and apples adds freshness and balances out the richness of the fudge perfectly.
• Spiced nuts: A mix of roasted spiced nuts provides a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fudge.
• Coffee or tea: Offering hot beverages like coffee or herbal tea invites guests to enjoy their treats with a warm drink, enhancing the overall experience.

Now that you’re armed with all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start making your delicious Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge! Enjoy every sweet moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is fantastic for meal prep and makes a delightful treat for any occasion! You can easily whip it up ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it to extend freshness; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Freezing

• Cut the fudge into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer the squares to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your fudge warm, simply place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just softened.
• Avoid overheating as this can change the texture of the fudge.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge!

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge?

Absolutely! You can experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chips like mint or caramel. Just keep the total amount of chocolate chips the same.

How do I make my Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge more festive?

You can add festive toppings like extra crushed peppermint candies, sprinkles, or even drizzle it with colored chocolate melts. Get creative!

Is there a way to make Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge healthier?

You can substitute some of the chocolate chips with cocoa powder and opt for sugar-free sweetened condensed milk. Additionally, using dark chocolate can provide health benefits!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this delightful Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge! It’s not just a treat; it’s a way to spread warmth and joy during chilly seasons. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!