Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

The Most Magical Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet holiday gatherings call for this mouthwatering easy Christmas fudge recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Rich chocolate melts into creamy perfection, creating a festive treat everyone will adore.

Memories of childhood celebrations flood back with each silky bite.

Surprising loved ones with a dessert that looks professionally crafted but takes minimal effort.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up this delectable confection in minutes.

Zero baking skills?

No worries – this recipe welcomes kitchen novices and experts alike.

The magic happens quickly, transforming basic pantry staples into a decadent seasonal delight that’ll become your new tradition.

Why Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe Is Foolproof And Fun

  • Savor Speedy Sweetness: This Christmas fudge recipe takes just minutes to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute holiday treats or sudden dessert cravings.
  • Create Festive Flair: The simple decorating step with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes transforms basic fudge into a stunning, celebration-ready dessert that looks professionally crafted.
  • Embrace Foolproof Flavor: Combining just a few ingredients like chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter creates a rich, creamy texture that's nearly impossible to mess up, welcoming even novice bakers into the holiday cooking experience.
  • Enjoy Stress-Free Chilling: The refrigeration process does most of the work, allowing you to relax while the fudge sets, making this a low-effort, high-reward holiday treat that requires minimal kitchen time.

What You’ll Need For Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

Chocolate Base:
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich and creamy base for classic Christmas fudge, dark or semi-sweet works best.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides smooth, sweet texture and helps bind ingredients together.
Creamy Enhancers:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, sweet flavor depth to the fudge.
  • Peppermint Extract (Optional): Adds festive holiday flavor and cooling sensation.
Decorative Toppings:
  • Holiday Sprinkles, Candy Canes: Festive decorations that add color, crunch, and holiday cheer, crushed or whole pieces work well.

How To Make Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides like little handles. This trick makes lifting out the fudge super easy later.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Magic

Grab a medium saucepan and gather these delightful ingredients:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peppermint extract (optional)

Melt everything together over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy river of chocolatey goodness. Once everything is perfectly blended, remove from heat and stir in the extracts for an extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Pour and Smooth

Carefully transfer the luscious chocolate mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a perfect chocolate canvas.

Step 4: Add Festive Flair

Quickly sprinkle holiday cheer across the top! Scatter:
  • Colorful holiday sprinkles
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Festive edible glitter

Gently press the decorations into the soft fudge so they stick like little celebration confetti.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Slide the pan into the refrigerator and let the fudge rest for at least two hours. This gives the fudge time to firm up and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Slice and Celebrate

Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper handles. Slice into bite-sized squares that will make everyone’s eyes light up with joy. Serve and watch the smiles spread!

Tips To Get Smooth Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

  • Prep Like a Pro: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra overhang for effortless fudge removal and clean cutting.
  • Smooth Melting Technique: Use low heat and stir constantly to prevent chocolate from burning, creating a silky-smooth fudge texture without lumps.
  • Flavor Boost Options: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or almond to customize your holiday treat and surprise family and friends.
  • Decorative Touch: Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes immediately after pouring to ensure they stick perfectly to the soft fudge surface.
  • Storage Savvy: Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a perfect make-ahead holiday dessert.

How To Store Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe Without Melting

  • Refrigerate: Store the Christmas fudge in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge maintains its delicious taste for 3 months.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the smooth texture.
  • Serve: For best flavor and consistency, enjoy the fudge slightly chilled, allowing it to soften just a bit before indulging in its creamy goodness.

Treats That Go With Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

  • Brew Festive Cocoa Companion: Pair this sweet Christmas fudge with a rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, creating a cozy winter treat that melts together perfectly.
  • Sip Peppermint Liqueur Magic: For adult gatherings, serve a chilled shot of peppermint schnapps alongside the fudge, enhancing the holiday mint flavor and adding a festive alcoholic twist.
  • Complement with Vanilla Chai: A warm vanilla chai latte balances the rich chocolate, offering a spicy-sweet counterpoint that elevates the fudge's creamy texture and holiday spirit.
  • Match with Nutty Espresso: A small shot of espresso with a sprinkle of crushed nuts provides a robust contrast to the sweet fudge, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that awakens the palate.

Yummy Ideas To Change Up Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

  • Nutty Christmas Fudge: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the melted chocolate mixture for a crunchy texture that brings warmth to the classic recipe.
  • Dark Chocolate Peppermint Blast: Replace milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate and increase peppermint extract for a more intense, sophisticated holiday flavor profile.
  • Rocky Road Holiday Edition: Mix in mini marshmallows and chopped walnuts after melting the chocolate, creating a festive and indulgent winter treat that everyone will love.
  • Orange Zest Christmas Fudge: Incorporate fresh orange zest into the melted chocolate mixture, adding a bright citrusy note that complements the rich chocolate base.

FAQ For Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

  • Why is condensed milk important in this fudge recipe?

Sweetened condensed milk helps create a creamy, smooth texture and provides the perfect level of sweetness without requiring complicated sugar cooking techniques. It also helps the fudge set properly and gives it a rich, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

  • Can I make this fudge without butter?

Butter is crucial for the recipe’s texture and flavor. Substituting or removing it will significantly change the fudge’s smoothness and taste. If you need a dairy-free option, look for specific dairy-free fudge recipes designed to work without butter.

  • How do I know when the chocolate is completely melted?

The mixture should look completely smooth with no visible chocolate chip chunks. Stir constantly and keep the heat low to prevent burning. When you see a uniform, glossy appearance, the chocolate is fully melted and ready for the next step.

  • What if I don't have peppermint extract?

No worries! The fudge will still taste delicious without peppermint extract. The vanilla extract provides enough flavor, making it a classic chocolate fudge. If you want a festive touch, you can simply use the holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top.

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Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet holiday magic meets chocolate bliss in this quick Christmas Fudge recipe that delights with minimal effort. Rich layers of chocolatey goodness invite you to savor festive cheer in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolates and Base:

  • 3 cups (525 g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter

Extracts:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)

Toppings:

  • Holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes

Instructions

  1. Prepare a festive base by lining a rectangular baking vessel with parchment paper, ensuring slight overhang for effortless extraction.
  2. Create a silky chocolate foundation by gently melting chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan over low temperature, stirring continuously until achieving a glossy, uniform consistency.
  3. Enhance the mixture’s aromatic profile by incorporating vanilla and optional peppermint extracts, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
  4. Transfer the molten chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute the mixture uniformly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
  5. Embellish the surface with seasonal decorative elements like vibrant holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes, delicately pressing them into the smooth chocolate surface to ensure adherence.
  6. Chill the confection in the refrigerator for approximately two hours, allowing the fudge to solidify and develop a firm, sliceable texture.
  7. Once fully set, utilize the parchment paper’s edges to gracefully lift the fudge from the pan, then slice into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife.
  8. Serve and savor the decadent, festive treat, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet indulgences.

Notes

  • Ensure smooth melting by using low heat and stirring continuously to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing.
  • For dairy-free alternatives, swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk condensed milk and use vegan chocolate chips.
  • Customize flavors by experimenting with different extracts like almond, orange, or rum for unique taste profiles.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container between parchment paper layers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing flavor absorption.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 34 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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