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This classic Christmas fudge recipe is made with white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk to make the creamiest and smoothest holiday treat. The festive sprinkles add a nice pop of color and texture as well. Serve this for friends and family or use as homemade gift during this season.
Since you are here, I know you will also like this Christmas Crack recipe, this super festive holiday sugar cookie bar as well as these Rolo pretzel bites.
Recipe Update (December 2025): I retested this recipe based on your feedback! Many of you mentioned the fudge stayed a bit soft, so I increased the chocolate from 6 oz to 8.5 oz (about 1 cup of chips) per layer. This updated ratio gives you a firmer fudge that sets beautifully while still staying creamy. Thanks for helping me make this recipe even better!
What makes this recipe different
What makes this recipe special? (From a recipe developer’s perspective)
- The updated chocolate ratio prevents that too-soft fudge issue many condensed-milk fudge recipes have.
- The two-layer effect gives visual contrast. They will stand out in your cookie box.
- Includes stovetop and microwave instructions
- Uses real user feedback from readers in the previous versions to make it so much better!
What is Christmas fudge?
Christmas fudge is a type of no bake candy that is more often than not made and enjoyed during the holidays. It is rich, creamy, and sweet. Recipes vary for creamy fudge but most of the time the easiest way to make it with by mixing melted chocolate with sweetened condensed milk and letting it set. This makes it so that you only need minutes of prep for a quick and easy basic homemade fudge.
We are calling this a Christmas fudge because it is decorated with Christmas sprinkles but feel free to decorate is however you want. Anything christmassy or festive will do the job.
Table of Contents
- What makes this recipe different
- What is Christmas fudge?
- Why you need to make this easy Christmas fudge!
- Ingredients for this Christmas fudge recipe
- Fun Christmas Fudge Variations
- How to make this delicious fudge recipe?
- Troubleshooting Christmas Fudge
- Frequently asked questions – FAQ
- The best Christmas fudge recipe Recipe
- Stovetop Instructions (Double Boiler Method)
Why you need to make this easy Christmas fudge!
- It is a basic recipe with basic ingredients but it packs a punch!
- This is a cute recipe that you can start making every year around the holidays to start a new family tradition.
- These simple fudge bites are an easy way to fill up your cookie boxes or Christmas cookie trays with something that comes together fast and doesn’t require much effort.
- It is an easy recipe that you can use to get the kids involved too.
- This recipe can be made on the stovetop over a double boiler or in the microwave.
Ingredients for this Christmas fudge recipe
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this dessert. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.
- White chocolate chips
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips– I used semi sweet chocolate but feel free to use dark or milk chocolate chips for the bottom layer as well.
- Sweetened condensed milk- Make sure that you are using sweetened condensed milk in this recipe and not just condensed milk.
- Vanilla extract – This will add a little extra depth of flavor to our fudge. IF you have a peppermint fanatic add a little peppermint extract to your chocolate for a festive Christmas season treat.
- Festive sprinkles- Use whichever you prefer.
Fun Christmas Fudge Variations
- Peppermint Bark Fudge – add ¼ tsp peppermint extract + crushed candy canes.
- Hot Cocoa Fudge – add mini marshmallows on top and a dusting of cocoa.
- Grinch Fudge – green food coloring in the white chocolate layer + red heart sprinkles.
- Gingerbread Fudge – add ½ tsp gingerbread spice to the white chocolate layer.
- Cookies & Cream Fudge – fold in crushed Oreos.
How to make this delicious fudge recipe?
This is how you can make this holiday candy. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!
- Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt the chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk in a bowl.
- Pour in the prepared baking sheet and gently spread using a spatula.
- In a clean bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk and spread on top of the chocolate fudge layer.
- Top with Christmas nonpareil sprinkles and let it set in the fridge before slicing and enjoying.
TIP- The fudge will set pretty fast so make sure you have all your tools handy so you can spread it fast.
Why your fudge didn’t set (and how to fix it)
- Too much condensed milk
- Not enough chocolate
- Overheated white chocolate
- Using reduced-fat condensed milk (never works!)
- Using low quality or old chocolate chips
Troubleshooting Christmas Fudge
- My fudge is too soft. This usually means the chocolate-to-condensed-milk ratio was too low OR the white chocolate brand has too much oil. Stick to 8.5 oz per layer and avoid bargain white chocolate chips.
- My fudge is grainy. This happens when chocolate overheats. Always melt low and slow, especially white chocolate.
- The layers are separating. Spread the white chocolate layer while the bottom layer is still slightly warm so they bond together.
- The sprinkles melted. Use crunchy nonpareils, not soft jimmies. Soft ones bleed color into the white layer.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
How to store this Christmas time fudge?
Store this fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Can I freeze this festive fudge?
This delicious treat is perfect because you can make it ahead of time and freeze it for later! It can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Is fudge difficult to make?
This recipe is super easy and straight to the point. Just know that you will need to move fast when it comes to spreading your fudge in the prepared pan so have everything ready and close by so that it is still soft when you are trying to spread it in layers.
How to serve this Christmas fudge?
My favorite and easiest way to serve this fudge is in cute holiday boxes or baggies. I love giving it to friends, family members, and even neighbors.
