Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s rich, creamy, and packed with festive cheer, you’re going to want to try my Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe. I absolutely love how this fudge comes together with just a few simple ingredients and yet tastes like it took hours of work—and honestly, it’s a total crowd-pleaser every single holiday season. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it for yourself (no judgment!), this fudge is the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness with a fun sprinkle of holiday magic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing quality ingredients really makes all the difference here. I always recommend dark chocolate chips with around 60-70% cacao because they strike the best balance between rich chocolate flavor and sweetness—the sweetened condensed milk adds the silky creaminess without extra fuss.

• Unsalted butter: Cubed so it melts evenly and adds richness without extra saltiness.
• Dark chocolate chips: I use 60% to 70% cacao for deep chocolate flavor that’s not too bitter or too sweet.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Key to that fudgy, creamy texture and natural sweetness.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon will brighten and deepen the overall flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Christmas sprinkles: Fun, colorful, and gives that instantly festive vibe!

Variations

I love making this Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe exactly as is, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a bit depending on what I have or how fancy I want to get. The best thing is how forgiving fudge can be—you can easily customize it to your liking.

• Nut Lover’s Edition: I sometimes add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a little crunch—my family adores the extra texture.
• Spiced Fudge: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of cayenne gives the fudge a subtle warmth that’s unexpected but festive.
• White Chocolate Swap: For something lighter, I’ve swapped dark chocolate with white chocolate chips—it still works beautifully but tastes entirely different.
• Allergy-Friendly: Using dairy-free butter and a suitable condensed milk alternative works well for those avoiding dairy.

How to Make Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro

Start by buttering an 8″x8″ baking pan thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave about a 2-inch overhang on two sides. This little trick is a game changer—it makes lifting the fudge out a snap without any sticky mess, trust me, I’ve learned the hard way by skipping this step!

Step 2: Melt and Mix Magic

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add your butter, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula—this prevents scorching and helps the chocolate melt evenly. After about 5 minutes, you’ll have a smooth, glossy mixture. The smell here is ridiculously good, so don’t be tempted to skip stirring!

Step 3: Chill, Sprinkle, and Set

Pour the melted fudge mixture into your prepared pan and sprinkle generously with your festive Christmas sprinkles. Pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. If you can wait up to a day, the fudge firms up perfectly without losing a bit of that creamy joy.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

Once set, run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen it, then use the parchment overhang to lift the whole slab on to a cutting board. If it feels stuck, no worries—let it sit for 5 minutes at room temperature and try again. Cut into 1½-inch squares, and you’re ready to wow your holiday guests or fill those tins for gifting!

How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with classic red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles because they give the fudge that cheerful holiday look. Sometimes, though, I top it with crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist—adds a lovely crunch and flavor punch!

Side Dishes

This fudge is such a rich dessert that I like pairing it with something light and refreshing, like fresh orange slices or a cup of hot spiced tea. If you’re serving at a party, it goes perfectly alongside cookies and other small bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Because this fudge is so pretty with the sprinkles, I sometimes place the squares in decorative holiday tins layered with parchment paper. Another fun idea is using mini cupcake liners for individual portions—makes for a cute, fuss-free way to serve at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge, layering the pieces between sheets of parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together. It keeps beautifully for about a week this way.

Freezing

Freezing fudge is totally doable! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

If you want to soften the fudge a bit after chilling, I gently warm it for 10-15 seconds in the microwave, checking often to avoid melting it. This makes cutting easier and brings out that luscious fudge softness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe is honestly one of my favorite holiday staples—it brings that nostalgic, rich chocolate comfort with zero fuss. I find myself making it year after year because it’s just so dependable and beloved by everyone lucky enough to try it. If you want a gift or dessert that feels homemade but looks like it came from a fancy chocolatier, give this fudge a whirl. I promise, you’ll have so much fun making—and eating—it!

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