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If there’s one treat you can count on to bring instant holiday cheer, it’s this Easy Christmas Fudge. It’s rich, chocolatey, impossibly smooth, and comes together in just a few minutes! No stovetop or candy thermometer required. It’s a lifesaver when you want a thoughtful gift or a holiday party treat that’s actually easy to make!
why you’ll love this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe
I grew up in a house where a plate of homemade fudge practically lived on the counter from Thanksgiving straight through New Year’s, and I’ve proudly carried that tradition into my own home. Hosting during the holidays is one of my favorite things, and nothing makes people feel more welcome than a tin lined with fresh, festive fudge squares!
The real beauty of this fudge recipe is just how easy it is to make. There is no babysitting a stovetop or tricky temperatures! I use just a few pantry staples and a microwave to make my homemade fudge. And let’s be honest, when the holiday calendar is packed (and it always is), this is the recipe I reach for!
Here’s what makes this Christmas Fudge Recipe so special:
❥ Flavor & Texture: Rich, chocolatey, and impossibly smooth, this fudge melts in your mouth with just the right sweetness. Topped with festive sprinkles, it adds a little crunch and holiday cheer in every bite!
❥ Ease: Made with just a few simple ingredients and a microwave, this fudge comes together in minutes! While many fudge recipes require cooking to an exact temperature, this recipe keeps this simple. No stovetop, candy thermometer, or complicated steps required.
❥ Occasion: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, festive dessert boards, or as a sweet gift for friends and neighbors. It’s the kind of treat that disappears fast!
❥ Customizable: Try swapping in peppermint extract for a candy cane fudge twist or stirring in chopped nuts for variety. Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or eggnog for a holiday-worthy treat!
NikkiIngredients Needed for Christmas Fudge
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: The base of the fudge! Semi-sweet is classic, but darker chocolate adds depth and cuts the sweetness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates the creamy, smooth texture that sets without a candy thermometer.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the fudge stay soft but sliceable!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor. You can swap peppermint extract for a candy-cane twist.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes a big difference in the flavor!
- Holiday sprinkles: Optional but highly recommended for a festive Christmas-themed fudge.
How To Make The Best Christmas Fudge
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
Step 2 | Melt the Fudge Base
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth (about 3–4 minutes total).
Step 3 | Add Flavorings
Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Mix just until evenly distributed.
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Step 4 | Top with Sprinkles & Chill
Pour fudge mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Immediately scatter sprinkles on top, pressing lightly so they stick. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
Step 5 | Cut & Serve
Lift fudge from pan using parchment. Slice into small squares with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
- Peppermint fudge: Use peppermint extract and add crushed candy canes on top.
- Nutty fudge: Stir in ½–1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts before chilling!
- White chocolate fudge: If you prefer a white chocolate fudge, you can try my white chocolate peppermint fudge recipe instead!
- Swirl fudge: Swirl in ¼ cup peanut butter, cookie butter, or caramel before chilling!
Recipe FAQs
Fudge keeps beautifully, so you can make it up to 2 weeks in advance if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to prep even earlier, it freezes well for up to 3 months, just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Line a small tin, box, or cellophane bag with parchment paper and layer the fudge pieces so they don’t stick together. Add a ribbon, handwritten tag, or sprig of rosemary for a festive, homemade touch!
It was likely overheated or not stirred frequently enough. Use 50% power and short bursts for the smoothest texture.
What to Serve with Christmas Fudge
This Christmas fudge is incredibly versatile, so it’s the perfect addition to any holiday spread! If you are crafting a festive cookie platter, you can also try my gingerbread cookie bars or reindeer Rice Krispies Treats to mix up textures and flavors.
Of course, Christmas fudge is also amazing with cozy, warm beverages like gingerbread hot chocolate or a creamy eggnog latte. Whether on a dessert board or wrapped up for friends, this fudge is a holiday must-have!
More Holiday Dessert Recipes
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Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - or 60% or 70% dark chocolate chips
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract - or peppermint extract for a candy cane flavor
- pinch salt
- holiday sprinkles - red, green, and white for topping
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter.
- Microwave on 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth (about 3–4 minutes total).
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Mix just until evenly distributed.
- Pour fudge mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Immediately scatter sprinkles on top, pressing lightly so they stick. o Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
- Lift fudge from pan using parchment. Slice into small squares with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
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