Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe

If you’re hunting for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’ve just found it. This Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe is my go-to holiday dessert when I want something bright, minty, and irresistibly creamy. It’s packed with peppermint goodness and that cheerful green pop that screams “holiday cheer.” Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it every year!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a special role in this Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe, balancing creamy texture, sweetness, and that peppermint zing. When you shop, try to grab good quality white chocolate morsels—they really make a difference!

• Granulated Sugar: The classic sweetener that creates the perfect fudgy base after boiling with cream and butter.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to keep the fudge luscious and smooth.
• Unsalted Butter: Be sure it’s unsalted so you can control the fudge’s sweetness and flavor perfectly.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the peppermint notes.
• White Chocolate Morsels: I love these because they melt seamlessly into the mixture, making the fudge ultra creamy.
• Marshmallow Cream: This is the fudge’s secret ingredient to that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Peppermint Extract: The star of the show—adds the refreshing minty flavor that celebrates the holidays.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Use gel, not liquid, so you get bright color without changing the consistency.
• Green Sugar and Red Heart Sprinkles: For garnish—adds a fun pop of color and festivity right on top!

Variations

I love how versatile this Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe is—once you have the base down, it’s super easy to customize for your taste or occasion. I often tweak the garnishes or sometimes swap peppermint extract for vanilla if I’m craving a change.

• Mint Chocolate Chip: Adding mini chocolate chips on top brings a little texture contrast that my family goes wild for.
• Nutty Boost: A handful of crushed pistachios or chopped almonds swirled in adds a delightful crunch and pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter substitutes for a vegan-friendly fudge that’s just as tasty.
• Holiday Mix-Ins: Crushed candy canes or peppermint bark chunks folded in create extra festive bites perfect for gift-giving.

How to Make Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by lining an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper—this makes it so easy to lift out the fudge once set. Set it aside so it’s ready when your fudge mixture is done.

Step 2: Combine the Sweet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together your white chocolate morsels, marshmallow cream, peppermint extract, and that cheerful green gel food coloring. Setting this aside means you’re prepped for the next hot step—melting everything together perfectly.

Step 3: Cook the Sugar Mixture

Grab a heavy saucepan and add butter, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat this over medium-high, stirring often so nothing sticks or burns. Once it boils, keep stirring and boil steadily for a full 4 minutes—that consistent boil is key to reaching the right thickness and fudgy texture without needing a thermometer.

Step 4: Blend and Set

Pour the hot buttery mixture over your white chocolate bowl, then whip it with an electric mixer for about a minute until everything melts and turns beautifully smooth. Pour immediately into your prepared dish, then gently press green sugar and red heart sprinkles on top for that festive touch before refrigerating.

Step 5: Chill and Cut

Pop your fudge in the fridge for about two hours or overnight—whichever you prefer. When it’s firm, cut into bite-size pieces. My tip? Only slice what you plan to eat right away to keep the fudge fresh and creamy.

How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and festive by topping with green sanding sugar and bright red heart sprinkles—they add sparkle and a sweet crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle crushed candy canes for an extra peppermint punch and fun texture.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha. I also love serving it alongside holiday cookies for a full festive dessert spread that lets everyone nibble their favorite sweets.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged pieces of this fudge in a clear glass jar layered with crushed candy canes and holiday sprigs—makes for an eye-catching, gift-worthy treat. Wrapping individual bites in festive cellophane with a ribbon is also a fun way to share this recipe with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and creamy for about two weeks this way, which means I get to enjoy little bites over time without them drying out.

Freezing

If I’m making this fudge ahead for a party, I freeze it in a sealed container with parchment between layers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it’s just as delicious and keeps that smooth texture perfectly.

Reheating

Since it’s fudge, reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you want a softer bite, I let pieces come to room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds on low—careful not to melt them!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe has truly become one of my holiday staples—it’s easy to make, pretty to look at, and packs that unmistakable peppermint flavor that puts everyone in a festive mood. I genuinely love how this fudge brings smiles, whether it’s on a holiday dessert board or wrapped up as a sweet gift. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how delicious and joyful fudge-making can be!

Print