Bright, creamy, and oh-so-festive, this Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe is everything you want in a holiday treat. The minty twist combined with that smooth white chocolate makes it truly unforgettable — perfect for spreading some green cheer!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made this Grinch Peppermint Fudge more times than I can count during the holiday season, and it never disappoints. It’s a showstopper on any dessert table and so simple to whip up. Plus, that minty flavor always reminds me of cozy winter nights by the fire.
- Festive Look: The green and white marbled layers with heart sprinkles instantly brighten any holiday spread.
- Delightful Flavor: Peppermint and white chocolate create a luscious, minty sweetness you won't get enough of.
- Easy Process: Despite looking fancy, it’s straightforward to make even if you’re new to fudge.
- Perfect for Gifting: Cut into bite-sized squares, it’s ideal to share with friends, family, or neighbors.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe blends classic fudge components with a peppermint twist and festive green coloring. Each ingredient plays a vital role in getting that creamy texture and that special holiday flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy fudge base.
- Sugar: Essential for sweetness and structure in the fudge.
- Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and balances the sugary sweetness for depth.
- White Baking Chocolate: Gives the fudge a luscious, creamy body — chopped for easy melting.
- Marshmallow Cream: Keeps the fudge soft and smooth, preventing it from becoming grainy.
- Peppermint Extract: Brings the fresh, cool, minty note that makes this fudge festive.
- Green Food Coloring: For that unmistakable Grinch-green look — just a few drops go a long way.
- Heart Sprinkles: Adds a playful holiday touch and texture on top.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite parts about this Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your preferences. You can tone down the peppermint or swap sprinkles to fit your holiday vibe.
- Variation: I sometimes swap half of the white chocolate with milk chocolate for a creamier, sweeter fudge that’s less mint-forward but still festive.
- Dietary Modification: For a lighter version, try substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt, though the texture may be slightly different.
- Seasonal Change: Instead of peppermint extract, experiment with a touch of orange zest and a few drops of orange food coloring for a citrusy twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
First things first, line an 8-inch square pan with foil, leaving extra on the sides to help lift the fudge out later. Then, grease the foil with a little softened butter. This trusty step ensures your fudge won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—don't skip it!
Step 2: Cook Your Sugar Mixture
Next, mix sugar, sour cream, and the remaining butter in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves completely—this usually takes a few minutes. Then, bring it to a rapid boil and keep cooking until a candy thermometer reaches 234°F, known as the soft-ball stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a spoonful into cold water — it should form a soft, squishy ball that easily flattens between your fingers.
Step 3: Add Chocolate, Marshmallow, and Peppermint
Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the chopped white chocolate, marshmallow cream, and peppermint extract. Keep stirring until everything is melted and silky smooth. This part always feels like magic—watching those chunks transform into creamy indulgence.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl for That Iconic Green and White
Pour half the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Add green food coloring to the remaining fudge and stir well. Spoon that vibrant green layer over the white fudge, then grab a knife and swirl gently to create a festive marbled effect. This step is where you get creative—no two batches look exactly the same!
Step 5: Sprinkle and Chill
Top your fudge with heart sprinkles for an extra holiday touch, then pop it in the fridge until firm—usually a couple of hours. When ready, use the foil to lift it from the pan and slice into 1-inch squares. Voila! Sweet, pepperminty goodness ready to enjoy.
Top Tip
Making fudge can feel a bit tricky, especially getting the texture just right. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take your Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe from good to great.
- Soft-Ball Stage Test: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, the cold water test is your best friend and almost foolproof.
- Stir Gently: When adding chocolate and marshmallow, stir slowly to avoid creating graininess—patience pays off!
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: It makes a huge difference in flavor and texture—don’t skimp here.
- Don’t Rush Chilling: Let the fudge set fully in the fridge to get clean slices and that perfect bite.
How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with heart-shaped holiday sprinkles for the classic Grinch look, but crushed peppermint candies or even edible glitter add fun texture and sparkle. It’s all about making it feel joyful and festive.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs perfectly alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. For a holiday party, I usually set it out on a tray with gingerbread cookies and candy canes—a real peppermint lover’s dream.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged the fudge pieces in a festive tin lined with parchment paper tied with a red ribbon. It also makes a charming gift when placed in a mason jar layered with candy canes and wrapped with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge, layering pieces with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. It stays fresh for about a week and keeps that creamy texture intact.
Freezing
Freezing works great too! Just wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a delicious treat anytime during the holidays.
Reheating
Since this fudge is best enjoyed cold or room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. Just bring it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving so it softens slightly without losing its shape.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Regular cream can be too runny and might alter the texture of the fudge. Sour cream gives just the right balance of tang and consistency, helping the fudge set properly.
You can skip the food coloring, and the fudge will still taste wonderful—just without that iconic green look. Alternatively, try natural colorings like matcha powder for a subtle green tint.
If you don’t have a candy thermometer, drop a small spoonful of the hot mixture into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball that flattens when pressed between your fingers—this indicates the soft-ball stage.
Absolutely! You can make the fudge up to a week ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep it airtight to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe has a special place on my holiday dessert table every year. Its fun green swirls and minty sweetness always bring smiles, making it worth every minute spent in the kitchen. I promise, once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your festive traditions too. So grab your saucepan and let’s spread some holiday joy, one luscious bite at a time!
Print
Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 60 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Grinch Fudge recipe combines creamy white chocolate with a peppermint twist and vibrant green swirls, topped with heart sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties and seasonal treats, it offers a delightful marbled look and a sweet, smooth texture that's easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Fudge
- 1-½ teaspoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 12 squares (1 ounce each) white baking chocolate, chopped
- 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 5 drops green food coloring
- ¼ cup heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving some overhang on the sides. Grease the foil with 1-½ teaspoons of softened butter. Set aside while you prepare the fudge.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, sour cream, and remaining ¼ cup butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and continue cooking for about five minutes or until a candy thermometer reaches 234°F, the soft-ball stage.
- Add Chocolate and Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the chopped white chocolate, marshmallow cream, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and melted.
- Create Layers: Pour half of the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Add five drops of green food coloring to the remaining mixture in the saucepan. Spoon the green fudge over the white layer, then swirl the two colors together using a knife for a marbled effect.
- Top and Chill: Sprinkle the top with heart sprinkles and refrigerate until firm.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, use the foil overhang to lift the fudge from the pan. Peel away the foil and cut the fudge into 1-inch squares. Enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator until serving.
Notes
- Ensure the candy thermometer reaches the soft-ball stage for perfect fudge texture.
- Use white baking chocolate for smooth melting and a creamy base.
- The green food coloring swirled with white creates a festive marbled look perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Heart sprinkles add a fun, festive touch but can be substituted with other colorful sprinkles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 73 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 13 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
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