Easy Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe: Your Ultimate No-Bake Holiday Treat
Get ready to indulge in a truly magical dessert that effortlessly combines two beloved treats: classic sugar cookies and rich, creamy fudge. This incredible Sugar Cookie Fudge recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves the nostalgic flavor of a freshly baked sugar cookie but craves the luxurious texture of decadent fudge. Topped with a generous shower of colorful sprinkles, this treat isn’t just delicious; it’s a feast for the eyes, perfect for any celebration, especially during the festive holiday season.
What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible simplicity. With only a few basic ingredients and no need for a complicated candy thermometer, this fudge comes together with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy bakers or anyone looking for a quick yet impressive dessert. Whether you’re making it for your family, sharing it with friends, or preparing an edible gift, this sugar cookie fudge is guaranteed to be a hit!
This delightful Sugar Cookie Fudge has been a long-standing tradition in our household, especially around Christmas. Its comforting and sweet flavors resonate with everyone, instantly bringing smiles and holiday cheer. We’re big fans of sugar cookies in all forms, from classic 3-ingredient sugar cookies to our popular Sugar Cookie Dip, and intricate Cut-out Sugar Cookies. This fudge recipe perfectly captures that beloved essence in a rich, melt-in-your-mouth form.
Not only is it incredibly simple to prepare, but this no-bake sugar cookie fudge also makes for a fantastic homemade edible gift. Imagine presenting friends, neighbors, or co-workers with a box of these colorful, festive treats – they’ll be absolutely delighted! The best part? There’s no need for a tricky candy thermometer, making this recipe accessible even for beginner cooks.
What’s in this post: Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
- What Makes a Good Fudge?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Delicious Variations and Substitutions
- How to Make Easy Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Expert Pro Tips for Perfect Fudge
- More Festive Fudge Recipes to Try
- Printable Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe Card
What Makes a Good Fudge? The Secret to Decadent Texture and Flavor
Fudge, at its core, is a simple confectionery, but the quality of its few ingredients makes a monumental difference in the final product. A truly exceptional fudge boasts a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth, along with a rich, well-balanced flavor. Since there aren’t many components in fudge, each ingredient plays a critical role in achieving this perfection. Using high-quality chocolate, fresh butter, and pure vanilla extract ensures a superior taste and a delightful consistency that less-quality ingredients simply cannot replicate. Think of it as investing in the foundation of your dessert – a strong foundation leads to an outstanding result.
By utilizing the best ingredients, you’ll create a really good fudge candy that not only tastes incredible but also has that desirable smooth, soft, yet firm texture that makes homemade fudge so irresistible. Don’t compromise on quality, and your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Fudge
This recipe calls for a short list of simple ingredients, proving that you don’t need a pantry full of obscure items to create something truly special. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- White Chocolate Chips: These form the creamy base of our fudge. While any brand will work, I highly recommend Ghirardelli for its superior melt and rich flavor. Good quality chocolate prevents a grainy texture and ensures a truly smooth fudge.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a non-negotiable ingredient! It provides the sweetness and creamy consistency essential for fudge. It is crucial NOT to swap this for evaporated milk, as they are entirely different products and using evaporated milk will not yield the correct results.
- Sugar Cookie Mix: The star ingredient that infuses our fudge with that delightful sugar cookie flavor. Any brand will work perfectly, whether it’s Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, or your favorite store brand.
- Butter: Real butter adds richness and helps create that smooth, luscious texture. Always opt for unsalted real butter for the best flavor and consistency in your fudge.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors in the fudge. A good quality vanilla makes a noticeable difference in the overall aroma and taste of your finished product.
- Red, Green, and White Christmas Sprinkles: These add a festive touch and a fun textural element. While we love the classic Christmas colors for the holidays, feel free to use any type or color of sprinkles to match your occasion or preference.
For the complete ingredient list with exact measurements and detailed recipe instructions, simply skip to the printable recipe card below!
Delicious Variations and Substitutions to Customize Your Fudge
This Sugar Cookie Fudge recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization to suit your taste, the season, or any occasion. Get creative and try some of these delicious variations:
- Chocolate Base: While white chocolate creates a beautiful canvas for the sugar cookie flavor, you can easily substitute it with other types of chocolate. Try milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even dark chocolate for a richer, deeper flavor profile.
- Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, stir in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan.
- Extra Chocolate Chips: If you’re a true chocolate lover, mix in an extra half cup of your favorite chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark) into the fudge for an even more intense chocolate flavor and varied texture.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: The beauty of this fudge is its adaptability. Easily enjoy it year-round by simply changing the sprinkles! Imagine pastel sprinkles for an Easter dessert, pink and red for Valentine’s Day, vibrant hues for a birthday treat, or orange and black for Halloween. The possibilities are endless!
- Mini Marshmallows: For an extra soft and chewy element, fold in a cup of mini marshmallows just before spreading the fudge into the pan. They melt slightly, adding a wonderful gooey texture.
- Crushed Candy Canes: During the Christmas season, nothing says festive like peppermint! Top your warm fudge with crushed candy canes for a refreshing burst of minty flavor and a beautiful contrasting color.
- Extract Swap: Beyond vanilla, consider other extracts. A touch of almond extract pairs wonderfully with sugar cookie flavors, or a hint of peppermint extract could elevate it for the holidays.
- Cookie Pieces: For even more cookie goodness, crumble some pre-made sugar cookies or shortbread cookies and fold them into the fudge mixture, or sprinkle them on top for a delightful garnish.
