Ever tried a fudge that’s not only creamy and sweet but also bursts with festive charm? That’s exactly why this Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe has become my go-to treat every holiday season. With its vibrant green swirl and peppermint kick, it instantly brings joy to any gathering.

The image shows several small square treats with two clear layers placed on a white plate. The bottom layer is smooth and white, while the top layer is bright green with a slightly rough texture. Each square is decorated with colorful sprinkles including red, green, white, and blue strands, along with small red heart shapes scattered on top. Extra sprinkles also lie around the plate on the white marbled surface. The treats are neatly arranged but some are overlapping in the foreground. 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 Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe is a little slice of holiday magic. I adore how it combines rich, melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate with fresh peppermint flavor and that signature green hue that reminds me of the mischievous Grinch himself. It’s easier than it looks and always a crowd-pleaser!

Festive and Fun: The bright green swirl with heart sprinkles makes this fudge as cheerful as a Christmas tree.
Balanced Flavor: The peppermint extract adds just the right coolness against the creamy white chocolate base.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing too fancy here, just straightforward pantry staples and a few baking treats.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy night in, these squares disappear fast – trust me, you’ll want to make extras!

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe lies in how these ingredients blend for the perfect creamy yet festive treat. Each element plays its part — from the tangy sour cream giving that smooth texture to the marshmallow cream ensuring it stays luscious and soft. Here’s a little breakdown to help you shop smart and feel confident:

Flat lay of a few small cubes of white baking chocolate, a small pile of granulated sugar, a dollop of thick sour cream in a small white ceramic bowl, a few tablespoons of softened butter shaped in a small mound, a small white bowl filled with smooth marshmallow cream, a small white bowl with bright green liquid food coloring drops, a few fresh green mint leaves to represent peppermint extract, and a scattering of colorful heart-shaped sprinkles arranged 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

Butter: Using softened butter helps create a rich, velvety base and ensures everything combines smoothly.
Sugar: The key sweetener that, when heated just right, gives the fudge its classic texture.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the pure sweetness of the white chocolate.
White Baking Chocolate: Make sure it’s good quality; it melts beautifully and sets with that silky finish.
Marshmallow Cream: This keeps the fudge soft and fudge-like rather than grainy, which is a game-changer.
Peppermint Extract: Just enough to make the flavor pop without overpowering the sweetness.
Green Food Coloring: Five drops give you that perfect Grinch-green glow that everyone loves.
Heart Sprinkles: Not just for decoration, they add a playful texture and look adorable on top!

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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

What I love about this Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on your taste or dietary needs. I sometimes swap regular butter for a dairy-free alternative when friends come over, and it still turns out amazing. Don’t be afraid to play around to find what you like best!

Variation: I’ve tried adding crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch — it’s festive and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
Dietary Swap: Using vegan white chocolate and plant-based butter works well if you want a dairy-free option.
Seasonal Twist: Sometimes I add a splash of vanilla along with peppermint for a layered flavor experience.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe

A close-up view shows a woman's hand sprinkling red heart-shaped and colorful red, white, and green sprinkles over a single green layer of smooth frosting in a silver rectangular pan lined with foil. The green frosting has a creamy, slightly swirled texture, covering the entire top of the pan. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro

I always line my 8-inch square pan with foil first — the overhang is a big help for lifting the fudge out later without a mess. Greasing the foil with softened butter is key to prevent sticking, so don’t skip this step. It’s a small prep task that pays off big-time at the end.

Step 2: Cook Sugar Mixture to Soft-Ball Stage

Start by combining the sugar, sour cream, and the rest of your butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan. Stir frequently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves fully — this avoids gritty fudge later. Bring the mix to a rapid boil and keep it there for about 5 minutes. I recommend a candy thermometer here; 234°F is your sweet spot for soft-ball stage. If you don’t have one, drop a bit of the hot mixture into cold water — it should form a soft, malleable ball.

Step 3: Blend in White Chocolate, Marshmallow Cream, and Peppermint

Remove your pan from heat and stir in chopped white chocolate, marshmallow cream, and peppermint extract. I like to take my time here, stirring gently until everything melts into a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is where your fudge really starts to come together in texture and flavor.

Step 4: Divide, Color, and Swirl the Fudge

Pour half the fudge mixture into your prepared pan for the white layer. Add the green food coloring to the remaining mixture in the saucepan, then spoon it over the white fudge layer. Using a knife, swirl the two layers gently for that beautiful marbled "Grinch" effect. Don’t over-swirl; you want to keep those distinct colors dancing together.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Chill Until Set

Top your fudge with heart sprinkles for a festive touch. Pop it in the fridge and let it chill completely — about 2 hours or until firm. Once set, use the foil edges to lift it out, peel away the foil, and cut into 1-inch squares. The hardest part? Waiting to dig in!

Top Tip

From my many attempts with this Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe, a few tricks can really save time and ensure your fudge comes out spot-on every time. Don’t rush the cooking step, and trust your candy thermometer. These little details make all the difference.

Use a Candy Thermometer: This is a game-changer for getting the perfect soft-ball stage and avoiding grainy fudge.
Stir Gently After Removing from Heat: Vigorous stirring can cause the fudge to seize up, so take it slow and steady.
Chill Fully: Let the fudge set completely before cutting for clean squares and the best texture.
Don’t Skip the Foil Lining: It makes removing the fudge so much easier and keeps your pan clean.

How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe

Grinch Peppermint Fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping mine with those cute little heart sprinkles—they add a pop of color and a fun crunchy surprise. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a few crushed candy canes on top to amp up the peppermint vibe and add a bit of festive sparkle. These little extras make the fudge look irresistible when you put it out for guests.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs perfectly with warm drinks. I love serving it alongside hot cocoa or peppermint coffee during winter gatherings. It’s also a lovely addition to any holiday dessert tray where you might have cookies, fruitcake, or mini cheesecakes—it offers a sweet, minty contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For the last holiday party, I arranged the fudge pieces in the shape of a Christmas tree on a platter and surrounded them with edible glitter. It was playful and got everyone to chat before even trying the treat. You can also wrap individual squares in festive wax paper and tie with ribbon as cute edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge — it stays fresh and firm for up to two weeks. Keeping it cool is key to preserving that creamy texture and peppermint flavor. When portioning, I usually layer parchment paper between pieces to prevent sticking.

Freezing

If I want to make a batch ahead, I wrap the cut squares individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen fudge can last up to three months and thaws beautifully in the fridge overnight without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

Since fudge is best eaten chilled or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating it. If you want it a bit softer, just leave it out on the counter for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps bring out the peppermint aroma and creamy mouthfeel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of peppermint?

You can substitute vanilla extract, but the signature ‘Grinch’ taste will be missing. Peppermint extract gives this fudge its refreshing, holiday-specific punch that pairs perfectly with the white chocolate.

What does 'soft-ball stage' mean in fudge making?

Soft-ball stage is a temperature (about 234°F) where heated sugar syrup forms a soft, pliable ball when dropped into cold water. It’s crucial for fudge texture — hitting this stage ensures your fudge will set correctly without being too hard or too sticky.

Can I skip the green food coloring?

Yes! The green food coloring is purely for that festive Grinch look. The fudge will still taste amazing without it. Feel free to experiment with red or no coloring at all—it’s all about the flavor and what makes you happy.

How long does this fudge keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this fudge stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Always let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Peppermint Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart, not only because it’s easy to make but also because it’s become part of our holiday traditions. I love how it brings smiles with its colors and flavors—like sharing a little edible joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own holiday classic, just like I did!