Christmas Fudge is pure holiday magic in every bite: rich, creamy chocolate bursting with cool peppermint and a glorious sprinkle of festive cheer. This is the treat I crave all December long, and the one my friends and family beg for every year. Whether you’re making it for a cookie platter, edible gift boxes, or just your own sweet tooth, this no-bake classic is as irresistible as it is easy to make. If the sights and scents of crushed candy canes and smooth chocolate don’t get you feeling merry, I don’t know what will!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Fudge is how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to make something utterly special. Each one brings a little magic—richness, sweetness, a whisper of salt, and that cheerful crunch and sparkle on top!
- Semisweet chocolate chips (3 cups): The chocolatey backbone of the fudge; use the best quality you can find for truly decadent results.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): This is what makes your fudge melt-in-your-mouth smooth and sweet without being cloying.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and a touch of richness; unsalted keeps flavors balanced.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and deepens the chocolate notes.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint to cut the sweetness and elevate all the flavors.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (1/2 cup): Crisp, cool crunch and classic holiday flair—don’t skip them!
- Festive sprinkles, optional (1/4 cup): For sparkle and extra color; totally up to you but highly recommended for that festive wow factor.
How to Make Christmas Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a good overhang on the sides. This simple trick makes it so much easier to lift out the fudge later (no sticking, no fuss, just clean slabs of goodness). A quick spritz of nonstick spray under the paper keeps it extra secure.
Step 2: Melt and Mix the Base
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly, letting the chocolate slowly melt and everything become glossy and smooth. Keep an eye on it, because chocolate scorches in a flash! As soon as you see a satin-smooth texture, take it off the heat.
Step 3: Flavor and Fold
Now’s the time to stir in your vanilla extract and salt. Once those are well-blended, gently fold in half of your crushed peppermint candies. This spreads the minty crunch throughout, so every bite of Christmas Fudge has that delightful cool peppermint surprise.
Step 4: Pan, Sprinkle, and Chill
Pour the warm fudge mixture into your parchment-lined pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining peppermint candies (and those all-important festive sprinkles, if you like) evenly over the surface. Lightly press them into the fudge so they adhere. Now just pop the whole thing in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until it’s completely set.
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy
Once chilled and firm, lift your Christmas Fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into neat squares. Wipe the blade between cuts for tidy edges, and get ready for oohs and ahhs from everyone who sees (and tastes) your handiwork!
How to Serve Christmas Fudge
Garnishes
A final flourish can make your Christmas Fudge completely irresistible. A little extra flurry of crushed peppermint, shiny sprinkles, or even a dusting of edible glitter turns every square into a miniature holiday present. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate on top for contrast and a luscious look!
Side Dishes
Let’s be honest, fudge loves a little friendly company on a dessert tray. Serve your Christmas Fudge alongside buttery shortbread cookies, spiced gingersnaps, or a bowl of roasted nuts for a complementary mix of flavors and textures. A mug of hot cocoa or coffee is the dream pairing for this treat and helps accentuate the chocolate and peppermint notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap Christmas Fudge squares in parchment and tie with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift, or pile them into holiday tins lined with tissue paper. For parties, arrange the fudge in a “candy cane” or Christmas tree shape on a platter. You can even stack pieces in a glass jar, layering with colorful sprinkles in between for a show-stopping edible centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Christmas Fudge is a real champion when it comes to storage—it keeps beautifully! Store leftover pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay rich and fudgy for up to two weeks. Placing parchment between layers helps prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to make Christmas Fudge even further ahead, you can absolutely freeze it. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to three months. To serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then let stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Reheating
While fudge is typically served chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a softer texture, just leave your Christmas Fudge out for 10 to 15 minutes before eating. There’s no need to microwave or heat—it softens perfectly on its own and remains pleasantly smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Yes, swapping in white chocolate chips will give you a sweeter, creamier Christmas Fudge with a lovely pale color. It’s especially nice if you want that classic candy cane look, but the texture will still be rich and satisfying.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
The easiest method is to pop your candies or candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal it, and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into small pieces—be sure not to pulverize into dust for best crunch!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Watch that the fudge cools and sets completely—it may take a little longer because of the thicker layer.
How do I keep my fudge from being too hard?
The key is not to overcook the chocolate mixture—melt everything gently over low heat until just smooth. Also, don’t skip the butter and sweetened condensed milk; they’re crucial for that dreamy, creamy texture!
Will the peppermint candies stay crunchy?
Peppermint pieces will keep a great crunch for the first several days, especially if you store the fudge tightly covered in the fridge. After about a week, they may dissolve slightly into the fudge, but the flavor will stay delightfully festive.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for an easy, show-stopping holiday treat, give this Christmas Fudge a try—it’s a family favorite at my house, and I guarantee you’ll find yourself reaching for “just one more piece.” So break out your festive sprinkles, have some fun with it, and spread a little extra sweetness this season!
