Christmas Fudge With Chocolate

This creamy Christmas fudge recipe makes it incredibly simple to create an impressive holiday dessert in less than 45 minutes, making it the perfect easy fudge for Christmas gatherings, last minute gifts, or festive treats. With just 15 minutes of hands on prep and no oven required, you can enjoy rich, velvety chocolate fudge topped with colorful sprinkles in about 40 minutes total. Whether you are looking for quick Christmas gift ideas or a reliable holiday fudge to share, this recipe delivers easy results every time.

I first made this fudge recipe one Christmas season when I completely forgot about bringing dessert for a cookie exchange, and it saved the day with its quick microwave method. Each bite turned out creamy and smooth, with a deep cocoa flavor and festive crunch from colorful sprinkles. Ever since, this has been my go to easy chocolate fudge for Christmas, perfect for those times when you need a no bake, crowd friendly dessert that everyone loves.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Sweetened condensed milk: Provides a creamy base that binds the fudge and delivers a smooth mouthfeel. Look for plain canned versions with no added thickeners for the silkiest results. Canned coconut condensed milk works for dairy free fudge.
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: Key for a rich, classic chocolate flavor that tastes great both plain and with mix ins. Choose a good quality brand that you enjoy eating on its own. Dark or white chocolate chips can be swapped for different flavors or sweetness levels if needed.
• Butter: Adds richness and a luxurious finish, ensuring a soft texture that slices easily. Both salted and unsalted butter work fine here; for a gourmet touch, try European style butter. You could use plant based butter for vegan fudge.
• Pure vanilla extract: Essential for creating that warm, fragrant base and enhancing the chocolate. Real vanilla gives the best classic flavor, but you can use peppermint or orange extract for a festive twist.
• Christmas sprinkles: These add color, crunch, and holiday spirit on top of each fudge piece. Choose red, green, or white nonpareils, jimmies, or festive candy shapes to match your Christmas celebration, or swap in chopped nuts or crushed candy canes for a new look.

How to Make Christmas Fudge

Prepare the Pan and Gather Tools:

Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving long flaps on either side for easy fudge removal. Lightly spray the paper with nonstick spray so the fudge lifts out in one piece. Organize your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter by the microwave with a sturdy spoon and a heatproof bowl, which streamlines the process and makes cleanup easier.

Melt the Chocolate Base:

In the heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Microwave in 30 second intervals at about 70 percent power, pausing to stir well after each session until the chocolate has just melted and the butter is smoothly blended. This takes 2 to 3 rounds, usually about 2 minutes in total. Stir carefully to prevent graininess or overheating that can ruin the fudge’s creamy texture.

Add Vanilla and Blend:

Once melted, quickly stir in pure vanilla extract. This step infuses the fudge with warmth and brings out the chocolate aroma, making your kitchen smell like Christmas. Mix until the fudge looks glossy and there are no streaks.

Pour and Smooth:

Transfer the warm fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula, evenly push the fudge into each corner and smooth out the top for a polished, uniform layer. Smooth layers set more evenly, making your fudge look professional when sliced.

Decorate with Sprinkles:

While the fudge is still soft, scatter Christmas sprinkles generously over the top, then gently press them in using a clean spatula. This ensures the sprinkles stick firmly in place as the fudge sets.

Chill and Set:

Refrigerate the pan of fudge for at least 2 hours or until fully firm to the touch. Lift out the set fudge using the parchment flaps and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into small squares using a sharp, warm knife for neat edges and the best presentation.

One of my favorite discoveries was adding a splash of extra vanilla extract to make every batch taste even more festive and special. My family now expects this Christmas fudge at every holiday gathering, and we love experimenting with toppings like crushed candy canes, toasted coconut, or holiday shaped candies. Each variation adds a new burst of flavor while still delivering that classic creamy chocolate we all crave.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Make this Christmas fudge your own by swapping in dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter, milder treat. If you need a dairy free or vegan fudge, use canned coconut condensed milk and plant based butter or margarine to achieve the same creamy texture. Add in colorful candies, dried cranberries, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel to create custom flavors that fit your family’s holiday traditions, or sprinkle flaked sea salt for a touch of gourmet flair.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Fudge

Keep Christmas fudge slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, layering parchment between rows for neat, tidy storage. For longer storage, wrap the set block tightly in parchment and plastic then freeze in a freezer safe box for up to three months. Allow frozen fudge to thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. To refresh the creamy texture, place fudge pieces at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes before eating or gifting.

What to Serve with Christmas Fudge

Christmas fudge squares pair beautifully with other festive desserts like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or candied nuts on a holiday platter. Complete your dessert spread with mugs of hot cocoa, mulled cider, or coffee for a warm, inviting atmosphere. For edible gifts, present fudge pieces in decorative boxes with ribbon or arrange individual squares in mini cupcake liners for parties and exchanges.

Nutritional Benefits

This holiday fudge delivers rich chocolate flavor and a melt in your mouth texture, making it a truly satisfying Christmas treat in small portions. Naturally gluten free and suitable for vegetarians, it is easy to adapt for dairy free or nut free needs. With about 350 calories per serving and customizable protein content based on your choice of chocolate chips, you can indulge mindfully without compromising the festive spirit.

Recipe Success Tips

If your fudge turns out grainy, chances are it was overheated, so stick to lower microwave power or stir more often for a perfectly smooth result. Butter in the mixture keeps the fudge from seizing and helps each slice come out cleanly, giving neat squares every time. Use a heatproof spatula for a layer free of air bubbles or gaps, and always let the fudge chill thoroughly before cutting for the sharpest presentation.

This easy fudge for Christmas always disappears quickly at our holiday gatherings, thanks to its irresistible creamy texture and festive charm. I hope it becomes a staple in your celebration lineup and inspires you to try even more creative Christmasy treats next season.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I make this fudge without a microwave?

Yes, you can gently melt the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter together on the stovetop over low heat instead of using a microwave.

→ How do I store Christmas fudge?

Once set, store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I use different sprinkles or toppings?

Absolutely! Customize your fudge by adding various holiday sprinkles, chopped nuts, or toffee bits for different flavors and textures.

→ Is it possible to use dark or milk chocolate chips?

Yes, substitute semi-sweet chips with dark or milk chocolate based on your taste preference. The fudge will still come out creamy and delicious.

→ Does this fudge require a candy thermometer?

No candy thermometer is needed, as the chocolate and condensed milk mixture simply melts together for easy preparation.