Name: Easy Christmas Cookie Fudge That Will Steal Your Heart
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 127 min
Ingredients: 2 cups White Chocolate Chips (Feel free to swap in other high-quality white chocolate brands); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Coconut oil makes a great dairy-free alternative); 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Acts as both a binder and sweetener); 1 pinch Salt (Essential for balancing flavors); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor); 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (Optional for flavor); 1 cup Nilla Wafers (Substitute with other vanilla cookies if desired); 1/4 cup Christmas Jimmies (Adds festive flair for decoration)

As the twinkling lights begin to adorn homes and the scent of pine wafts through the air, there's an undeniable magic that surrounds the holiday season. It was during one of those cozy evenings, with snow gently falling outside my window, that I decided to whip up a batch of Christmas Cookie Fudge. This easy, microwave treat marries the buttery flavors of sugar cookies with the creamy richness of white chocolate, all while taking just five minutes to prepare!

Imagine presenting this festive delight, speckled with cheerful red and green sprinkles, as a heartfelt edible gift to friends and family. Whether you're looking to sweeten a holiday gathering or simply treat yourself to something special, this fudgy confection is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Join me as we dive into the joy of creating Christmas Cookie Fudge that captures the spirit of the season!

Why will you love Christmas Cookie Fudge?

Simplicity at Its Finest: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and 5 minutes in the microwave.

Creamy, Dreamy Flavor: The blend of white chocolate and buttery Nilla Wafers creates a rich and indulgent taste that's hard to resist.

Edible Gifting Delight: Perfect for wrapping up as gifts, this fudge adds a personal touch to any holiday celebration.

Festively Fun Appearance: With its cheerful red and green sprinkles, it's not just a treat; it's a festive centerpiece!

Versatile Variations: Want a twist? You can customize your fudge by adding crushed peppermint or swapping in some milk chocolate.

If you're in need of additional delicious ideas for the holidays, check out more easy festive treats.

Christmas Cookie Fudge Ingredients

• Discover all you need for this sweet treat!

For the Fudge

White Chocolate Chips - Adds sweetness and creamy texture; feel free to swap in other high-quality white chocolate brands for a twist.
Unsalted Butter - Provides richness and a smooth fudge texture; coconut oil makes a great dairy-free alternative.
Sweetened Condensed Milk - Acts as both a binder and sweetener; you can use evaporated milk with sugar, but be aware that results may differ.
Salt - Essential for balancing flavors; make sure to include it for the best taste.
Pure Vanilla Extract - Enhances the depth of flavor; almond extract can be used for a nutty variation.
Almond Extract - Optional for flavor; feel free to omit or adjust based on your taste preference.
Nilla Wafers - Provides delightful texture and nostalgic cookie flavor; substitute with other vanilla cookies or crushed graham crackers if desired.
Christmas Jimmies - Adds festive flair for decoration; you can use other sprinkles, but may risk color bleeding.

This luscious Christmas Cookie Fudge is sure to bring smiles and warmth into your home this holiday season!

How to Make Christmas Cookie Fudge

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8 square pan with parchment paper and lightly butter it. This prevents the fudge from sticking, ensuring easy removal once it's set.
Combine Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix white chocolate chips, cubed butter, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute, then give it a good stir.
Melt and Stir: Continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring gently each time, until the mixture is completely smooth. Be cautious not to overheat it to keep that silky texture!
Add Extracts: Stir in the pure vanilla extract and optional almond extract until fully combined, allowing the flavors to dance together beautifully.
Fold in Cookies: Gently fold in the Nilla Wafers and ¼ cup of the Christmas jimmies, using a light hand to avoid mixing too vigorously which may lead to bleeding colors.
Pour and Smooth: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Carefully sprinkle the remaining jimmies on top, pressing them in slightly for decorative flair.
Chill to Set: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours to firm up. Before cutting into squares, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to prevent splintering.

Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cookie Fudge

Fridge: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the fudge tightly in parchment paper and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, keeping its delightful flavor intact.

Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the fudge at room temperature, simply remove it from the fridge or freezer and let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving.

Cutting: To avoid squishing the fudge, make sure it's cold when cutting. Let it warm slightly for perfect squares that stand tall and showcase the festive sprinkles!

Expert Tips for Christmas Cookie Fudge

Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality white chocolate enhances flavor and texture; brands like Ghirardelli work best. Avoid generic brands to prevent graininess.
Don't Overheat: Stir gently while melting; stop microwaving as soon as the mixture is smooth. Overheating can lead to a grainy fudge that just won't set right.
Press Sprinkles Firmly: After pouring the fudge, lightly press the Christmas jimmies into the top. This keeps them from falling off and ensures a festive look when served.
Room Temperature Cutting: Allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This prevents splintering for nice, clean squares.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add crushed peppermint candies or chopped nuts to your Christmas Cookie Fudge. This not only adds texture but also makes it unique and flavorful.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Cookie Fudge treats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the fudge mixture up to 24 hours in advance by following all the steps up to the pouring phase and then refrigerating it. Once set, simply cut the fudge into squares and wrap them in parchment paper to maintain freshness. If you'd like to keep them longer, feel free to freeze the cut pieces for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, let the fudge thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Trust me, this will have your family believing it's just as fresh as the day you made it!

