There’s something magical about a classic holiday treat like Christmas Fudge — rich, chocolatey squares that melt in your mouth, bringing instant joy to all who indulge. This recipe captures everything you dream of in a festive fudge: decadent chocolate, creamy sweetness, a hint of crunch, and a splash of color and whimsy from holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint. Whether you’re whipping up homemade edible gifts, serving a crowd at your holiday party, or treating yourself to a cozy December night with a mug of cocoa, this Christmas Fudge is irresistibly good and endlessly adaptable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised at how a handful of pantry staples come together to create pure holiday bliss! Each ingredient in this Christmas Fudge plays an essential role, from creating a lusciously smooth texture to adding that signature festive flair.
- Chocolate chips: The backbone of any great fudge — semi-sweet chocolate chips deliver a deep, balanced flavor and smooth melt.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This creamy ingredient gives the fudge its signature silkiness and just the right sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the chocolate and brings a touch of warmth.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate taste even more luxuriant.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Nuts add delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness (feel free to leave them out for a nut-free fudge).
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies: The finishing touch that makes your Christmas Fudge as cheerful and festive as it is delicious!
How to Make Christmas Fudge
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides. This trick makes removing and slicing your fudge a total breeze, and helps with cleanup too!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Grab a medium saucepan and set it over low heat. Add your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir gently but consistently — patience is key here. In about 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll notice the chocolate becoming glossy and smooth, a promising preview of the fudge to come.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing thoroughly to spread the flavor throughout the fudge. This step adds just the right touch of complexity to make the chocolate truly shine.
Step 4: Stir in the Nuts
If you’re a fan of added texture and nutty richness, fold in your chopped walnuts or pecans now. Every bite will have that classic crumbly crunch that so many people love in old-fashioned Christmas Fudge.
Step 5: Pour and Top Your Fudge
Pour the luscious chocolate mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. While it’s still soft, shower the top with holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies — don’t be shy! Gently press them in so they stay put and add that unmistakable holiday sparkle.
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
All that’s left is the hardest part: waiting! Let the fudge cool to room temperature, then tuck the pan into the fridge. Give it at least 2 hours, or even overnight, until set and sliceable. Once it’s firm, lift the fudge out with the parchment paper overhang and cut into perfect little squares.
How to Serve Christmas Fudge
Garnishes
Nothing says festive like a tray of Christmas Fudge topped with glistening sprinkles or shimmery crushed peppermint. You can also get creative: try a drizzle of melted white chocolate or scatter over colorful edible glitter for extra magic. A pinch of flaky sea salt or tiny candied fruit bits can take your fudge presentation to showstopper status.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness of your fudge with small, fresh elements like a bowl of clementine slices or tart dried cranberries. For a wintery dessert platter, pair your squares with crisp shortbread cookies, spiced nuts, or even salty pretzel rods for contrast. And nothing goes better with Christmas Fudge than a cup of strong coffee, herbal tea, or thick hot chocolate!
Creative Ways to Present
Gift your fudge wrapped in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or layer squares between sheets of parchment in a decorative tin. For parties, arrange the squares in a wreath shape with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries for a centerpiece-worthy treat. You can even use small cookie cutters to shape your fudge into stars, trees, or hearts for a next-level personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Christmas Fudge as fresh as the day you made it, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Separate the layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. It stays perfectly soft and fabulous for up to a week — if it lasts that long!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Christmas Fudge! Arrange the pieces in a single layer, separated with parchment, in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight whenever you’re ready for a taste of holiday nostalgia.
Reheating
Fudge is wonderful enjoyed straight from the fridge, but if you like a softer bite, let the pieces sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. There’s no need to microwave or bake; just a gentle rest will restore that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate in Christmas Fudge?
Absolutely! Try a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips for extra richness, or swirl in some white chocolate for a prettier look and a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I keep my fudge from getting grainy?
The key is stirring constantly over low heat and not overcooking the mixture. Use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated, and make sure all your chocolate is melted and smooth before removing from the heat.
Can I make Christmas Fudge nut-free?
Of course! Simply skip the nuts in the recipe. For added texture, you can substitute with dried fruit like cranberries or mini marshmallows instead.
Does fudge need to be refrigerated?
While fudge doesn’t technically require refrigeration, it stays freshest and maintains its perfect texture when chilled — and it’s less likely to get sticky or too soft when stored in the fridge, especially if your kitchen tends to be warm.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and make sure to melt the ingredients in a bigger saucepan, stirring carefully to keep everything silky smooth as you scale it up.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Christmas Fudge is pure pleasure — and now that you’ve got this easy, festive recipe in your repertoire, every holiday season can be just a little sweeter. Share it, gift it, or sneak a piece for yourself; after all, the holidays are all about joy and a bit of indulgence. Happy fudge-making!
Print
Christmas Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this rich and creamy Christmas Fudge. Made with a blend of chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla, this easy-to-make treat is topped with holiday sprinkles for a touch of seasonal joy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- Melt Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter until smooth.
- Finish the Mixture: Stir in vanilla and salt, then add nuts if desired. Spread in the dish and top with sprinkles.
- Chill and Serve: Cool to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then cut into squares.
Notes
- This fudge can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- For a festive touch, try swirling in white chocolate or adding dried cranberries.
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