Name: Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened, divided; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 1/2 cup sour cream; 12 squares (1 ounce each) white baking chocolate, chopped; 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 5 drops green food coloring; 1/4 cup heart sprinkles

There's something utterly magical about the combination of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint, especially when it comes together in a treat that's as playful as it is delicious. This Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe is just the sweet celebration you need this holiday season, with its joyful green swirls and festive crunch that instantly brighten any gathering.

The image shows small square pieces of a two-layer dessert on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a bottom layer that is smooth and white, topped with a bright green layer that looks soft and slightly textured. On top of the green layer, there are colorful sprinkles in red, blue, white, and green, as well as red heart-shaped decorations scattered around. The pieces are arranged close together in a somewhat random order. 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 White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made quite a few fudge recipes over the years, but the Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe always stands out for the sheer joy it brings. Its bright green marbled layers and minty flavor make it an instant conversation starter—and everyone loves a treat with a story to tell!

Festive and Eye-Catching: The green peppermint swirl and heart-shaped sprinkles add a cheerful holiday vibe that your guests won't forget.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of creamy white chocolate and crisp peppermint creates a refreshing yet indulgent taste.
Simple to Make: Despite looking fancy, this fudge recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, with clear steps to guide you.
Great Make-Ahead Dessert: It stores beautifully in the fridge and freezer, which means you can prepare it well ahead of your holiday events.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe plays a special role, bringing together creaminess, sweetness, and that minty freshness. I always recommend using quality white baking chocolate and fresh peppermint extract for the best flavor.

Flat lay of a few small cubes of white baking chocolate, a small mound of granulated sugar, a small dollop of sour cream on a white ceramic plate, a small lump of softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth marshmallow cream, a few whole uncracked brown eggs resting nearby, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright green liquid food coloring, a small white ceramic bowl with clear peppermint extract, and a small handful of colorful heart-shaped sprinkles scattered elegantly, all arranged symmetrically 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: Adds richness and a smooth texture while helping with the fudgy consistency.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve the perfect soft-ball stage, critical for classic fudge texture.
Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the fudge luscious.
White Baking Chocolate: The star ingredient that delivers creamy sweetness and melts beautifully.
Marshmallow Cream: Gives fudge a velvety texture and contributes to that classic fudge consistency.
Peppermint Extract: Infuses the fudge with refreshing, festive flavor—use pure extract for the best results.
Green Food Coloring: Creates the iconic Grinch green swirl—use just a few drops for a vibrant color without overpowering flavor.
Heart Sprinkles: Add a fun, decorative touch that’s perfect for holiday cheer and extra sweetness.

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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

I love how flexible this Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe is—it's a perfect canvas for small changes. You can tweak the peppermint intensity or switch up the sprinkles to match your party theme. It never fails to impress, no matter what you do!

Less Sweet Version: Once, I swapped half the sugar for a natural sweetener, and though the texture was slightly different, it still tasted delightful.
Chocolate Peppermint Twist: Adding dark chocolate chips to the white chocolate mixture gives a sophisticated edge that's so good with the peppermint.
Vegan Adaptation: I experimented with vegan butter and plant-based marshmallow cream, achieving a fudge close to the original—just need to watch the cooking temperature carefully.

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

A close-up view of a silver, foil-lined square pan filled with a smooth, bright green batter spread evenly on the top layer. The batter is decorated with red heart-shaped sprinkles and long thin sprinkles in white, red, and green scattered all over the surface. A woman's hand is seen gently placing some sprinkles on the top right side. The pan is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Protect Your Pan

Start by lining an 8-inch square pan with foil, leaving some overhang on the sides—that's your lifeline for easy fudge removal later. I rub 1½ teaspoons of softened butter over the foil so the fudge doesn’t stick. Trust me, this step saves a lot of frustration when it’s time to cut.

Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture Just Right

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, sour cream, and the remaining ¼ cup of butter. Stir frequently over medium heat so nothing sticks or burns. Once the sugar dissolves, crank up the heat to bring it to a rapid boil. Keep cooking until the mixture hits 234°F on a candy thermometer—called the soft-ball stage. If you don't have a thermometer, drop a spoonful in cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball. This is key for that perfect fudge texture, so don’t rush this part.