How to Make Easy Sugar Cookie Fudge (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Making this incredible sugar cookie fudge is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a perfect batch of this festive no-bake dessert:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Pan. Start by lining a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This overhang will make it incredibly easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the pan with cooking spray. Set your prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Gently Heat Milk. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
Step 3: Avoid Boiling. Continue to warm the milk, but be very careful not to bring it to a boil. Boiling can cause the milk to scorch or change the texture of your fudge. Keep stirring until the milk is hot and smooth, but not bubbling rapidly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients. Once the sweetened condensed milk is warm, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Add the sugar cookie mix, white chocolate chips, butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the saucepan. Stir continuously, allowing the white chocolate chips and butter to melt completely and all the ingredients to combine into a smooth, glossy mixture. This should take a few minutes.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour about half of your red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles into the warm white chocolate fudge mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed. This adds color and a fun texture throughout the fudge.
Step 6: Transfer and Top. Immediately pour the fudge mixture into your prepared 9×9 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the pan. While the fudge is still warm and soft, scatter the remaining sprinkles generously over the top. Gently press them down slightly to ensure they adhere to the fudge.
Step 7: Allow to Set. For the best results, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm and set. If you’re not in a rush, you can also allow it to sit at room temperature for several hours, or even overnight, to set. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces and enjoy your delicious homemade sugar cookie fudge!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Sugar Cookie Fudge
Here are some common questions you might have about making and storing your sugar cookie fudge:
This delightful sugar cookie fudge has a good shelf life, making it perfect for preparing ahead. Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. If you prefer to extend its freshness or live in a warmer climate, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Always ensure the container is airtight to prevent the fudge from drying out.
Freezing fudge is an excellent way to prepare it well in advance or to save leftovers. To freeze, first wrap the fudge pieces tightly in wax paper. Then, place these wrapped pieces inside a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the fudge’s texture and flavor. Your sugar cookie fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade sugar cookie mix recipe, you can definitely use it. Just ensure you measure out the equivalent amount (1 ¼ cups) of the dry mix. Using homemade mix can add an even more authentic, personalized touch to your fudge!
Fudge that doesn’t set usually indicates an issue with the ratio of ingredients or the melting process. Ensure you used sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk. Also, make sure all the chocolate chips were fully melted and incorporated. If it’s slightly soft, placing it back in the fridge for a longer period (even overnight) can sometimes help. In rare cases, if it’s too soft, you might gently re-melt it on low heat and add a bit more white chocolate chips to increase the solids, then re-chill.
Expert Pro Tips for Making Perfect Sugar Cookie Fudge
Achieving perfect fudge is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips:
- Choosing Your Sugar Cookie Mix: We’ve found that Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix works wonderfully for this recipe, delivering consistent results and a great flavor. However, don’t hesitate to use any brand you prefer or have on hand. The key is to use a dry sugar cookie mix, not pre-made dough.
- Preventing Boiled Milk: When heating the sweetened condensed milk, it’s crucial to be very careful not to let it come to a rolling boil. Gentle heating over medium-high heat, with constant stirring, is enough to warm it through and ensure a smooth, creamy base. Boiling can lead to a grainy texture in your fudge due to sugar crystallization. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat as soon as it’s very warm and smooth.
- Melt Chocolate in Intervals: When adding the white chocolate chips, butter, and cookie mix, continue stirring on medium to medium-low heat. It’s important to allow the chocolate to melt gradually and completely, in increments if needed, especially if you’re worried about burning. If using a microwave for melting the chocolate initially (though stovetop is recommended for this recipe), always use short bursts (30 seconds) and stir well in between to prevent overheating and burning, which can seize the chocolate. Stirring constantly on the stovetop helps achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper lining is not just for easy removal; it also helps maintain the fudge’s shape and prevents it from sticking to the pan, ensuring clean, perfect cuts every time. Don’t skip this step!
- Even Spreading: Once the fudge mixture is poured into the prepared pan, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly. A smooth, flat surface ensures uniform thickness and setting, which leads to neat, attractive pieces of fudge.
With these tips, you’ll be making flawless batches of sugar cookie fudge like a pro!
More Festive Fudge Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with making easy, no-bake fudge, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of delicious fudge recipes waiting to be explored. Here are some more of our favorite Christmas fudge recipes that are perfect for holiday gifting, entertaining, or simply enjoying a sweet treat:
- Classic Christmas Fudge Recipe
- Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge
- Decadent Oreo Fudge Recipe
- Fun Christmas Coal Fudge
- 55 Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (A Collection!)
- Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
I genuinely can’t wait for you to try this amazing recipe for sugar cookie fudge! It’s a simple pleasure that delivers huge on flavor and festive charm. Once you do, please come back and leave a star recipe rating and a comment to let us know how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback helps us and other home bakers discover new favorites!
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Sugar Cookie Fudge
Ingredients
- 18 oz White Chocolate Chips
- 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 1/4 cup Sugar Cookie Mix
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 3 Tbsp Red Green and White Sprinkles
Instructions
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Line a 9X9 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
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Heat the sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Heat the milk but do not bring it to a boil.
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Next stir in the sugar cookie mix, white chocolate chips, butter, vanilla extract and salt.
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Heat on medium to medium low heat, stirring constantly until all the ingredients are melted and combined.
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Pour in half of the sprinkles into the white chocolate mix.
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Pour into the prepared pan. Top with the remaining sprinkles.
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Place in the refrigerator or allow it to sit at room temperature until the fudge is set.
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Cut into bite size pieces and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
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