Easy Holiday Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe: The Perfect Festive Christmas Treat
The holiday season brings with it a special kind of magic, and what better way to embrace it than with a batch of delightful Sugar Cookie Fudge? This easy-to-make treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both eager little elves and nostalgic adults. With its vibrant red and green swirls and a generous showering of festive sprinkles, it’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply want to indulge in some seasonal sweetness, this Christmas fudge recipe is exactly what you need.
Living far from family often means traveling during the holidays, and securely transporting baked goods becomes a top priority. That’s why I adore using Rubbermaid® TakeAlongs® containers. They’re not only incredibly secure with their Quik Clik seal lids, but they also come in festive colors like red, gold, and green, adding an extra touch of holiday cheer. The clear base allows all the beautiful red and green swirls and sprinkles of this sugar cookie fudge to shine through, making it an attractive presentation even before it’s opened. This simple sugar cookie fudge recipe uses just a few basic ingredients, making it accessible for any home baker. It’s easily customized with your favorite holiday sprinkles and food coloring to create that fun, captivating swirl effect. As someone who loves to make and share desserts during the holidays, I can confidently say this easy holiday fudge recipe will bring joy to your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort and no complex baking skills.
- Festively Charming: The bright red and green swirls, combined with colorful sprinkles, make it visually stunning and perfect for any holiday spread.
- Perfect for Gifting: Homemade fudge is a cherished gift, and this recipe makes it easy to create beautiful, shareable batches.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in the mixing and decorating for a memorable holiday activity.
- No-Bake Wonder: Skip the oven and enjoy a decadent dessert that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
- Portable & Convenient: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or sending care packages, especially when transported in reliable containers.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the colors and sprinkles to suit any theme or occasion beyond Christmas.
Kitchen Tools for the Perfect Fudge
- A 9×9 or 8×8 Square Pan: The right size pan is crucial for achieving that ideal fudge thickness. If your pan is too large, your fudge will be thin and less “fudgy.” A smaller pan ensures each piece is rich and substantial.
- Parchment Paper and Cooking Spray: These two are your best friends when it comes to easy fudge removal. Lining your pan with parchment paper and lightly spraying it makes lifting the entire block of fudge out incredibly simple, allowing for clean, precise cuts. Don’t skip this step – it truly saves time and frustration!
- A Medium Saucepan: For melting your ingredients smoothly and evenly. A good quality saucepan with a heavy bottom will help prevent scorching.
- Rubbermaid® TakeAlongs®: If you plan to share your delectable Christmas Cookie Fudge or transport it to holiday gatherings, these containers are a must-have. Their innovative Quik Clik seal ensures the lid stays securely in place, preventing any accidental spills or messes, making them ideal for holiday travels. They are also perfect for storing any leftover homemade fudge or preparing batches in advance for gifting. Their festive colors add an extra touch of holiday spirit!
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For constant stirring and mixing to ensure a smooth, unburnt fudge base.
Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Fudge
One of the best things about this sugar cookie fudge recipe is its short and sweet ingredient list. You likely have most of these on hand, or they’re easily found at any grocery store, making holiday baking a breeze.
- White Chocolate Chips: The foundation of our creamy fudge. White chocolate provides a sweet, vanilla-like base that perfectly complements the sugar cookie flavor. Choose good quality chips for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient is key to the fudge’s smooth, decadent texture. It adds sweetness and body without the need for complex sugar cooking.
- A Sugar Cookie Box Mix: The secret ingredient that infuses our fudge with that unmistakable, delightful sugar cookie flavor! Using a box mix makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy, mimicking the taste of freshly baked sugar cookies.
- Holiday Sprinkles: I opted for a classic red, white, and green assortment to celebrate the Christmas theme, but feel free to let your creativity shine! You can use any color or shape of sprinkles to match other holidays like Valentine’s Day (pinks and reds) or even birthdays (rainbow!).
- Food Coloring: Essential for creating those beautiful, eye-catching swirls. Red and green are perfect for Christmas, but just like with sprinkles, you can customize the colors to fit any occasion or personal preference. Gel food coloring often provides more vibrant results with fewer drops.
