There’s something truly magical about the festive burst of minty sweetness combined with creamy sugar cookie flavors in the Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe. It’s that perfect holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to share — like wrapping up a Christmas hug in every bite.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to admit, the first time I tried making this fudge, I was blown away by how festive and flavorful it turned out with such simple ingredients. The Grinch theme makes it a standout on holiday dessert trays, and it’s a crowd-pleaser with those classic peppermint and sugar cookie vibes.
- Bright and Festive: The vibrant green swirled with creamy white fudge instantly lifts the holiday spirit.
- Deliciously Simple: A few pantry staples combine for a rich, peppermint-infused treasure without fuss.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and just sweet enough—a texture you’ll want to savor bite after bite.
- Great for Gifting: Wrapped up in a festive box, these fudge squares make a thoughtful homemade gift everyone will adore.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe brings together rich, creamy, and sweet components that melt into luscious layers. The combination of white baking chocolate and marshmallow cream creates that iconic melt-in-your-mouth fudge texture, while the peppermint extract and green food coloring give it that unmistakable holiday character.
- Butter: Essential for richness and smoothness; softened butter blends easily and helps the fudge set properly.
- Sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and structure; dissolves fully during cooking to create the fudge base.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavor.
- White Baking Chocolate: Melts smoothly and lends a creamy, sweet body that’s perfect for sugar cookie flavor.
- Marshmallow Cream: Key for that dense but tender consistency that makes fudge so addictively soft.
- Peppermint Extract: The holiday hero, giving the fudge its signature cool, refreshing kick.
- Green Food Coloring: Just a few drops bring the Grinch to life with a playful swirl of color.
- Heart Sprinkles: For that festive finishing touch—adds crunch and charm on top.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about the Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak the extract for a little variety or swap out sprinkles to match my holiday theme. You can really make it your own while keeping that joyful spirit.
- Variation: I once added a handful of crushed candy canes to the top for extra crunch and peppermint flavor—it was a hit at our Christmas party!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Melt the Butter
I start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving enough overhang so I can lift the fudge out easily later—this saves so much hassle! Then, I lightly grease the foil with the softened butter, which prevents sticking without adding extra layers of mess.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture to Soft-Ball Stage
Next, I combine the sugar, sour cream, and remaining butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stirring frequently over medium heat is key—you want to dissolve the sugar completely and bring it to a rapid boil. Cooking until it reaches 234°F or the soft-ball stage ensures the fudge sets perfectly. I like to do the classic cold water test: drop a spoonful of the hot mix into cold water, and if it forms a soft, pliable ball, you’re right on target.
Step 3: Add the Magic Ingredients
Once off the heat, stir in the chopped white baking chocolate, marshmallow cream, and peppermint extract until everything melts into a smooth, luscious mixture. This part feels like frosting your fudge base, and soon you’re just moments away from that beautifully sweet treat.
Step 4: Create the Grinch Green Swirl
Pour half the fudge into your prepared pan. Then add five drops of green food coloring to the remaining fudge in the saucepan. Spoon the green fudge over the white layer, and with a knife, gently swirl the two layers together for that iconic marbled Grinch effect. This step is fun and gives your fudge that festive personality.
Step 5: Sprinkle and Chill
After swirling, sprinkle the top with festive heart sprinkles—this not only makes it charming but adds a little crunchy surprise. Then pop the pan in the refrigerator until the fudge is firm, which usually takes a couple of hours.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once set, use the foil overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Carefully peel the foil, then cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife. Serve them up right away or keep them refrigerated for later. I often find myself sneaking a square or two throughout the holidays!
Top Tip
Through a few batches, I learned some simple tricks to get this recipe just right every time. These tips save you from the usual fudge frustrations like grainy texture or sticky messes.
- Soft-Ball Stage Test: Rely on the cold water test instead of just timing to be sure your sugar mixture is perfect—this is the fudge-maker’s secret.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: I found it prevents burning and helps evenly cook the sugar mixture, which is essential for smooth fudge.
- Swirl Gently: When adding the food coloring layer, don’t overmix—the goal is to keep pretty marbled streaks, not a uniform green.
- Butter the Foil Well: This saves you so much cleanup, ensuring the fudge lifts out cleanly without sticking or breaking apart.
How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with heart sprinkles for that classic festive look, but crushed candy canes or edible glitter can add extra sparkle and texture. For an adult twist, a light dusting of cocoa powder or shredded coconut can be lovely too.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of peppermint tea or rich cocoa. I’ve also served it alongside sugar cookies and gingerbread for a delightful holiday dessert platter everyone can nibble on while chatting or watching Christmas classics.
Creative Ways to Present
One year, I arranged these fudge squares in layers inside a clear jar as a gift, topping it with a festive ribbon. Another time, I set them out on a tiered dessert stand decorated with pine sprigs and mini ornaments—such a showstopper for parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the fudge fresh and chewy for up to two weeks. Cold storage is important to maintain that perfect texture and prevent melting.
Freezing
Freezing works well too! I wrap pieces individually and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When I thaw them in the fridge overnight, they’re still deliciously creamy and ready to enjoy.
Reheating
I don’t usually reheat fudge, but if it’s a little too firm, leaving it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes softens it nicely without losing flavor or texture—just be patient and resist the urge to microwave!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Regular peppermint extract works fine, just be aware that it may have a slightly less intense flavor or a different aftertaste, so adjust the amount to your liking.
No worries! Use the cold water test: drop a bit of the hot sugar mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, you’re at the soft-ball stage and ready to proceed.
Absolutely! The food coloring is purely for visual fun. Skipping it won’t affect the taste, so you’ll still get delicious peppermint sugar cookie fudge, just without the Grinch green swirl.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the fudge stays fresh and maintains its texture for about two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe has become one of my holiday go-tos because it’s just joyful to make and share. Whether you’re baking with kids or looking to impress at your next party, this fudge feels like a seasonal treat that brings people together—and that’s what I love most about it. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite tradition in your kitchen, too!
Print
Grinch Peppermint Sugar Cookie 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
Delight in this festive Grinch Fudge recipe featuring creamy white chocolate and peppermint flavors with vibrant green swirls and heart sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations and seasonal treats.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 1-½ teaspoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 12 squares (12 ounces) white baking chocolate, chopped
- 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Decorations
- 5 drops green food coloring
- ¼ cup heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. Grease the foil with 1-½ teaspoons of softened butter. Set aside while preparing the fudge.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, sour cream, and ¼ cup softened butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves. Bring to a rapid boil and continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches 234°F (soft-ball stage).
- Add Chocolate and Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in chopped white chocolate, marshmallow cream, and peppermint extract until smooth and melted.
- Create Layers: Pour half of the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Add 5 drops of green food coloring to the remaining fudge mixture in the saucepan. Spoon the green mixture over the white layer, then use a knife to swirl the two colors together for a marbled effect.
- Add Sprinkles and Chill: Sprinkle the top with heart sprinkles. Refrigerate until firm.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil overhang. Peel away the foil and cut into 1-inch squares. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- This fudge is perfect for Christmas parties, cookie trays, or holiday movie night treats due to its festive colors and easy preparation.
- You can test the soft-ball stage by dropping a spoonful of the hot mixture into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and refrigerate leftovers to maintain freshness.
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly, but be cautious to avoid overpowering the fudge.
- Substitute green food coloring with natural alternatives like matcha powder or spinach extract for a natural hue.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1 inch square)
- 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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