Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (2024)

Published: by Jeri Walker · 4 Comments

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It's the most wonderful time of the year, and nothing is more festive than this homemade Christmas Fudge Recipe! Made withonly 7 ingredients, this chocolate fudge comes together inless than 15 minutes! This fudge's creamy, chocolatey deliciousness makes itperfect for the holiday season!

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Ah, the holiday season! There's nothing quite like it: the smell of holiday baking, the decorations, and delicious treats. Everyone loves a good homemade treat to share with family and friends, and this easy Christmas fudge is one that everyone will love.

This simple yet festive recipe is perfect for making with your kids as a fun holiday activity or gift exchange. This is my favorite fudge, and I've made it every year for the past....hmmm.... let me count..... 11 years!

I always serve this fudge on Christmas cookie trays with Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Christmas Crack with Graham Crackers, Air Fryer Sugar Cookies, Old-Fashioned Ginger Snap Cookies, Christmas Muddy Buddies, and Soft Peanut Brittle. It makes a great gift, too!

This creamy fudge also freezes perfectly, so I always like to have a batch in the freezer if I have last-minute guests. And I always bring it to holiday parties! It's also delicious for Valentine's Day parties with Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Easy Valentine Pretzel Rods, and Valentine's Puppy Chow!

Jump to:
  • 💗 Why you will love this delicious fudge recipe
  • 🍫 Ingredient Notes
  • 🍬 Variations
  • ⏲️ How to make Christmas Fudge
  • 💭 Expert Tips
  • 📋 Recipe FAQs
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 More decadent desserts
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

💗 Why you will love this delicious fudge recipe

  • It's perfect for the Christmas season, nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like this festive fudge! Make sure to serve it on your Christmas dessert table!
  • The texture is creamy and decadent; every bite melts in your mouth while providing an unforgettable flavor experience.
  • This delicious fudge comes together with only 15 minutes of prep time, and no candy thermometer or baking is required!
  • This is by far the easiest fudge out there – all you need to do is mix ingredients together in a pot, spread in a pan, and let cool!
  • It's perfect for giving as a last-minute gift - simply wrap up a plateful before giving it away!
  • This great recipe yields delicious results every time – the rich chocolate flavor is balanced perfectly with crunchy nuts.

🍫 Ingredient Notes

This sweet holiday treat is made with simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. To make this easy recipe, you will need:

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (2)
  • Chocolate chips. I used milk chocolate chips, but you could use dark chocolate chips. If you would like white chocolate fudge, you can use white chocolate chips.
  • Marshmallow creme. This is found at your grocery store and is the secret ingredient in this easy recipe.
  • Nuts. I used walnuts, but you can use your favorite nut, or omit them altogether.

See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.

🍬 Variations

There are many different variations for this sweet treat. The following ideas would also be delicious:

  • Top with crushed candy canes for a festive touch
  • Add red and green sprinkles on top
  • Sprinkle white sprinkles on top for added color
  • Apply a thin layer of vanilla frosting or peanut butter frosting after they have cooled

⏲️ How to make Christmas Fudge

Step 1: Combine sugar and milk. Place white sugar and the evaporated milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, and boil for 9 minutes exactly.

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (3)
Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (4)

Step 2: Prep the pan. Line two 9 x 9 pans with parchment paper or wax paper. Make the paper long so you can tuck it underneath the pan so it doesn't get in your way. You can also line a baking pan with parchment paper (a jelly roll pan - 10.5 x 15.5 inches).Alternatively, you can also use aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray instead of paper.

Step 3: Melt chocolate. Turn the heat down to low, and add the chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (5)
Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (6)

Step 4: Add nuts. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and nuts. Stir with a rubber spatula until well incorporated.

Step 5: Pour in pan. Working quickly before the fudge cools, pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle reserved crushed walnuts or festive sprinkles over the top of the fudge.

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (9)
Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (10)

Step 6: Cool. The fudge will cool at room temperature in about 3 hours. However, I suggest placing the fudge in the refrigerator to cool completely; which will be completely set in 1-2 hours.

Step 7: Cut and serve. Remove the fudge from the pan by lifting it out using the overhang of parchment paper. Place on a cutting board, and cut it into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife and serve.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (11)

💭 Expert Tips

  • Mix the chocolate chip mixture until all the chocolate chips are melted, and it is one solid color.
  • Add any toppings before placing the fudge in the fridge to cool.
  • I recommend storing the fudge in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.

📋 Recipe FAQs

Is fudge better made with butter or margarine?

Butter is generally the preferred ingredient when making fudge because it adds a richer flavor. Margarine can work as well, but it may produce a slightly different texture and taste.

Do you cover fudge while it cools?

With this easy recipe, I do not cover the fudge while it cools. But once it is cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

What is the best way to set fudge?

