Christmas Fudge: A Sweet, Simple, and Festive Holiday Treat

There’s something about fudge that just feels like Christmas. Maybe it’s the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture or the way it looks so pretty stacked on a holiday plate next to cookies and candy canes. Whatever it is, fudge has a way of making any holiday gathering feel a little more special. This Christmas Fudge recipe is a beautiful, two-layer version that combines creamy chocolate and smooth vanilla with a sprinkle of holiday color on top. It’s the perfect mix of festive and easy — no candy thermometer, no complicated steps, just classic homemade fudge that anyone can make.

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This is one of those recipes that looks impressive but comes together in just minutes. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill! The rich chocolate layer pairs perfectly with the sweet vanilla layer, and the Christmas sprinkles give it a pop of color that makes it perfect for gift giving, dessert trays, or cozy nights in.

To make this christmas fudge, you’ll need:

ingredients to make christmas fudge Save
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles

You’ll also need an 8×8 or 9×9 square baking dish lined with parchment paper and a microwave-safe bowl.

How To make the christmas fudge

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Start by lining your baking dish with parchment paper. This step makes it easy to lift out the fudge once it’s set and helps keep the edges clean and neat. If you want perfectly even squares, take a minute to smooth the parchment into the corners — your future self will thank you when it’s time to slice.

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Now, it’s time to make the first layer: the chocolate fudge. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, half of the sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. If the chocolate isn’t fully melted, microwave for another 15 seconds and stir again until the mixture is completely smooth. Once everything is melted together, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Pour the chocolate fudge into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This will form the rich, chocolatey base. Move the pan to the refrigerator and let it chill for about 30 minutes. This short cooling time helps the bottom layer firm up so the white layer will sit neatly on top later.

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While the chocolate layer chills, make the white chocolate layer. Add the white chocolate chips, the remaining half of the sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining tablespoon of butter to a clean microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and heat for another 15 seconds if needed until smooth and creamy. Stir in the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract.

When the chocolate layer has set slightly, pour the white chocolate fudge over top. Spread it gently to cover the bottom layer completely. Work quickly but carefully — the warmth of the white layer can melt the chocolate layer below if you spread too firmly.

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Before the top layer cools, sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles across the surface. You can use traditional red, green, and white jimmies for a classic look, or mix it up with metallic golds, snowflake sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candy. The sprinkles add a cheerful pop of color and a little crunch to each bite.

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Now comes the hardest part — waiting. Move the fudge to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least four hours, or overnight if you can. The longer it sits, the cleaner it will slice, and the flavors will blend beautifully as it rests.

Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares. This recipe makes about nine large pieces, but you can easily cut them smaller if you’re serving a crowd or want to package them for gifts. Each piece shows off that gorgeous two-tone layer with the festive sprinkles on top — a perfect little bite of holiday sweetness.

Why parents and kids love this fudge

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This fudge is a great recipe to make with kids because it’s quick, safe, and full of simple steps they can help with. Kids can stir the chocolate, spread the layers, and of course, add the sprinkles — which is always the favorite part. If you’re making this in a classroom or group setting, you can divide the steps between stations and let students take turns helping. It’s a wonderful way to combine following directions, sequencing, and even a bit of kitchen science.

At home, it’s the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into a cozy December afternoon. You can make it while watching Christmas movies, sipping hot cocoa, or wrapping gifts. It also makes a wonderful addition to holiday dessert tables. Pair it with cookies like Santa Nutter Butters, Hot Chocolate Cookies, or Christmas Tree Brownies for a display that looks straight out of a holiday bakery.

This fudge also makes beautiful homemade gifts. Place a few squares in small boxes or tins, line them with wax paper, and tie them with ribbon. Add a handwritten tag that says “Merry Christmas Fudge – made with love!” and you’ve got a thoughtful, inexpensive gift that teachers, neighbors, and friends will appreciate.

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For teachers, this recipe is also a great tie-in to classroom activities. After making (or reading about) fudge, students could write “How-To” pieces describing each step of the process — a fun way to combine writing and holiday cheer. You could also read a festive story like Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson or The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia Scarry before making or sharing fudge. Both books fit perfectly with the cozy, sweet theme.

From a practical standpoint, this recipe is about as simple as homemade candy gets. There’s no need for a candy thermometer or complicated timing — the microwave does all the work. The fudge keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and it can even be frozen if you want to make it ahead of time.

A wonderful christmas dessert you’ll make over and over again

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Each bite is creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced — the semi-sweet chocolate layer keeps the white chocolate from being too sweet, and the hint of vanilla in both layers ties it all together. The sprinkles add that little touch of Christmas magic that makes this treat impossible to resist.

The best part? It’s a recipe you can count on year after year. Once you make it, it’ll become part of your holiday routine — the one you pull out every December when you want something festive, quick, and foolproof.

Christmas Fudge is the kind of dessert that brings people together — easy enough for kids to help with, pretty enough for gifting, and delicious enough that you’ll find yourself sneaking a square every time you open the fridge. It’s sweet, simple, and full of holiday cheer — exactly what this season is all about.

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