- Unsalted Butter (mentioned in recipe card, good to call out here): A small amount of butter helps create a rich, smooth base for the fudge and contributes to its luxurious texture.
How to Make Easy Sugar Cookie Fudge: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making homemade fudge might sound intimidating, but this sugar cookie fudge recipe is designed to be incredibly simple and foolproof. It’s truly one of my favorite holiday treats to whip up because it delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. This red and green fudge is always a guaranteed hit, delighting both children and adults alike. Since my family lives far away and holiday travel is common, I’m always looking for simple, delicious, and easily portable snacks to share. This festive sugar cookie fudge perfectly fits the bill, offering both ease and beautiful presentation.
- Melt the Butter: Begin by adding the butter to a medium saucepan. Melt it gently over low heat. The key here is low heat to prevent burning.
- Introduce White Chocolate Chips: Once the butter is fully melted, add your white chocolate chips to the saucepan. Continue stirring continuously to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly and doesn’t stick to the bottom or burn. A rubber spatula works wonderfully here.
- Combine with Sweetened Condensed Milk: As soon as the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Stir diligently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture has a uniform, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Sugar Cookie Mix: Now, add the sugar cookie box mix to the saucepan. Stir vigorously until it is well incorporated into the chocolate mixture. The fudge will thicken considerably, but it should still be smooth and stir-able. Don’t worry if it feels very thick; that’s exactly what you want for firm fudge.
- Remove from Heat and Add Sprinkles: Take the saucepan off the heat. Immediately stir in your chosen holiday sprinkles. The residual heat will help them stick without melting entirely.
- Prepare and Pour: Pour the warm fudge mixture into your parchment paper-lined baking pan (8×8 or 9×9 inch). Use your spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring a consistent thickness across the pan.
- Add Food Coloring Swirls: This is where the magic happens! Drop several small dots of red and green food coloring randomly across the top of the fudge. Using a spoon or a skewer, gently swirl the colors into the middle of the fudge. Be careful not to over-swirl, or your vibrant colors might blend into a muddy, less appealing hue. For extra visual appeal, you can also sprinkle a few more holiday sprinkles on top and lightly press them in.
- Chill for Setting: Cover the Christmas fudge tightly with plastic wrap or the lid of your Rubbermaid® TakeAlongs® container. Place it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, though letting it set overnight is highly recommended for the best firm texture.
- Slice and Serve: Once the fudge is completely firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized squares. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Perfect Homemade Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Low Heat is Key: When melting the butter and chocolate, always use low heat. High heat can burn the chocolate, resulting in a grainy texture and unpleasant flavor. Patience is a virtue here!
- Constant Stirring: Especially when melting the white chocolate chips, stir frequently to ensure even melting and prevent sticking or scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Don’t Over-Swirl: For distinct, beautiful color swirls, resist the urge to overmix the food coloring. A few gentle swirls with a spoon or toothpick are usually enough.
- Proper Chilling Time: Allowing the fudge to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) is crucial for it to set properly. This ensures it’s firm enough to slice cleanly and maintain its shape.
- Grease Your Knife: For cleaner cuts, lightly grease your knife with a little cooking spray or butter before slicing the fudge. Clean the knife periodically between cuts.
- Room Temperature Ingredients (optional for smoother melt): While not strictly necessary for this recipe, having your sweetened condensed milk at room temperature can sometimes aid in a smoother, quicker incorporation with the melted chocolate.
More Delicious Holiday Desserts
If you’re looking for more festive treats to round out your holiday dessert table, or simply want to explore other delightful recipes, check out these favorites:
Christmas Chocolate Bark with Peppermint and Candy
Irresistible Gingerbread Truffles
Homemade Edible Christmas Cookie Dough
Decadent Chocolate Cake Cookies with Peppermint Sprinkles
Common Questions About Sugar Cookie Fudge
For optimal freshness, store leftover Christmas fudge in an airtight container. When refrigerated, this homemade fudge will maintain its delightful taste and texture for up to 3 weeks. If your fridge is bursting with holiday goodies, don’t worry – this fudge can also be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week, making it quite versatile for holiday entertaining.
