Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe

This Christmas Fudge recipe is incredibly simple, quick, and makes a delicious treat that is the perfect addition to Christmas cookie trays. It is also one of the best, relatively inexpensive, homemade gifts. 

This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. Thank you so much!

It’s officially Christmas time! Woo! 🎄

A great way to spread holiday cheer is with this festive fudge. 

This easy recipe only requires five simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep (which includes melting the chocolate).

It’s a great recipe for anyone who is crazy busy this holiday season (who isn’t?!) and/or needs a break from baking Christmas cookies. 

And it still makes a homemade fudge that feels like one of the most decadent desserts of the Christmas season. 

For more holiday fun, check out:
- Homemade Peppermint Syrup for Coffee
- DIY Salt Dough Ornaments without Applesauce
- Hot Cocoa Cookies {Made with Real Hot Chocolate Mix}
- Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe

Classic Chocolate Fudge

Most Christmas fudge recipes include white chocolate chips, sugar cookie mix, or marshmallow creme. They all tend to create a fudge that is too sweet for me.

I really wanted a classic chocolate fudge that satisfies my family’s sweet tooth without being too sweet. 

I also wanted a creamy fudge that tastes and looks like Christmas - the perfect holiday treat. 

This easy fudge recipe accomplishes all of that. 

It includes semi-sweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk. 

I originally made this basic fudge recipe with just semi-sweet chocolate chips. It was still painfully sweet. 

The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate truly makes the best sweet treat. 

The minty flavor of peppermint extract gives this fudge a Christmas-y flavor. If you don’t like mint, you can use vanilla extract instead of peppermint extract. 

I like to add festive sprinkles on top of the fudge, like these classic red, white, and green sprinkles. 

Crushed candy canes are another possible topping for this Christmas fudge. 

How to Make Christmas Fudge

This is the easiest fudge recipe. 

It doesn’t require a candy thermometer or a double boiler. 

You are welcome to use a double boiler, if you are most comfortable with that. I definitely recommend using one for this Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe. 

But, this simple fudge recipe can be made in a regular saucepan on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. 

I still prefer melting chocolate on the stove instead of in a microwave so I can constantly stir and watch it. 

The first step to make Christmas fudge, no matter the melting method, is to line a square baking pan with parchment paper.

Allow the parchment paper to overhang or stick out on two sides. 

This make it easier to remove the fudge later.

I used an 8 1/2” x 8 1/2” baking dish in the photo above. An 8” x 8” baking dish or a 9” x 9” baking dish work too. 

Microwave

If using a microwave, add the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and dark chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat the milk and chocolate mixture in 10 to 15 second intervals. 

Heat for 10-15 seconds, mix, heat again for 10-15 seconds, mix again. Do this until the chocolate chips are almost completely melted then mix again until smooth. 

Overheating it for a second too long can cause the chocolate to seize or stiffen.

Next steps are below the “Stove” section. 

Stove

Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan. 

Heat over low to medium heat. Stirring constantly. 

Once the chocolate chips are almost completely melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until smooth. 

Next Steps

Stir the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate then immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

Gently smooth the top of the fudge mixture with a butter knife or rubber spatula. 

While still wet and warm, add Christmas sprinkles or the topping of your choice on top of the fudge. It’s best to gently press them into the fudge so they stay on later. 

Put the fudge in the fridge for at least two hours so it can set. 

Once firm, remove the Christmas fudge from the baking dish by lifting the overhanging sides of parchment paper. 

Slice with a sharp knife and serve. 

If the fudge is too firm to cut, allow it warm to almost room temperature. This will make it easier to slice. 

How to Store Christmas Fudge

Store this simple fudge in an airtight container. 

It can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. 

If stored in the fridge, it will stay a little more firm. This is the best option if your home is very warm. 

I like to store the fudge at room temperature so it’s nice and creamy when I bite into it. 

You may also like:
- Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
- Snickerdoodle Cake Mix Cookies
- Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe

If you make this recipe and post a photo on social media, I'd love to see it! Tag @lovemischka on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Tiktok.