Make holiday magic in minutes with this ultra-creamy, easy Christmas fudge! It’s made with simple ingredients, has easy directions, and is perfect for gifting or festive snacking.
Recipe Tips for Success
After plenty of trial and error, I’ve nailed down what really works. Here are the tips that will help you make perfect fudge every time.
- Ensure you use sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk, as it will not set correctly.
- Be sure to microwave the chocolate until completely melted before adding the vanilla extract.
- Allow enough time for the fudge to chill in the fridge until it sets fully.
- For a sweet-and-salty fudge, add ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt on top.
- If the fudge is too hard to cut, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Additionally, running your knife under hot water before slicing will ensure smooth, easy slices.
Table of Contents
Homemade Christmas Fudge
This easy fudge recipe stands out because it delivers rich, creamy fudge with only four simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep. You don’t need a double boiler or a candy thermometer. There’s none of the fuss of traditional fudge recipes.
The fudge comes together quickly and sets perfectly. This is a great recipe to customize the base with white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, candy canes, or mint, for a delicious treat that’s ready for Christmas cookie trays, homemade gifts, or sharing with kids. It’s the easiest way to celebrate the holiday season with a festive treat everyone will love.
For more fun Christmas treats to try this holiday baking season, check out this list of 50 Easy Christmas Treats for Baking, Gifting, and Sharing.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
Here are the four ingredients you need to make this fudge, along with a few substitution recommendations.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce can – $1.94): Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk will not work.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups – $2.24): Any chocolate works, but dark chocolate will add a decadent depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon – $0.27): Use almond extract as an alternative.
- Christmas sprinkles (2 tablespoons – $0.34): Sprinkle them on while the fudge is still warm so they adhere better. Crushed candy canes, M&Ms, or ¾ cup of toasted nuts like walnuts, pecans, or peanuts would all make great substitutes.
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in December 2025.
How To Make Christmas Fudge
Heat the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, stir in the vanilla, transfer to the pan, top with sprinkles, and chill. Let me show you how.
- Heat the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips in the microwave.
- Stir the mixture until melted, then add the vanilla extract.
- Transfer the fudge to the pan and top with sprinkles.
- Refrigerate until set, then cut into squares and serve.
Easy Fudge Recipe FAQs
It was probably overcooked. Melt the chocolate in short increments in the microwave to avoid scorching it.
Yep! Double the ingredients, pour it in a 9×13-inch pan. It will take longer to set in the fridge.
Evaporated milk will not set correctly, so it cannot be used as a substitute.
This fudge is all about versatility. While we use semi-sweet chocolate chips in the recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate would add a richer flavor, milk chocolate would be slightly sweeter, and white chocolate could add a fun twist.
Christmas Fudge
Recipe Cost 4.79 Serving Cost 0.39Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Microwave-safe bowl
- mixing spoon
- measuring cups
- offset spatula
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
PREP PAN:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
MAKE FUDGE:
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them on high for 1 minute. Stir. If the chocolate has not fully melted, microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the vanilla and stir to combine. Transfer the fudge to the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer out using an offset spatula.
- While the fudge is still wet, distribute the sprinkles evenly over the top.
CHILL FUDGE:
- Place the fudge in the fridge to set for one hour.
TO FINISH:
- Once the fudge is set, slice it into squares and serve.
- Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Amanda says
So glad I found this Christmas Fudge recipe. It’s a new go-to for me.
Angela says
I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong here but this is horrible. My entire batch has been sitting in the freezer for a week and frozen, the consistency is like cold caramel. It’s very sticky and gooey and cannot be cut. At room temp, it’s slightly thicker consistency than condensed milk. I actually forgot to add the vanilla but I don’t think that is making or breaking this. It’s very chocolaty so I definitely added enough. The texture is just very far from fudge or anything that can be sliced.
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Angela, we’re sorry to hear that. We have not had that issue with this recipe. It may have turned out that way if the chocolate did not get hot enough during the melting process. We hope you will try again!
Siobhan O'Brien Holmes says
hi, I’ve followed the recipe but the fudge hasn’t remotely set, even after 24 hours in the fridge.
Jess Jankowski says
Hi, we are sorry to hear that! We have not had that issue. Is it possible you used evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk? Or try double-checking your measurements and try again!
Shay says
My favorite fudge recipe! I sometimes use peppermint extract instead of vanilla and top with crushed candy canes too!
Jess Jankowski says
Love the addition of the peppermint extract!
Rusty says
I made these cause I felt like it. They are really good. Very simple and easy recipe to follow.
Jess Jankowski says
So glad you felt like it and tried it! Thanks for your review! Merry Christmas.
Caroline Strickland says
I have looked at so many recipes for fudge, & this one looks very festive & easy. I have a question, referring back to other recipes, some of them are similar, but use only 8 ounces of sweetened condensed milk not the whole 14 ounce, so that it sets up..so to be clear, does this recipe use the entire 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk or 8 oz ?
Second question, Can I use fat free sweetened condensed Milk ? I really want to try your recipe to take to a party. It looks beautiful.. Thanks
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Caroline, yes it does use 14 oz for the recipe. We have not tested it with fat-free sweetened condensed milk but you should be able to substitute it. Let us know how it goes!
Lisa says
Super easy and so good. I can not wait to add to my goodie box for my family and friends!!! ♥️
Jess Jankowski says
Love that! Enjoy!
LuAnn says
Can this recipe be doubled for a 13×9 baking pan?
Jess Jankowski says
Absolutely! You may need to increase the chilling time with a larger batch. Enjoy!
Diana says
Yum, I have always loved a good homemade fudge recipe. This one is superb and I can’t wait to share it for the holidays.
Allison says
Made a batch for some neighbors and it was delicious!
Danielle Wolter says
This was so simple to make and a total hit at my house. Thanks for the great recipe!
Mandy Applegate says
This Christmas fudge looks amazing – will be making it this weekend!
sonia says
I really like Christmas desserts.
I’m going to give this recipe a try!
Dannii says
You can’t beat homemade fudge and this Christmas version looks super fun.
Sandy @ Ginger and Scotch says
This does look super easy! I have all the ingredients in my pantry and am excited to make it with my kids to give away as presents this holiday season.
Peggy Brooker says
Made this today and am having trouble not eating it all at once!! It is so smooth and creamy and delicious! And it took only minutes to make – I will definitely make this again – soon!