There’s something magical about fudge during the holidays, and this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe really hits the spot every time. It’s that perfect balance of rich, creamy chocolate sweetness with a festive touch thanks to the sprinkles on top. What I love most is how straightforward it is – even if you’re not usually a dessert person, you’ll find it hard to resist giving this a try and impressing your friends and family with a homemade treat.

Whether you’re prepping for a Christmas party, a gift exchange, or just craving a cozy kitchen moment, this recipe delivers. It works well as a last-minute baked good because it comes together quickly, and you don’t need any fancy equipment — just good ingredients and a little love. Trust me, once you make this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe, it’ll become your go-to during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe lies in its simple, clean ingredients. Each one complements the others perfectly, making it easy to find what you need without hunting for obscure items. When you shop, pick the best chocolate chips you can find, because that’s where the fudge’s richness really shines.

Sweetened condensed milk: This is the secret to that luscious, creamy texture without needing to fuss with cream or sugar separately.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: I prefer semi-sweet for just the right hint of chocolate without overpowering sweetness; good quality chips melt more smoothly.
Butter (salted or unsalted): Butter adds richness and helps achieve a silky finish; use salted if you like a tiny hint of saltiness to balance the fudge.
Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla elevates the chocolate flavor and adds depth. Don’t skip it!
Christmas sprinkles: These bring a festive pop of color and a little crunch; you can get creative with shapes and colors here.

Variations

I love making this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe my own by switching up the flavors and add-ins. Feel free to play around because fudges are forgiving! You can tailor it for any holiday or personal taste, which makes the process more fun and satisfying.

White Chocolate Fudge: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips—the result is a creamy, sweet version I often make for my white chocolate-loving friends.
Nutty Delight: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast. I like to toast the nuts lightly for extra flavor.
Spiced Fudge: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the melted mixture to give it that warm holiday spice vibe I adore.
Vegan Variation: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter along with a condensed coconut milk substitute to make it plant-based.
Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce on top before the fudge sets, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an irresistible sweet-salty combo.

How to Make Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Base Ingredients Gently

Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate chips in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly — patience is key here to avoid scorching the chocolate. You’ll want the mixture silky smooth with no lumps; I like to scrape the sides down as I stir to ensure even melting.

Step 2: Stir in Vanilla Extract

Once your chocolate mixture is melted and silky, remove it from the heat and stir in a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This step really brightens the flavors and makes the fudge taste homemade, which always impresses me when guests ask how I made it.

Step 3: Pour and Decorate

Pour the fudge mixture into a lined baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Before it sets, sprinkle your Christmas sprinkles evenly across the surface. This is where the magic happens — those festive sprinkles add color and a little crunch that make this fudge so cheerful.

Step 4: Chill Until Firm

Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until the fudge firms up nicely. I usually cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap to keep it from absorbing any fridge odors. Patience here is essential, but the wait is absolutely worth it.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

The image shows several pieces of thick, square-shaped chocolate fudge stacked on a white marbled surface. Each fudge piece is dark brown and dense with a smooth texture on the sides and slightly textured edges. The top layer of the fudge is decorated with festive red, green, and white sprinkles including small round dots and thin cylindrical shapes, along with a few white snowflake-shaped sprinkles. One piece on top has a bite taken out of it, revealing a moist and soft inside with a slightly rough texture. Some sprinkles are scattered around on the surface, adding a colorful contrast to the rich chocolate tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding extra sprinkles or a light dusting of edible glitter on top just before serving for that wow factor, especially when friends come over. Sometimes, I add a few chopped nuts or a drizzle of white chocolate—anything to make it feel extra special without too much fuss.

Side Dishes

This fudge is rich and sweet, so I usually pair it with something simple and balanced like a cup of strong coffee or a mildly spiced chai tea. If you’re serving it at a party, little fruit slices or lightly salted nuts on the side are perfect for cutting through the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve wrapped small squares of fudge in colorful wax paper or placed them in mini cupcake liners, then arranged them on a decorative platter. You can even tie festive ribbons around small boxes filled with fudge for homemade edible gifts. Presentation makes this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe feel like a treat anyone would be excited to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep well for up to two weeks. I’ve found that keeping parchment paper between the layers helps prevent sticking, making it easier to grab just a piece when the sweet tooth strikes later on.

Freezing

If you want to save fudge for later or prepare it well ahead of time, wrapping individual pieces tightly and freezing them works great. I’ve frozen fudge for up to three months without any loss of taste or texture. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

While fudge is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if it feels too firm straight from the fridge, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. If you want to soften it quickly, a few seconds in the microwave (in very short bursts) can help, but be careful not to melt it completely.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips give a classic balance, you can substitute with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Just make sure the chocolate is good quality to ensure a smooth texture and rich flavor.
Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is key to the creamy texture of this fudge, so it’s best not to skip it. However, if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option, there are coconut-based condensed milk alternatives available that work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the fudge from becoming grainy?

Stir the mixture gently and consistently over low heat when melting the ingredients to avoid overheating. Avoid letting the mixture boil, as that can cause the sugar to crystallize and create a grainy texture. Patience during melting is your best friend!
Can I make this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! This fudge keeps well in the fridge and freezer, so you can make it days or even weeks before your holiday event. Just store it properly in airtight containers to keep it fresh and festive.
What’s the best way to cut fudge neatly?

Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This helps slice through smoothly without cracking the fudge. Cutting when the fudge is chilled but not rock-hard yields the nicest squares.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe has become my little holiday tradition because it’s reliable, delicious, and so simple to whip up even on busy days. Sharing it feels like sharing a cozy hug in chocolate form, and I hope you feel that way too when you make it. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this festive treat — you won’t regret it, and your holiday guests will thank you!

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

This Easy Christmas Fudge recipe is a quick and delightful holiday treat combining creamy sweetened condensed milk, rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract, topped with festive Christmas sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the holiday season, this no-bake fudge requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it an accessible and delicious dessert for all skill levels.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 36 small squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Fudge Base

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

Topping

2–3 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the fudge out easily once set.
Melt Ingredients: In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter. Stir continuously until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavor.
Pour and Sprinkle: Immediately pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Quickly sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles on top before the fudge begins to set.
Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch.
Cut and Serve: Once set, use the foil or parchment overhang to lift the fudge from the pan. Cut into small squares and serve or package as desired.

Notes

Use good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
Butter can be salted or unsalted; adjust the sprinkles accordingly if you want to control saltiness.
For a smoother finish, ensure continuous stirring while melting ingredients to prevent burning or graininess.
Fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Allow the fudge to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance texture and flavor.

Keywords: easy Christmas fudge recipe, holiday fudge, Christmas treat, no bake fudge, chocolate fudge