Christmas Fudge Recipe | Rich, Creamy, Festive Holiday Treat

I just made this Christmas fudge myself, and I can’t wait to share it with you. After stirring the chocolate, condensed milk, and butter while the sweet aroma floated through the house, I knew this was a holiday treat worth telling everyone about.

It’s rich, creamy, and surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether you need a festive dessert for a party or a homemade gift, this fudge delivers. Let me show you how I made it and how you can, too — or you can also enjoy the Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe for another cheerful holiday treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what I used to make about 25 fudge squares.
Note: yields several servings.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes — helps give a silky richness and prevents the chocolate from seizing.
2½ cups dark chocolate chips (around 14 oz, ideally 60–70% cacao) — stronger chocolate gives depth and less sweetness.
1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk — this is the “shortcut” base that gives creamy texture without needing to cook sugar syrup.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract — adds aromatic warmth and balances chocolate.
½ teaspoon kosher (or fine) salt — enhances chocolate flavor without making it salty.
2 to 3 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles (or crushed candy cane, chopped nuts) — optional decorative topping.

Pro tip: Don’t substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk or regular cream — the stability and sweetness level won’t be the same. Also, use good quality chocolate chips (not low-grade melting wafers) for best flavor.

Variations

Want to switch things up or cater to dietary needs? Here are a few ideas:

Dairy-free / vegan: Use a non-dairy condensed milk (such as sweetened coconut milk concentrate) and a plant-based butter substitute. Use dairy-free dark chocolate.
Sugar-free / low sugar: Try using sugar-free chocolate chips and a no-sugar condensed milk substitute (check for taste).
Flavor twists / add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), mini marshmallows, or swirl in peanut butter. You can also fold in peppermint extract or orange zest for holiday flair.
White chocolate fudge: Substitute white chocolate in place of dark, but reduce extra sweetness (omit sprinkles or reduce condensed milk a bit).

These alternatives let you tailor the fudge to your preferences or dietary needs.

Christmas Fudge Recipe — Credit (delish.com)

Cooking Time

Here’s roughly how long each stage takes:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking / melting time: ~ 5 minutes (melting everything together)
Chilling / setting time: 2 hours

Total Time: about 2 hours 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what I used and why:

Saucepan — to melt butter, chocolate, and condensed milk together.
Spatula or rubber scraper — for constant stirring to avoid burning.
8″ × 8″ baking pan (or similar) — to shape the fudge.
Parchment paper — lines the pan so fudge lifts out cleanly.
Sharp knife — to trim edges and cut into neat squares.

How to Make Christmas Fudge

Prepare the pan

I first buttered my 8×8 pan lightly and lined it with parchment, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides so I could lift the block out later.

Melt ingredients

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, I added the butter, dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. I stirred constantly until everything melted together into a smooth, uniform mixture.

Pour and decorate

Then I poured the melted fudge into the lined pan, smoothing the top with a spatula (I sometimes press the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten). I sprinkled on my festive sprinkles before the fudge set.

Chill until firm

I placed the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 2 hours. After that, I ran a knife around the edges, lifted the fudge using the parchment overhang, and cut it into small squares.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my own experience making this fudge, here are a few notes I’d pass on:

Always stir continuously while melting — chocolate burns fast.
If the fudge is hard to lift, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then try again.
Trim the edges after removing from pan for cleaner pieces.
Store layers between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Use a sharp, warmed knife (dip in hot water and wipe dry) for cleaner cuts.

How to Serve Christmas Fudge

To make this fudge extra beautiful when serving, arrange the squares on a decorative platter or tiered tray. Garnish with extra sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or chopped nuts. You can also wrap individual pieces in wax paper or festive cellophane to share as gifts.

Serve at cool room temperature — not too warm, or the fudge may soften, not too cold or it’s too firm. For another sweet and festive idea, try the Christmas Poppy Chow Recipe that perfectly complements your fudge spread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (one square) — just to give you a ballpark:

Calories: ~ 200–220 kcal
Protein: ~ 2 g
Carbohydrates: ~ 24 g
Fat: ~ 12 g

These values will vary based on your chocolate, butter, and portion size.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Store the fudge in an airtight container. At room temperature, it should keep well for up to 2 weeks. If you refrigerate, it lasts up to 3 weeks.

Freezing / Reheating

You can freeze fudge by wrapping each piece in parchment and placing in a freezer bag — it can last for a few months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before cutting.

Restoring

If your fudge becomes too firm (especially from cold storage), let it sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes before slicing. Conversely, if it’s too soft, chill briefly until it firms up just enough to handle.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Fudge Recipe

Here are a few of the reasons I fell in love with it:

Super easy to make — no candy thermometer or sugar syrup tricks needed, thanks to the condensed milk shortcut.
Versatile — you can customize flavors, toppings, or go dairy-free with ease.
Rich, indulgent flavor — deep chocolate taste balanced with salt and vanilla.
Great for gifts or parties — makes a lovely, shareable treat that looks festive.
Reliable texture — it sets firm yet melts in your mouth, with no graininess.

Ash Tyrrell