The best way to set this fudge is to place it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, until set.

How long does homemade fudge last?

For best results, store the fudge in the refrigerator or freezer. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do you store homemade fudge?

Store it in an airtight container with wax paper or parchment paper in between layers, where it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

You can also store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (12)

👩🏻‍🍳 More decadent desserts

  • 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge With Condensed Milk
  • Easy 2-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Using Frosting
  • Slow Cooker Baileys Chocolate Fudge
  • Oreo Fudge with 3 Ingredients

Ifyou like this post onthis easy Christmas Fudgerecipe, please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment below with your thoughts!

📖 Recipe

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (17)

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

Jeri Walker

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and nothing is more festive than this homemade Christmas Fudge Recipe. Made with only 7 ingredients, this chocolate fudge comes together in less than 15 minutes! This fudge's creamy, chocolatey deliciousness makes it perfect for the holiday season!

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Cooling Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 40 servings

Calories 262 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or dutch oven

  • Two 9 x 9 baking dishes or 10.5 x 15.5-inch jelly roll pan

  • Spatula

  • Parchment paper or wax paper

Ingredients

  • 5 cups white sugar
  • 1 can evaporated milk 385 mL
  • 3 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1 jar marshmallow creme 200 g
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped walnuts, reserve ½ cup for topping optional

Instructions

  • Step 1: Combine sugar and milk. Place white sugar and the evaporated milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, and boil for 9 minutes exactly.

  • Step 2: Prep the pan. While the mixture is coming to a boil, line two 9 x 9 pans with parchment paper or wax paper.

  • Step 3: Melt chocolate. Turn the heat down to low, and add the chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.

  • Step 4: Add nuts and vanilla. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and walnuts. Stir with a rubber spatula until well incorporated.

  • Step 5: Pour in pan. Working quickly before the fudge cools, pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle reserved crushed walnuts or festive sprinkles over the top of the fudge.

  • Step 6: Cool. The fudge will cool at room temperature in about 3 hours. However, I suggest to place the fudge in the refrigerator to cool completely; which will take 1-2 hours.

  • Step 7: Cut and serve. Remove the fudge from the pan by lifting it out using the overhang of parchment paper. Place on a cutting board, and cut it into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife and serve.

  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.

Expert Tips:

  • Mix the chocolate chip mixture until all the chocolate chips are melted and it is one solid color.
  • Add any toppings before placing the fudge in the fridge to cool.
  • I recommend storing the fudge in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 29mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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About Jeri Walker

With over 40 years of cooking experience, Jeri Walker is a self-taught cook who has a passion for creating simple and delicious recipes using everyday ingredients. Jeri's commitment to excellence means only the best recipes make it onto the blog – so when you make a recipe from Winding Creek Ranch, it's guaranteed to be a success.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gigi

    Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (22)
    New baker with much more confidence with your great
    clarity and concise
    instructions after searching
    other recipes ~ Thanks

    Reply

    • Jeri Walker

      Gigi, you made my day! Your feedback is all I could have asked for! My goal is to help home cooks everywhere feel confident when they're in the kitchen, and I couldn't be more thrilled that now this includes YOU, too - so happy baking, and thanks for trying my recipe! 😄 Happy holidays!

      Reply

    • Ronald lee Gibson

      I love. Fudge so i am going to try my luck, i will let you know how it turns out. Thank you from Ron.

      Reply

      • Jeri Walker

        I hope you enjoy it, Ron! 🙂

Leave a Reply

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

How do you know when fudge is beaten enough? ›

After letting the fudge cool, it's time to beat it. It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to thicken and its surface starts to look dull or matte. Now is the time to stop beating and pour the fudge into a mould.

Why didn't my homemade fudge set? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

Know When and When NOT to Stir

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

What makes fudge softer? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage? ›

How long does it take to make fudge:
  1. about 18 min to reach boiling.
  2. about 40 minutes to reach soft ball stage.
  3. 60 minutes to cool.
  4. 28 minutes to beat in a KitchenAid (your time for this may vary)
  5. 4 hours to set.

What went wrong with my fudge? ›

If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

My advice to you is to just pour it in a jar, call it something else delicious, and pretend you meant for it to be that way. The nice thing about my “failed” fudge is that it tastes absolutely delicious! A spoonful of the delectable treat will make you want for more.

What is the best pan to make fudge in? ›

Secondly, the pot's material should allow for good heat distribution hence your top choice should be copper cookware or a pot with a copper core. Copper's exceptional heat conductivity offers unparalleled temperature control, an asset when working with finicky ingredients like sugar.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

Should you put fudge in the fridge to set? ›

NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.

How can I fix runny fudge? ›

If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream. Stir the fudge as it heats, but only until the sugar in the chocolate is completely melted again.

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

How can I firm up my fudge? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

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