Christmas Cookie Fudge Variations

Feel free to explore these tasty twists that will elevate your festive fudge to new heights!

Minty Fresh: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing holiday flavor that sings of winter cheer.

Dive into the joy of peppermint as you balance the sweetness of white chocolate with a cool, crisp crunch. This is a classic holiday twist that everyone will love!

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to bring a bit of crunch and depth to the fudge's creamy texture.

Nuts create a delightful contrast, giving your fudge that extra flair while providing delicious flavor notes. Plus, they're a great way to personalize your treat.

Dark Chocolate Option: Swap white chocolate chips for rich dark chocolate for a more decadent indulgence.

The deep, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate will beautifully enhance the sweetness, making it an irresistible choice for chocolate lovers.

Coconut Dream: Use coconut cream in place of butter for a tropical twist that adds richness and a hint of coconut flavor.

Coconut dreams will transport your taste buds to an exotic paradise while keeping that smooth fudge consistency. It's a flavor combination you won't want to miss!

Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a surprising heat that beautifully balances the sweetness.

The spicy warmth contrasts remarkably with the fudge's sweetness, creating a flavor bomb that sparks curiosity and makes each bite exciting.

Citrus Burst: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to infuse your fudge with a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens every bite.

A hint of citrus will not only intensify the flavors but also provides a lovely aromatic touch that echoes the joy of the season.

Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the fudge mixture before it sets for a gooey, sweet addition.

Swirling in caramel will create luscious pockets of sweetness within the fudge, making each bite an unforgettable experience of flavor.

Coffee Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of instant coffee granules for a mocha flavor that beautifully complements the chocolate.

Coffee lovers will fall head over heels for this variation, as it adds a phenomenal depth and a sophisticated edge to your Christmas Cookie Fudge.

What to Serve with Christmas Cookie Fudge?

Treat your family and friends to a festive spread that pairs beautifully with your delightful fudge creation; it's sure to impress!

Hot Cocoa: Rich, creamy hot chocolate enhances the sweetness of the fudge while adding a cozy, warm element to your dessert table.
Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, chocolatey treat complements the softness of the fudge, delivering a peppermint punch that's perfect for holiday gatherings.
Christmas Sugar Cookies: A classic pairing, these cookies echo the fudgy flavors while providing a fun texture contrast.
Creamy Eggnog: The smooth, spiced flavors of eggnog create a delightful harmony with the sweetness of the Christmas Cookie Fudge.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Add a refreshing contrast with a platter of berries and citrus fruits; their tartness balances the rich, sweet fudge perfectly.
Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes, whether plain or flavored, create an elegant pairing that will elevate your dessert experience with creamy richness.

Liven up your holiday gatherings by offering these delightful accompaniments alongside Christmas Cookie Fudge, making every bite a joy to savor!

Christmas Cookie Fudge Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe or fresh ingredients for this Christmas Cookie Fudge?
For the best flavor, choose high-quality white chocolate chips that are smooth and creamy. Look for brands like Ghirardelli or Valrhona. Ensure your unsalted butter is fresh and soft but not overly melted. Sweetened condensed milk should be thick and creamy, so check the expiration date. Using fresh vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while almond extract should be fragrant and not past its prime.

How should I store the Christmas Cookie Fudge, and how long will it last?
Absolutely! To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can wrap it tightly in parchment paper and place it in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze my Christmas Cookie Fudge? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze it! Here's how: Wrap the fudge tightly in parchment paper, making sure there are no gaps, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, then enjoy at room temperature.

What if my fudge turns out grainy?
The key to a smooth fudge is gentle stirring and careful melting. If your fudge appears grainy after microwaving, it might be due to overheating. To rescue it, return it to the microwave in short 10-second bursts of heat, adding a splash of warm cream or water while stirring until it becomes smooth again. Remember, only heat it until silky and creamy for the best results!

Are there any dietary considerations for this Christmas Cookie Fudge?
Very! For those with dairy allergies, you can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free white chocolate. Also, if you're concerned about allergens from Nilla Wafers, feel free to swap them with other cookie alternatives like gluten-free vanilla cookies or crushed graham crackers. Just check the packaging for any potential allergens like nuts or gluten to accommodate dietary needs.

What if I want to add extras or change the flavor of the fudge?
The more the merrier! You can customize your Christmas Cookie Fudge by adding crushed peppermint candies for a festive minty twist or incorporating chopped nuts for crunch. If you're a fan of milk chocolate, simply swap out the white chocolate for high-quality milk chocolate chips. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavors!