This Christmas Fudge is a rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat that’s incredibly easy to make. With smooth chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and festive toppings, it’s perfect for cookie trays, holiday parties, homemade gifts, and Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup red and green holiday sprinkles
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
- ½ cup white chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides.
Lightly grease the parchment with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Melt the Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium saucepan.
Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Don’t allow the mixture to boil.
3. Add the Flavoring
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until evenly combined.
If you’re adding chopped nuts, fold them in now.
4. Add the Festive Toppings
Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan.
Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Immediately sprinkle the red and green sprinkles over the surface, gently pressing them into the fudge so they stick.
For a two-tone appearance, melt the white chocolate separately and drizzle it over the top before adding the sprinkles.
5. Chill
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2–3 hours, or until completely firm.
For the cleanest cuts, allow it to chill overnight.
6. Cut and Serve
Lift the chilled fudge from the pan using the parchment paper.
Place it on a cutting board and cut into small squares with a sharp knife.
For cleaner cuts, warm the knife slightly and wipe it dry between cuts.
Arrange the fudge on a holiday platter and serve.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Fudge
Use low heat: Gentle heating prevents the chocolate from scorching or becoming grainy.
Don’t add water: Even a small amount of water can cause melted chocolate to seize.
Work quickly: The fudge begins setting as soon as it cools, so add your toppings immediately.
Chill completely: Letting the fudge firm up thoroughly makes it much easier to cut.
Use quality chocolate: Good-quality chocolate chips or baking chocolate will give you a smoother, richer flavor.
Fun Variations
Peppermint Christmas Fudge
Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
White Chocolate Fudge
Replace the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate chips and add festive sprinkles.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Fudge
Swirl ½ cup creamy peanut butter into the melted chocolate before chilling.
Rocky Road Fudge
Fold in chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows before transferring the mixture to the pan.
Cranberry Pistachio Fudge
Add dried cranberries and chopped pistachios for a colorful holiday combination.
Storage
Store Christmas fudge in an airtight container.
It can be kept at room temperature for approximately 1 week in a cool, dry place or refrigerated for up to 2–3 weeks.
Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent the pieces from sticking together.
For longer storage, freeze the fudge in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
This Christmas Fudge is creamy, chocolatey, festive, and wonderfully easy to prepare. Cut it into small squares and package it in holiday tins for a simple homemade gift everyone will enjoy.