If you’re searching for a delightful holiday treat that combines the nostalgic charm of sugar cookies with the rich, creamy decadence of fudge, then you have to try this Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge. This luscious dessert brings together smooth white chocolate and the classic flavors of vanilla and almond, all topped with colorful festive sprinkles that instantly brighten up any gathering. It’s a unique sweet that both kids and adults will adore, and it sets itself apart beautifully on any dessert table or Pinterest board during the holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are super simple but absolutely essential for capturing the true essence of Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge. Each one adds a special touch, whether it’s creamy texture, sweet flavor, or that festive vibe that makes this fudge unforgettable.
- 10 oz white chocolate chips: The rich and creamy base that melts smoothly to give fudge its signature texture.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk: Adds the perfect sweetness and silkiness, binding everything into a luscious fudge.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the classic sugar cookie flavor with warm and comforting notes.
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional): Provides a subtle nutty hint that elevates the vanilla for that bakery-fresh taste.
- Christmas sprinkles: Brings color and festive cheer, transforming simple fudge into holiday magic.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your fudge will come out effortlessly once it’s set, and it helps keep those edges clean without any sticky messes to deal with.
Step 2: Melt the Key Ingredients
Gently melt the white chocolate chips together with the sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Taking your time here is important—slow and steady allows for a silky smooth mixture without burning or seizing the chocolate. Keep stirring until everything is fully combined and glossy.
Step 3: Add Your Flavor Extracts
Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. These extracts bring the richness and that sugar cookie authenticity into the fudge. The almond is optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of deliciousness.
Step 4: Pour and Sprinkle
Pour the creamy mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Then sprinkle generously with your Christmas sprinkles—this is where the magic really happens, adding festive pops of color and texture that make this fudge such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 5: Chill Until Firm
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until the fudge is completely firm. Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and slice into squares. Now you have beautiful, tasty bites ready to share!
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
Garnishes
Adding a few extra Christmas-themed garnishes like crushed peppermint candy, edible glitter, or mini sugar cookie crumbles can instantly elevate your fudge’s presentation and flavor complexity, making every bite festive and fun.
Side Dishes
Serve this fudge alongside a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or eggnog to complement its creamy sweetness with cozy holiday drinks. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light, citrusy salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider wrapping individual fudge squares in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy gift-giving, or arrange them on a decorative holiday platter sprinkled with pine sprigs and ornaments. You could even layer the fudge in a jar with cookie crumbs for a lovely edible gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if your home is warm. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making it easy to prepare ahead of time for holiday parties.
Freezing
Fudge freezes very well, so if you want to store it longer, wrap each piece individually in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
While fudge is usually enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you prefer it a little softer, leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture and make it grainy.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
This recipe works best with white chocolate to capture the classic sugar cookie flavor, but you can experiment with milk chocolate for a creamier fudge or dark chocolate for a richer taste. Keep in mind the flavor will shift away from traditional sugar cookie notes.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract is optional and can be left out if you don’t have it. The vanilla extract alone still delivers a lovely sugar cookie flavor, so your fudge will still be delicious and festive.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries can add extra texture and flavor to your Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge. Just fold them in before pouring the mixture into the pan.
How thick should the fudge layer be?
Pour the fudge mixture so it’s about 1 inch thick in the pan for perfect cutting and serving. Thicker fudge may take longer to set while thinner layers might be more delicate and slightly less creamy.
Why are my sprinkles sinking into the fudge?
To keep sprinkles from sinking, pour the fudge mixture and let it rest for about a minute before adding sprinkles so the surface is slightly thicker. Also, pressing the sprinkles gently on top helps them stay put.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge is truly a joy to make and an even bigger joy to share. Its creamy texture, classic flavor, and festive appearance make it an instant holiday favorite that’s perfect for gifting or keeping to yourself. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved part of your seasonal traditions—it’s the kind of sweet treat everyone will remember and ask for year after year.
PrintChristmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
This Christmas sugar cookie fudge is a creamy, sweet holiday treat that combines smooth white chocolate with sweetened condensed milk, enhanced with vanilla and almond extracts, and finished with festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties or as a charming gift, this fudge stands out with its unique sugar cookie flavor and delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 10 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
Topping
- Christmas sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, being careful not to overheat and burn the chocolate.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using, ensuring they are well incorporated into the fudge mixture.
- Pour and Decorate: Pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Immediately sprinkle the surface with Christmas sprinkles to create a festive look.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm enough to slice.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to make removal of the fudge easy and clean.
- Keep stirring the chocolate mixture over low heat to prevent scorching.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor to vanilla.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Allow fudge to come to room temperature for a few minutes before eating to soften the texture slightly.