Step 3: Melt and Stir to a Velvet Finish

Take the saucepan off the heat and immediately stir in chopped white chocolate, marshmallow cream, and peppermint extract. Keep stirring until everything's melted smoothly—this step brings all the flavors and textures together for that irresistible creamy fudge base.

Step 4: Layer, Color, and Swirl the Fudge

Pour half of this luscious mixture into your prepared pan for the white chocolate layer. Then add five drops of green food coloring to the remaining batch in your saucepan and stir well. Spoon or dollop the green fudge over the white layer, then use a knife to gently swirl the two colors for that quirky Grinch-inspired marbled effect.

Step 5: Sprinkle and Chill Until Firm

Scatter heart sprinkles right on top for a festive finishing touch. Pop the pan in the fridge and let it chill until fully set—usually takes a couple of hours. When it’s firm, lift it out by the foil edges and slice into 1-inch squares. These bites of holiday happiness are ready to enjoy or gift!

Top Tip

After a few batch attempts, I learned how critical temperature and timing are for this fudge’s perfect consistency. Here are the nuggets that helped me nail it every time:

Use a Candy Thermometer: It’s worth investing in one—it takes the guesswork out of reaching the soft-ball stage, ensuring your fudge sets just right.
Don’t Skip the Sour Cream: It adds the right tang and moisture, balancing out the sweetness and making the fudge pleasantly creamy.
Be Gentle When Swirling Colors: Too much swirling blends the layers beyond recognition; just a few soft strokes create that festive marbled look beautifully.
Butter the Foil Well: Prevents sticky fingers and keeps your fudge intact when lifting it out of the pan.

How to Serve Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

peppermint white chocolate fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally stick to heart-shaped sprinkles on top—they add just the right pop of festive fun and a little extra crunch. But crushed peppermint candy or a dusting of edible glitter also look stunning and make this fudge extra special for parties.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a warm cup of peppermint hot cocoa or spiced eggnog for a cozy holiday treat spread. It also complements simple cookies or a fruit platter if you want to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas gatherings, I like to layer these fudge squares in a clear glass jar, alternating with fresh pine sprigs or mini ornaments for a whimsical gift. You can also arrange them on a bright red or gold serving tray to amp up the merry vibe or use themed cupcake liners for single servings at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and creamy for about two weeks, which is perfect for nibbling throughout holiday festivities or as a quick sweet pick-me-up.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver! I freeze the fudge pieces on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a treat, just thaw the squares in the fridge overnight—they retain their creamy texture and even taste a bit richer after resting.

Reheating

Fudge isn’t typically “reheated,” but if it gets too firm, I let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, which softens it nicely without losing that melt-in-your-mouth vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of pure peppermint extract?

You can use either, but pure peppermint extract generally provides a stronger, cleaner flavor that shines better in this fudge. Regular extract sometimes has added ingredients or a milder taste.

What’s the best way to check the fudge consistency without a thermometer?

The cold water test is a fantastic alternative. Drop a spoonful of hot sugar mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that you can shape with your fingers, it’s reached the soft-ball stage and is ready to remove from heat.

Can I make this fudge ahead of time?

Absolutely! This fudge keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks and also freezes beautifully. Making it ahead means you’ll have a festive treat ready whenever you need it, perfect for last-minute holiday hosting.

How do I get the perfect swirl for the Grinch effect?

After pouring the white and green mixtures into the pan, use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers without overmixing. Aim for big, sweeping motions to keep those fun marbled streaks distinct and visually festive.

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Recipe is one of those holiday treats that feels like giving a little gift with every bite. Its creamy texture, minty zing, and festive appearance never fail to bring smiles around my kitchen table—and I’m confident it’ll do the same for you. So next time you're in the mood to add a little magic to your holiday sweets, give this recipe a whirl. You'll end up with fudge that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and isn’t that what the season’s all about?