Christmas Fudge Recipe

Jolly Christmas Fudge Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic in Every Bite

Sweet holiday memories often spark around this delectable christmas fudge that melts smoothly on your tongue.

Creamy chocolate chunks blend with marshmallow swirls to create a festive treat.

Grandma’s kitchen would smell incredible with such a rich dessert cooling on her marble countertop.

Festive gatherings feel magical when you share these delightful chocolate squares.

Each bite carries hints of nostalgia and warmth from traditional seasonal celebrations.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly to craft something truly spectacular.

Dive into this simple recipe that promises pure indulgence and joy.

What Makes Christmas Fudge So Fun

  • Celebrate Festive Cheer: Create a delightful holiday treat that captures the spirit of the season with vibrant colors and peppermint flavor.
  • Master Simple Techniques: Learn professional-level candy making through an approachable recipe that requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools.
  • Customize with Creativity: Personalize the fudge by adjusting nut quantities, experimenting with sprinkle colors, or adding extra flavor extracts to match your taste preferences.
  • Perfect Party Sharing: Produce bite-sized pieces ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, gift giving, or casual family dessert moments that everyone will adore.

What’s Inside Christmas Fudge

For the Base:
  • White Chocolate Chips: A smooth and creamy foundation that provides the rich, sweet base for the holiday fudge.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and helps create a silky, smooth texture to the fudge.
  • Butter: Contributes to the creamy consistency and enhances the overall richness of the dessert.
For the Flavoring:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm background flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • Peppermint Extract: Delivers a cool, refreshing holiday mint taste that makes the fudge festive.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the fudge.
For the Mix-Ins and Decoration:
  • Candy Canes, Pecans, Red and Green Sprinkles: Add festive crunch, texture, and holiday color to make the fudge visually appealing and more interesting to eat.

How To Make Christmas Fudge Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting extra hang over the edges for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Melting Station

Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water’s surface.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Base

Combine chocolate base ingredients in the glass bowl:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Butter

Stir constantly over low-medium heat until completely melted and silky smooth, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Flavor Enhancers

Remove melted mixture from heat. Quickly stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peppermint extract
  • Salt

Ensure all flavors are fully blended.

Step 5: Mix in Festive Elements

Gently fold in delightful mix-ins:
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Chopped pecans
  • Red and green sprinkles

Distribute evenly throughout the fudge mixture.

Step 6: Transfer to Pan

Pour the festive mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours until completely firm and set to the touch.

Step 8: Remove and Slice

Lift the fudge out of the pan using parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into small, bite-sized squares. Clean the knife between cuts for precise edges.

Step 9: Store Properly

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Enjoy within one week for maximum freshness.

Tips To Get The Best Christmas Fudge

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for effortless fudge removal and non-stick surface.
  • Melt Gently: Create a double boiler to prevent chocolate from burning, ensuring smooth and creamy texture without direct heat.
  • Extract Flavor Boost: Add vanilla and peppermint extracts after removing from heat to preserve their delicate aromatics and prevent flavor loss.
  • Mix Mindfully: Fold in mix-ins like candy canes and pecans gently to maintain even distribution and prevent overmixing.
  • Chill Completely: Refrigerate fudge for at least 2-3 hours to achieve perfect firm consistency and allow flavors to meld together.

New Ways To Style Your Christmas Fudge

  • Holiday Bark Version: Replace fudge base with melted dark chocolate, sprinkle crushed candy canes and pecans on top, then chill until hardened.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular sprinkles with gluten-free alternatives, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans completely, add extra sprinkles or crushed graham crackers for crunch and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut condensed milk, dairy-free white chocolate chips, and plant-based butter to create a similar creamy consistency.

Great Sips Or Snacks For Christmas Fudge

  • Brew Bold Espresso: Strong espresso cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfect balance with the rich, creamy fudge while highlighting the peppermint's cool notes.
  • Serve Spiced Chai Latte: Warm chai's cinnamon and cardamom spices complement the fudge's minty flavor, offering a cozy winter drinking experience that enhances the dessert's festive profile.
  • Select Creamy Irish Cream: Smooth Irish cream liqueur provides a velvety backdrop that matches the fudge's luxurious texture, adding an adult twist to this holiday treat while intensifying its decadent character.

How To Keep Christmas Fudge From Drying Out

  • Transfer fudge squares to an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 7 days when stored at 40°F or below.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freezes perfectly for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Keep fudge in a cool, dry place inside a sealed container for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Best consumed within 48 hours for optimal taste.
  • Allow frozen or refrigerated fudge to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, creamy consistency.

Your Top Questions On Christmas Fudge

  • What ingredients make this fudge festive?

The red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and peppermint extract create a holiday-themed dessert that looks and tastes like Christmas.

  • How do I ensure my fudge turns out smooth?

Use a double boiler method and stir constantly while melting white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk to prevent burning and create a silky texture.

  • Can I customize the nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or omit them entirely if you have nut allergies or preferences.

  • Why use a parchment paper lining?

Parchment paper makes removing the fudge from the pan easier and ensures clean, precise cuts without the fudge sticking to the pan’s surface.

Print
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Christmas Fudge Recipe

Christmas Fudge Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 2-3 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Seasonal magic unfolds with this delightful Christmas Fudge, blending rich chocolate and festive cheer. Sweet memories melt together, inviting you to savor holiday happiness in each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Festive Mix-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges for easy removal, and lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
  3. Combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in the glass bowl, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth at low-medium heat (approximately 5-7 minutes).
  4. Remove the melted mixture from heat and quickly incorporate vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt, stirring until fully integrated.
  5. Gently fold in crushed candy canes, chopped pecans, and red and green sprinkles, distributing evenly throughout the fudge mixture.
  6. Pour the festive mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
  7. Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours or until completely set and firm to the touch.
  8. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the fudge out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
  9. Slice into small squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
  10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper.

Notes

  • Prevent candy cane bleeding by adding crushed candy canes just before setting, ensuring vibrant red and green colors remain distinct and crisp.
  • Swap pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles and to accommodate nut allergies.
  • Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and coconut condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the festive texture and taste.
  • Clean knife with hot water between cuts to achieve perfectly smooth, professional-looking fudge squares without crumbling or jagged edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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