Cookie Cutter Peppermint Fudge

Materials Needed

non-stick cooking spray
5 cookie cutters (about 3” each)
aluminum foil
1 cup (about 6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup extra crunchy peanut butter
crushed peppermint candy (or other topping if you prefer, like chopped salted peanuts or pretzel or toffee pieces)
disposable piping bag or zip-top bag
6x9” cellophane bag
colorful ribbon

Yield: About 5 gifts

Prep Cookie Cutters

Lightly spray a 6 to 8” piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray and lay a cookie cutter in the center (Image 1).  Fold and scrunch the foil tightly around the edges of the cookie cutter (Image 2). Smooth the foil flat on the inside of the cutter using a finger. Lay the prepared cutters on a baking tray (Image 3).

Prep Fudge

Combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a bowl (Image 1) and heat in the microwave at 30 second intervals until the mixture can be stirred smooth, about 1 minute 30 seconds. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Fill Cookie Cutters

Transfer the candy to a disposable piping bag (or zip-top bag) with the tip snipped (Image 1). Pipe candy into the cookie cutters and shake the pan gently to level the candy (Image 2). Sprinkle candy with crushed peppermint or other desired toppings (Image 3). Transfer to the refrigerator to chill, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Remove Foil

Remove foil from the backs of the cookie cutters. If any candy has seeped to the outside, gently wipe it away with a paper towel.

Package Gifts

Place the cutters in a 6x9” cellophane bag (Image 1) and tie with festive ribbon.  Add fun gift tags if desired (Image 2). Tip: If making these ahead, store them packaged in the refrigerator for longevity.