Wonderful Christmas Fudge Recipe

I remember the first time I made Christmas fudge after moving to the U.S. It felt like a little taste of home wrapped in sweetness, perfect for sharing during the holidays. This easy, foolproof Christmas fudge became my go-to recipe—simple enough for beginners, yet delicious and rich to impress family and friends. It’s made gifting edible treats so joyful and stress-free.

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Why This is the BEST Christmas Fudge Recipe

• This recipe yields a supremely creamy texture thanks to the marshmallow creme and evaporated milk combination.
• It’s a no-fail classic that sets up perfectly every time, ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• The fudge offers a perfect base for festive decorations or personalized mix-ins like nuts or peppermint.
• Quick to prepare with only a few ingredients, it makes holiday gifting and entertaining simple and delightful.

Essential Ingredients for Christmas Fudge

Using the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect fudge texture—smooth, creamy, and easily sliceable. Evaporated milk adds richness and helps the fudge set just right without requiring complicated candy-making techniques. Marshmallow creme creates that signature fluffy, velvety consistency that makes this fudge so irresistible.

Please use this exact ingredient list for your Christmas fudge:

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
• 1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts* (optional – we like pecans)

Ingredient Substitutions

Ingredient	Substitution Option	Notes
Unsalted Butter	Salted butter	Use less added salt elsewhere if substituting
Nuts (pecans preferred)	Walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts	Nut-free? Simply leave out the nuts
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips	Dark or milk chocolate chips	Adjust sweetness to your taste

How to Make Christmas Fudge Step-by-Step

Here’s the straightforward process to create your perfect batch of Christmas fudge:

1. Prepare the baking dish. Butter an 8×8-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Cook the sugar mixture. Combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter in a medium pot. Cook over medium-low heat until the mixture reaches a boil, stirring frequently.
3. Boil carefully. Once boiling, continue to boil the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Adjust the heat if needed to maintain a gentle boil. The goal is to reach a soft ball stage around 235°F. This candy making temperature guide can be helpful for understanding the different stages.
4. Add chocolate and marshmallow creme. Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and marshmallow creme until creamy and smooth.
5. Incorporate nuts. Add the chopped nuts, reserving a few to sprinkle on top, then mix well.
6. Pour and cool. Pour the fudge into your prepared baking dish, cool completely, then cut into pieces as desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Fudge Every Time

• Use a candy thermometer if you have one; it’s great insurance for hitting the right temperature, but careful timing and constant stirring work just as well.
• Stir constantly during the boil to prevent the mixture from scorching and ruining the fudge’s texture.
• For super clean fudge cuts, use a hot, clean knife—warm it under hot water, dry, then slice.
• Let the fudge cool completely before cutting to ensure properly set pieces.

Christmas Fudge Variations

Variation Name	Ingredient Additions	Instructions
Peppermint Crunch	1 tsp peppermint extract, crushed candy canes	Add extract with marshmallow creme; sprinkle crushed canes on top before cooling
Rocky Road	Mini marshmallows, additional nuts	Fold mini marshmallows and extra nuts into fudge after stirring in marshmallow creme
White Chocolate Cranberry	White chocolate chips, dried cranberries	Substitute white chocolate chips; fold in dried cranberries before cooling
Salted Caramel	Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt	After pouring fudge into pan, drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with sea salt

How to Package Fudge for Gifting

Turning your Christmas fudge into a thoughtful gift is half the fun! Here are some beautiful packaging ideas:

• Use festive tins lined with parchment paper for a classic presentation.
• Wrap small batches in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons—simple and charming.
• Place fudge pieces in small decorative gift boxes with tissue paper for an elegant touch.

Include a personal note or label for extra warmth.

Download our FREE printable Christmas gift tags to make your fudge extra special!

Photos showcasing these packaging ideas add inspiration and make gift prep even easier. This is a great way to elevate any dessert, much like how this mango dessert mousse can be a delightful surprise.

Storing Your Christmas Fudge

• Room Temperature: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; allow fudge to come to room temp before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap fudge tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or several hours at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting Christmas Fudge)

Why did my fudge turn out grainy?

Grainy fudge usually means the sugar crystallized. Stir constantly while boiling and avoid interruptions. Using marshmallow creme helps prevent this.

Why won’t my fudge set?

The fudge may have been undercooked. Ensure you boil for the full 5 minutes and reach the soft ball stage around 235°F.

Can I make this Christmas fudge in the microwave?

This recipe is designed for stovetop cooking for best texture and control. Microwave fudge attempts often fail to achieve the right consistency.

Can I double this recipe? What pan size do I need?

Yes, double the recipe for a larger batch. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for doubled volume to ensure proper cooling and set. This is a popular way to prepare desserts for larger gatherings, similar to how one might approach an easy Caprese skewers recipe for a crowd.

Conclusion

Christmas fudge is a wonderfully simple treat that brings warmth and joy to holiday gatherings. This easy, foolproof recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules while delivering rich, creamy results every time. What’s your favorite fudge mix-in or topping? I’d love to hear your creative ideas in the comments below—let’s celebrate delicious wins together!