Name: Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 2.55 oz hot chocolate mix (3 envelopes); 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pieces; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 4 cups miniature marshmallows, divided; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzle); 2 tsp vegetable oil

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If you are craving a truly indulgent treat, these Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares are exactly what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart. Imagine a rich blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate, luxuriously combined with sweetened condensed milk and a cozy splash of hot chocolate mix, then finished with fluffy marshmallows that add a perfect soft bite. Every square melts in your mouth, delivering the ultimate comfort dessert experience whether you’re gathering for the holidays, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself on a chilly day.

Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares lies in their wonderfully simple ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, balancing richness, sweetness, and that unmistakable hot chocolate flavor that brings this fudge to life.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide deep, classic chocolate flavor and a smooth texture to the fudge base.
Milk chocolate chips: Add a creamy sweetness that complements the semi-sweet chips beautifully.
Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the velvety binder, enhancing both sweetness and creaminess.
Hot chocolate mix: Infuses the fudge with a nostalgic cocoa taste reminiscent of your favorite cozy drink.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a silky consistency.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
Miniature marshmallows: Twofold fun—the folded-in marshmallows create delightful pockets of softness, while the extra on top give a toasty, inviting look.
Vegetable oil: Used to melt and drizzle chocolate smoothly without seizing.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some overhang on the sides. This will be a lifesaver later when you want to lift those luscious fudge squares out without any mess. Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick spray for easy release.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, hot chocolate mix, and butter. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 45-second bursts until the mixture is silky smooth, usually about 2½ to 3 minutes total. This step is where your Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares begin to take their rich, glossy form.

Step 3: Flavor and Fold in Marshmallows

Stir in the pure vanilla extract to heighten the chocolate’s aroma. Then, gently fold 2 cups of the miniature marshmallows into the warm chocolate mixture. To ensure the marshmallows soften and distribute evenly, microwave everything together for an additional 20 to 30 seconds. This gives the fudge a heavenly, pillowy texture that’s simply irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Spread the fudge mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Now sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the top and lightly press them in. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the fudge to set firmly so you can slice it beautifully.

Step 5: Final Chocolate Drizzle

Once chilled, lift the entire fudge slab out thanks to the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Melt the last ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Drizzle this glossy chocolate over the marshmallows and let it set before slicing into 25 luscious Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares

Garnishes

To elevate your Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares, consider dusting a bit of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish. You can also sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or chopped nuts like toasted pecans for a festive twist that adds texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these fudge squares with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of your favorite hot tea to balance the sweetness. They’re also wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries, adding that perfect fresh element that complements the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares on a rustic wooden board dressed with sprigs of fresh mint or cinnamon sticks. For gifting, wrap individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine—charming and cozy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your fudge squares fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will stay delicious for up to one week. The cool environment helps maintain their perfect chewy, creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save some for a special occasion, Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares freeze beautifully. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing any fudgy goodness.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen fudge, let the squares thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you like them a little softer, bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate for the fudge?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips are recommended for the classic balance of sweetness and richness, you can experiment with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter twist. Just keep the total amount of chocolate chips the same.

Is it necessary to use hot chocolate mix in the recipe?

The hot chocolate mix is key to giving these fudge squares their unique and comforting cocoa flavor. While you could substitute with cocoa powder, the mix often includes sugar and a creamy base that helps with taste and texture, so it is best to use the specified hot chocolate mix.

Can I make these fudge squares vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe uses sweetened condensed milk and butter, which are dairy products. To make a vegan or dairy-free version, you would need to find alternatives like coconut condensed milk and vegan butter. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Why do the marshmallows get soft in the fudge?

The marshmallows soften because they get gently melted and incorporated during the warming stage, which gives the fudge its delightful, pillowy texture inside. The marshmallows on top stay more intact, providing a nice contrast.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts on fudge squares?

For perfect edges, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and then dried before slicing. Cut the fudge while it is cold to reduce sticking and help achieve professional-looking squares, especially great if you’re gifting or showcasing them.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, chocolatey treat that feels like a warm hug, these Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares are your new best friend. They bring together luscious chocolate, creamy sweetness, and the nostalgic flavors of hot cocoa in a fun, easy-to-make dessert that everyone will adore. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be able to stop at just one square!