If you’re on the hunt for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that screams holiday joy, you’re in for a real gift. This Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe is absolutely fantastic—rich, creamy, and perfectly festive with a sprinkle of Christmas magic. I remember the first time I made this fudge; my family couldn’t stop sneaking pieces before dinner! Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through making this classic holiday indulgence just right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make heavenly fudge.
- Perfectly Smooth Texture: The method ensures your fudge turns out velvety every time—no gritty surprises.
- Festive and Fun: Christmas sprinkles add that charming holiday touch that everyone adores.
- Great for Gifting: It’s easy to make in advance and wraps up beautifully for friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe is in the quality and simplicity of your ingredients. You want creamy, rich chocolate and smooth sweetened condensed milk for that perfect fudgy bite.
- Unsalted butter: Cubed butter melts evenly and adds creaminess without overpowering flavors.
- Dark chocolate chips: Look for chips that are 60% to 70% cacao for a perfect balance of bittersweet richness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This creates the silky texture—the thicker and high-quality, the better your fudge will be.
- Pure vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to the chocolate.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch amps up the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- Christmas sprinkles: Choose colorful festive sprinkles for that special holiday sparkle on top.
Variations
I love how versatile this Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to make it your own. Whether you want to add nuts for crunch or swap out chocolate types, the fudge adapts beautifully.
- Nutty Upgrade: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a little satisfying crunch, which my family really enjoys, especially during the holidays.
- White Chocolate Twist: For a sweeter, creamy change-up, use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate—great if you prefer less bitterness.
- Spiced Fudge: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or even chili powder gives it a warm holiday kick that surprises and delights.
- Dietary Adjustments: Using dairy-free chocolate and coconut milk condensed milk makes a vegan-friendly fudge just as yummy.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan Like a Pro
Start by buttering an 8″ x 8″ baking pan well. Then line it with parchment paper, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides. This little trick makes lifting the fudge out a breeze later on—trust me, it’s saved me more than once from fudge frustrations!
Step 2: Melt and Stir to Perfection
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your butter, dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula to prevent burning. It takes about 5 minutes for everything to melt and come together into a silky, smooth chocolate mixture. Patience here is key—keep stirring until everything blends to avoid lumps or scorching.
Step 3: Pour, Sprinkle, and Chill
Pour your luscious fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top gently. Now comes the fun part—I love to sprinkle bright Christmas sprinkles evenly across the top to give it that festive feel. Then pop it into the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours, though letting it chill overnight often makes it easier to cut.
Step 4: Cut and Serve With Holiday Smiles
Once set, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the fudge. Use the parchment overhang to lift it out. If it feels too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes—it softens just enough to cut without crumbling. Then slice into small 1½-inch squares, perfect for sharing (or sneaking a few yourself!).
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Use Quality Chocolate: I learned the hard way that not all chocolate chips melt well—using good-quality dark chocolate chips really makes the difference in smoothness.
- Keep Stirring Constantly: Stirring nonstop prevents the mixture from sticking to the bottom and burning, which can ruin your fudge instantly.
- Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Don’t skip lining your pan—it makes removing the fudge so much easier and keeps the edges neat.
- Patience on Cooling: Rushing to cut chilled fudge can lead to cracks; waiting a few minutes lets it soften just enough for clean slices.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Garnishes
I always top this fudge with colorful Christmas sprinkles because they add that joyful crunch and festive flair. Sometimes, I also dust lightly with edible glitter or place tiny crushed candy canes on top for extra holiday sparkle and a hint of minty contrast.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or rich coffee—the bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly. For holiday gatherings, I like to set it alongside a cheese board with nuts and dried fruits for guests to nibble on between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, I wrap fudge squares individually in wax paper and tie them with festive ribbons. Another cute idea I’ve tried is stacking squares in a decorative jar layered with extra sprinkles or chopped nuts, turning it into an edible holiday gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It lasts up to a week, but honestly, it rarely sticks around that long in my house. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents it from getting sticky.
Freezing
Freezing fudge works great if you want to prep early! I wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed in the fridge overnight, it keeps that luscious consistency without any graininess.
Reheating
I usually avoid reheating fudge since it tastes amazing straight from the fridge. But if you prefer it softer, just leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture and make it grainy.
FAQs
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Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe?
Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will make the fudge sweeter and creamier, but keep in mind it might be less intense in chocolate flavor. Adjust the salt slightly to balance sweetness if needed.
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How do I prevent my fudge from being grainy?
The key is gentle, constant stirring and making sure the chocolate melts slowly without overheating. Using good-quality chocolate and avoiding rushing the setting process also help keep your fudge perfectly smooth and creamy.
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Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this fudge?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even crushed candy canes are excellent mix-ins. Add them after pouring the fudge into the pan, right before chilling, so they stay evenly distributed on top or throughout.
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How long will this fudge keep?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, your fudge will keep for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet and it can last up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe has become my go-to festive treat because it’s so reliable and delightful every time I make it. It’s simple enough for a busy holiday schedule but special enough to impress guests. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at a party, or just indulging yourself by the fire, I promise you’ll love how this fudge melts on your tongue and brings smiles all around. Give it a try—you’ll be making it for every holiday to come!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 25 small squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich, creamy texture and festive flair of this classic Christmas Fudge recipe. Made with dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla, this easy-to-make fudge is topped with cheerful Christmas sprinkles, making it a perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for pan
- 2 1/2 c. dark chocolate chips (about 14 oz.; 60% to 70% cacao)
- 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Topping
- 2 to 3 tbsp. Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Butter an 8″ x 8″ baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides to make removing the fudge easier.
- Melt the fudge mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cubed butter, dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the chocolate chips have melted completely and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Pour and top: Pour the smooth chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Immediately sprinkle the top with Christmas sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day until it is fully set and firm.
- Cut and serve: Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the fudge. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the fudge out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. If the fudge is difficult to remove, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly, then try again. Cut into small 1½-inch squares and serve.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate chips with 60% to 70% cacao for a balanced, rich flavor.
- Butter and parchment lining help prevent sticking and make for easy removal.
- The fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For varying flavors, try adding chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon to the melted mixture before chilling.
- Allow fudge to warm slightly at room temperature before cutting if it breaks too easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 25 g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg

