Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe

Introduction

This Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge combines rich chocolate with a festive peppermint twist, making it the perfect treat for the holiday season. Smooth, creamy, and studded with marshmallows, it’s a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 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 marshmallows (divided)
• Peppermint candy canes or crushed peppermints to garnish (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch pan with foil or parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a double boiler, combine 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 1/2 cups of milk chocolate chips, butter, sweetened condensed milk, and hot chocolate mix.
3. Step 3: Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture is melted and smooth.
4. Step 4: Add 2 cups of marshmallows and stir for about 1 minute until they begin to melt into the mixture.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla until fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and press the remaining marshmallows onto the top.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until firm.
8. Step 8: Once set, cut the fudge into squares.
9. Step 9: Heat the remaining 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
10. Step 10: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the fudge squares and let cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive crunch on top.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan chocolate chips and use coconut condensed milk.
• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for a softer texture. You can also freeze the fudge for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of hot chocolate mix?

Using hot chocolate mix adds sweetness and some extra flavor that cocoa powder alone won’t provide. If substituting cocoa powder, you may need to add sugar and adjust the quantities to taste.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?

The double boiler method works well to gently melt chocolate by using steam heat. If using a microwave, heat in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring each time to prevent overheating.

Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 106 reviews

This Hot Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is a rich and creamy treat combining semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips with the nostalgic flavor of hot chocolate mix, enhanced by marshmallows and a peppermint candy garnish. It’s a perfect festive dessert for holiday seasons, offering a luscious blend of chocolate and mint in every bite.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 fudge squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Mixture

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

Marshmallow Topping

• 4 cups marshmallows (divided)

Garnish

• About 1/2 cup peppermint candy canes or crushed peppermints

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Melt the chocolate mixture: Using a double boiler, 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 over medium heat until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
3. Add marshmallows: Stir in 2 cups of marshmallows and continue stirring for 1 minute to incorporate them into the chocolate mixture.
4. Add vanilla: Remove the mixture from heat and mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
5. Transfer to pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and evenly press the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows onto the top of the fudge.
6. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the fudge for 4 hours or until firm.
7. Cut the fudge: Once set, cut the fudge into squares.
8. Melt remaining chocolate: Heat the remaining 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each until smooth and melted.
9. Drizzle and garnish: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the fudge squares and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet if preferred for a sweeter fudge.
• Use fresh peppermint candy canes for a festive crunch and authentic peppermint flavor.
• Ensure continuous stirring in the double boiler to prevent chocolate from burning.
• Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For a vegan version, substitute sweetened condensed milk and marshmallows with appropriate dairy-free alternatives.

Keywords: hot chocolate fudge, peppermint fudge, holiday dessert, chocolate peppermint treat, easy fudge recipe