Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or waxed paper set aside.
Take your 30 peppermint candies or 10 candy canes and crush them with a meat tenderizer. Measure out 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup into separate bowls and set aside.
If using Microwave Method: Place the chips and the sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30-second intervals stirring between each interval until the chips are fully melted.
If using a saucepan on the stove top: Place the chips and the sweetened condensed milk into a heavy saucepan. Stir and heat over medium to medium-low heat until the chips are fully melted.
Stir in the peppermint flavoring or extract and 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies.
Pour the fudge into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top of the fudge and gently press in.
Let set at room temperature until the fudge is set. You can speed up the processes by placing the fudge into the refrigerator.
Once fully set, lift the fudge out with the paper and cut into serving-sized pieces.