There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy sweetness of fudge during the holiday season, and this sugar cookie Christmas fudge is a festive twist you’ll want to make year after year. With the nostalgic flavors of sugar cookies baked right into every bite, this fudge blends buttery vanilla and a hint of almond extract to create an irresistible holiday treat.
Whether you’re looking for a homemade gift idea, a party snack, or just something sweet to enjoy by the fire, this sugar cookie Christmas fudge is simple to make and delightfully delicious. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this festive classic with ease.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Combines two holiday favorites: sugar cookies and fudge.
- Perfectly creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Festive and colorful with sprinkles and crushed candy canes.
- Great for gifting, parties, or holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your sugar cookie Christmas fudge. The recipe uses classic fudge components enhanced with sugar cookie flavor notes and festive toppings.
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white sugar cookie crumbs (made from crushed baked sugar cookies)
- 1/2 cup festive colored sprinkles
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 squares
- Calories: Approximately 150 per square
How to Make Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge
- Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, salt, and sugar cookie crumbs until evenly combined.
- Fold in half of the sprinkles and half of the crushed candy canes gently, reserving the rest for topping.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles and crushed candy canes evenly over the top, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.
- Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 24 squares.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh white chocolate chips for the smoothest texture and best flavor.
- Crush sugar cookies finely for a consistent crumb texture in the fudge.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate mixture to avoid graininess.
- Press toppings gently to keep them on top without sinking into the fudge.
- Let the fudge chill fully to ensure clean cuts without crumbling.
Storage and Reheating
Store your sugar cookie Christmas fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This keeps the fudge firm and preserves its creamy texture while maintaining freshness.
If you want to freeze the fudge, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Avoid microwaving fudge as it can melt and lose its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other extracts instead of almond?
Yes! While almond extract enhances the sugar cookie flavor, you can substitute with additional vanilla or even a hint of butter extract for a slightly different but delicious taste.
Do I need to bake the fudge?
No baking is required for this fudge recipe. The heat from melting the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk is enough to combine the ingredients and set the fudge after chilling.
Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, use dairy-free white chocolate chips and a sweetened condensed coconut milk alternative. The texture and flavor may vary slightly but it will still be tasty.
How long does this fudge keep at room temperature?
Because of the dairy content, it’s best to keep the fudge refrigerated. At room temperature, it may soften too much and only last a day or two before spoiling.