Absolutely! Fudge freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead option. To freeze, securely wrap individual pieces or blocks of fudge in cling wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil. Place the double-wrapped fudge into a large freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator until it has softened to your desired consistency.
Yes, this sugar cookie fudge is an ideal candidate for making in advance. In fact, some argue it tastes even better a day or two after it’s made, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can prepare this festive fudge up to a week ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, package it for gifting, or take it to a holiday gathering.
Any standard 17.5 oz (or similar size) boxed sugar cookie mix will work perfectly for this recipe. You don’t need to add any additional ingredients that the cookie mix might call for (like eggs or oil); simply use the dry mix as specified in the ingredients list.
While white chocolate chips are essential for the sugar cookie flavor profile and vibrant food coloring, you could experiment with adding a small amount of milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a marbling effect, though this would change the core flavor. For best results with this specific recipe, stick to white chocolate.
As the holidays draw near, my son and I have been busy in the kitchen, baking and crafting delightful treats. It might sound strange, but he’s not a huge fan of cake or traditional cookies. However, when it comes to fudge, he is an absolute superfan! That’s why this easy sugar cookie fudge is quickly becoming a new and cherished Christmas tradition in our home. Theo had an absolute blast swirling the vibrant food coloring into the creamy fudge and carefully adding all the festive sprinkles. Of course, his favorite part, as always, was tasting the finished homemade fudge. I truly hope that you, your friends, and your entire family have a wonderfully incredible holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of delicious homemade treats. And I especially hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful Christmas cookie fudge recipe as much as we do!
Did you absolutely love this Christmas Cookie Fudge Recipe? Please take a moment to leave me a comment and a star rating below! Your feedback means the world to me.
Happy Eating!
Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe with Holiday Swirls
Caitlyn Erhardt
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 2 12 Oz Bags White Chocolate Chips
- 1 14 Oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ¾ Cup Sugar Cookie Box Mix
- ½ Cup Holiday Sprinkles Plus More for Top
- 8 Drops Red and Green Food Coloring
Instructions
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Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to a medium saucepan and melt it over low heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the two 12 oz bags of white chocolate chips to the saucepan. Stir continuously to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly and doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn.
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Once the white chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, add the 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk and stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is uniform. Next, add the ¾ cup of sugar cookie box mix and stir until the mix is fully incorporated. The fudge will become very thick but should still be smooth and stir-able.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in ½ cup of your chosen holiday sprinkles. Pour the warm fudge into a parchment paper-lined 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan, making sure to spread it out evenly across the bottom with a spatula.
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Add about 8 drops of red and green food coloring (or your preferred colors) to the top of the fudge in several spots. Use a spoon or a skewer to gently swirl the colors into the fudge, moving from the outside towards the middle. Be careful not to swirl too much, as the colors might blend excessively and lose their distinct vibrancy. You can also add additional sprinkles to the top of the sugar cookie fudge and lightly press them in for extra festive flair.
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Cover the Christmas fudge tightly with plastic wrap or a container lid and let it set in the fridge for at least 4 hours. For the best firm texture and easiest slicing, it’s preferable to chill it overnight. When ready to serve, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper, slice it into squares, and enjoy this delightful holiday treat!
Notes
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftover homemade fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Alternatively, this delicious fudge will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Christmas Fudge: You can easily freeze this sugar cookie fudge for up to 3 months! For best results, wrap each individual piece of set fudge tightly in cling wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped pieces in a large freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the fudge thaw in the fridge or at room temperature until it has softened to your desired consistency.
- Perfect for Any Holiday: Don’t limit this easy fudge to just Christmas! You can completely customize this holiday fudge with different colors of food coloring and sprinkles to match any theme or holiday throughout the year, from Valentine’s Day to birthdays or Easter.
- Gifting Idea: Pack individual pieces of fudge into small decorative bags or boxes. Using Rubbermaid® TakeAlongs® containers makes transporting these gifts super easy and mess-free.
Nutrition
This post has been sponsored by Rubbermaid®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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