Can I store fudge at room temperature?
No it is best to store this fudge in the fridge. Traditional fudge recipes tend to get too soft when left at room temperature and we want our sweet bites to retain their shape.
The best Christmas fudge recipe
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk divided
- 8.5 oz white chocolate chips about 1 cup
- 8.5 oz semi sweet chocolate chips about 1 cup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract divided
- 2 tbsp christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Place the white chocolate chips in a medium bowl, the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate medium bowl. Divide the sweetened condensed milk in half, adding some to the white chocolate and some to the semi-sweet chocolate. (about 7 oz of condensed milk will be added to each bowl)14 oz sweetened condensed milk, 8.5 oz semi sweet chocolate chips, 8.5 oz white chocolate chips
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate mixture in the microwave in 30-second increments stirring in between every time. Add in the vanilla extract and stir to combine. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan.2 tsp vanilla extract
- Melt the white chocolate mixture in the microwave in 30-second increments stirring in between every time. Add in the vanilla extract and stir to combine. Mix in the Christmas sprinkles and spread on top of the semi-sweet chocolate fudge layer.2 tsp vanilla extract
- Top with extra sprinkles and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before slicing and enjoying2 tbsp christmas sprinkles
Notes
Stovetop Instructions (Double Boiler Method)
If you prefer making your fudge on the stove, here’s the quick version: Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (the bowl shouldn’t touch the water). Melt the chocolate chips with half the sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth, then spread into your lined pan. Repeat with the white chocolate layer in a clean bowl. Add sprinkles on top and chill until set.Recipe Notes for The Best Christmas Fudge
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use the whole 14 oz (approximately 397 g) can, divided evenly between the two chocolate mixtures (about 7 oz or 198 g per bowl). Don’t use only half the can total, both layers need milk for the right texture.
- Vanilla Extract: The total amount is 2 teaspoons, split evenly between the white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate mixtures (1 tsp each). This balances the flavor without overpowering.
- Melting Chocolate: Melt in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each to avoid burning and ensure smooth melting.
- Peppermint Extract (optional): If adding peppermint flavor, add about ½ to 1 teaspoon with 1 teaspoon of neutral to the semi-sweet chocolate fudge layer only for a festive touch.
- Setting & Cutting: Chill the fudge in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until completely firm before slicing. If the fudge is too soft, more chilling time will help it set.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles on the white chocolate layer and extra on top before chilling for a colorful festive look.
- Storage: Store fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
i made this today with the updated instructions to use 8.5oz of chocolate. it was REALLY thick and more than a cup of chocolate for me based on the food scale I use. I wonder if 7.5oz would be a good in between?
Hi Dana! Thank you so much for the feedback! Could you share the brand of sweetened condensed milk and chocolate you used that could’ve affected the texture a bite. But yes, lowering the chocolate chips to 7.5oz or even 7oz would definitely results in it being a little less thick and easier to work with!
I made this and although tastes great if it’s out of the fridge for more than a few minutes it makes such a mess and really hard to package for a gifting 🙁
When do I add the peppermint extract and how much? Am I to add it to both fudge mixtures or just to the chocolate fudge?
Hi Carrie! You’ll add the peppermint extract only to the one of the layers of chocolate fudge mixture (not both). I recommend about ½ to 1 teaspoon, depending on how strong you want the peppermint flavor. Hope that helps!
Making Christmas fudge: Directions say to divide 14oz can of sweeten condensed milk. To me it would be two 7 oz cups, but it comes up short So do I just divide the 14 oz can regardless of how many ounces it is.
Hi Kathleen! When the directions say to divide the 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, it means split the entire 14 oz between the two chocolate mixtures—about 7 oz per bowl. You don’t need extra; just divide the can evenly, even if it comes out to be slightly short.
I made this. It came out so soft and I could not really cut it. Can someone please help me with why this happened? Thank you
Hi Amy! If your fudge turned out too soft and hard to cut, it might need more chilling time to fully set. Also, make sure the fudge was refrigerated for at least an hour before slicing. If it’s still soft, chilling it longer usually helps firm it up.
Just wondering if it is 2tsp vanilla per layer or 1tsp. The directions are unclear since it lists 2tsp twice but the ingredient list says 2tsp total
Hi Taryn! The recipe uses 2 teaspoons total vanilla extract, split between the two chocolate mixtures (so 1 teaspoon in each). Sorry for the confusion in the directions!
do you use the whole 14oz of sweetened condensed milk? it says divide in half and add “some to semi sweet and some to white chocolate” not sure if we are only Using half the 14oz? or the whole half per chocolate bowl
Hi Kristalee! You’ll use the whole 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk for this recipe, divided evenly between the two chocolate bowls (about 7 oz each). Both bowls get some of the condensed milk, not just half the can total.
Lucky me! I was at the store today and decided to throw in three of these ingredients because it’s almost time to bake. Looks like I will be giving these a try this week—certainly looks festive and delicious!
I made two batches and they are chilling. Looks so pretty and smells great. I can’t wait to taste a tiny square.
Just making now! Looks so festive 😋🎄
I know right!