The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Christmas Fudge is a classic chocolate fudge that is creamy and smooth. It’s easy to make and perfect for holiday parties and gifts.
This recipe makes twelve large pieces for approximately $5.11! You cannot buy this much fudge anywhere else for this price! It works out to cost about $0.42 per serving.
For more fudge variations, try our Easy Chocolate Fudge, Rocky Road Fudge, and Valentine’s Day Fudge.
Christmas Fudge
The holiday season and its traditions come with lots of fun and family time. However, there is also an unwanted sense of busyness and rushing around.
We are here to help make one thing in your life a little bit easier. This Christmas Fudge recipe only uses four ingredients and takes five minutes to prep.
No double boiler or candy thermometer is required for this recipe, so it is super simple. Yet, the result is creamy and rich. This is a festive and classic holiday treat no one wants to miss out on but sometimes we do because we do not have the time to get to it.
Now you can have your fudge and eat it too! Or gift it on a holiday tray for friends and family.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk – $1.94
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – $1.98
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – $0.17
- 2 Tablespoons Christmas sprinkles – $1.02
To learn more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.
How To Make Christmas Fudge
- First, prep the pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Next, microwave the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips.
- Stir until melted.
- Add the vanilla and pour the fudge into the baking pan.
- Spread the sprinkles on top.
- Finally, place the fudge in the fridge to set. When finished, cut into squares for serving.
***For complete recipe instructions and a recipe video, see the recipe card below.
RECIPE VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Any chocolate will work in this recipe; dark chocolate is especially delicious.
- Add ½ teaspoon of flakey sea salt for a sweet and salty fudge.
- Add ¾ cup of toasted nuts like walnuts, pecans, and peanuts to the fudge.
STORAGE TIPS
Serve: After the fudge is set, cut it into squares, and serve.
Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Freeze: Place fudge in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. This is a great recipe to make during October when the holiday season isn’t as busy. Freeze the fudge and have it ready for December. You’ll be so glad you did!
RECIPE FAQs
Sweetened condensed milk can be cooked at high temperatures without curdling, which makes it perfect for making fudge. Evaporated milk, therefore, is not a good option to use as a substitute as it does not work the same way as condensed milk.
Any chocolate will work with this recipe. We use semi-sweet chocolate chips in the recipe, but dark chocolate would also be delicious.
When fudge is stored correctly, in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to three weeks. We don’t know which is more amazing: how long the fudge lasts or if you have any fudge leftover to last that long in the fridge!
GET KIDS INVOLVED
Ages 2-3: Practice those counting skills with your little one while cutting the fudge into pieces.
Ages 4-5: Have your child pour the sprinkles on top of the wet fudge. This will be a fun and easy activity for them.
Ages 6-8: This is a great recipe to teach your child how to use the microwave. Once they have learned that concept, they can quickly master this recipe.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe unsupervised while you do the happy dance in the corner!
BUDGET TIPS
This is a great gift for neighbors during the holiday that will not break the bank!
MORE DESSERTS
- Brownie Cookies
- Chick-Fil-A Copycat Peppermint Shake
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Peppermint Patty Candy
- Crockpot Candy
- Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Cookies
- Homemade Peanut Brittle
- Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies
- Peppermint Pie
- White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Christmas Fudge
Recipe Cost 3.51 Serving Cost 0.29Equipment
- 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.
Video
Notes
- You must use sweetened condensed milk in this recipe, not evaporated milk.
- For a sweet and salty fudge, add ½ teaspoon flakey 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.
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!
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.
Dannii says
You can’t beat homemade fudge and this Christmas version looks super fun.
sonia says
I really like Christmas desserts.
I’m going to give this recipe a try!
Mandy Applegate says
This Christmas fudge looks amazing – will be making it this weekend!
Danielle Wolter says
This was so simple to make and a total hit at my house. Thanks for the great recipe!
Allison says
Made a batch for some neighbors and it was delicious!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!