If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s simple to make but feels like a special holiday indulgence, this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe is absolute gold. I remember the first time I whipped this up for a family gathering—it was a total crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it became one of my go-to festive desserts because it requires just a few ingredients and zero fancy skills.

What I love about this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re wrapping it up as a thoughtful homemade gift or serving it right alongside your holiday coffee, it delivers that perfect balance of creamy, chocolaty richness and festive fun. Plus, the sprinkles on top just make it cheerfully irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this fudge works together to create that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave at the holidays. When you’re shopping, look for quality chocolate chips and a good vanilla extract to really bring out the flavors.

Sweetened condensed milk: This is the base that keeps your fudge creamy and fudgy—don’t skip or substitute it with evaporated milk.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: I go for semi-sweet because it’s not overly sweet and balances nicely with the rich milk.
Butter (salted or unsalted): Adds richness and smoothness; I usually use salted butter for a little extra flavor punch.
Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash brings depth and warmth to the fudge with classic vanilla notes.
Christmas sprinkles: These are the festive star on top—choose your favorites to match your holiday vibe.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to your tastes—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to customize this classic.

Nutty twist: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts before the fudge sets for a crunchy surprise. I sometimes add pecans for a cozy, buttery flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
White chocolate version: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a sweeter, creamier fudge—perfect if you’re not a dark chocolate fan.
Peppermint fudge: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract and use crushed candy canes as your sprinkles. I adore this version because it instantly says “Christmas” in every bite.
Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a non-dairy butter substitute to make this fudge accessible to friends with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Melt and mix your ingredients gently

Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate chips in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly—this is key! If you let the mixture sit too long or turn up the heat, the chocolate can seize up or scorch. I usually keep a wooden spoon handy and swirl slowly until everything is smooth and glossy, which takes about 5 minutes. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 2: Pour and decorate

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make removing the fudge easier later. Pour your silky chocolate mixture into the pan and smooth it out evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Now comes the fun part—sprinkle your Christmas sprinkles on top while the fudge is still warm so they stick nicely. This simple step makes your fudge instantly festive!

Step 3: Chill and set

Pop the pan into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm. Resist the urge to cut it early! When it’s set, use a sharp knife to slice into small squares for the perfect bite-size treats.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

The image shows several thick, square pieces of dark brown chocolate fudge stacked closely on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a smooth and slightly glossy texture with sharp edges, and the top layer of the fudge is decorated with small red, green, and white sprinkles, along with a few white snowflake-shaped sugar decorations. One piece on top has a bite taken out of it, revealing a dense, creamy inside with a rich texture. The sprinkles are scattered around the fudge on the surface, adding a festive and colorful touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with colorful Christmas sprinkles on top—because they add that instant holiday cheer and a bit of crunch. But sometimes, I like a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few tiny sea salt flakes sprinkled on for a grown-up twist. It’s all about what mood you’re in!

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. During holiday parties, I love arranging it alongside spiced nuts, dried fruits, and some tangy cranberry sauce for a festive dessert platter that guests rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I wrap small stacks of fudge squares in wax paper tied with twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary — it looks adorable and smells amazing. Another idea is to arrange slices in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper for a classy holiday gift that everyone will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to two weeks. If you leave it out at room temperature, it softens quickly, so refrigeration helps keep that perfect chewy texture intact.

Freezing

Freezing fudge works great if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’ll be ready to enjoy without losing any of its creamy goodness.

Reheating

If you like your fudge slightly softer, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving—it can melt unevenly and change the texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate for this fudge recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips offer the classic flavor, you can swap in milk chocolate or white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and texture might vary slightly. For best results, use good-quality chips designed for melting.
How long does this fudge stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this fudge keeps well for about two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months if you want to prepare in advance or save leftovers.
Can I make this fudge without a stove? Like using a microwave?

Yes, you can melt the ingredients in the microwave using short, gentle bursts (15-20 seconds), stirring in between to prevent burning. But I find going slow on the stove gives better control and smoother texture.
What’s the best way to cut fudge without it crumbling?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried before slicing. This helps the cuts stay clean. Also, make sure the fudge is fully chilled and set before cutting for neat squares.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even mini marshmallows can be mixed in just before pouring the fudge into the pan for a fun twist. Just remember not to overload it, or the fudge might not set properly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and hopefully in your kitchen too. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is really straightforward, making it perfect for holiday weekends when you want to impress without stress. I encourage you to try it out, customize it your way, and share it with the people you love. Trust me, once you make this fudge, it often becomes a seasonal staple you’ll keep coming back to.

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

★★★★★ 4.7 from 117 reviews

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 16 pieces 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Christmas Fudge recipe is a quick and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of butter, it combines classic flavors to create a smooth, velvety fudge. Enhanced with pure vanilla extract and festive Christmas sprinkles, this fudge is an ideal sweet gift or dessert to share with family and friends during the holidays.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup butter (salted or unsalted)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out once set.
Melt the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, ensuring no chocolate lumps remain.
Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly to enhance the fudge’s richness.
Pour and Sprinkle: Pour the smooth fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Immediately sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles over the top, gently pressing them into the fudge for decoration.
Chill and Set: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until firm. Once set, use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
Slice and Serve: Cut the fudge into small squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

Use good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
If desired, substitute butter with salted or unsalted according to your taste preference.
Ensure the heat is low when melting to prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing.
You can customize the sprinkles or omit them for a more classic fudge appearance.
Fudge can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Keywords: Christmas fudge, holiday fudge recipe, easy fudge, chocolate fudge, festive dessert, holiday treats