There’s something truly magical about the holidays, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the cozy gatherings, and of course, the parade of delicious treats! Growing up, Christmas sugar cookies were always a highlight – the smell of vanilla and butter filling the house, the joy of decorating each unique shape. But let’s be honest, sometimes the holiday hustle leaves us short on time for elaborate baking. That’s where this incredible Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge swoops in like a festive superhero! It captures all that nostalgic sugar cookie charm in a ridiculously easy, no-bake fudge that comes together in mere minutes. Seriously, you’re just a few steps away from a dessert that tastes like pure holiday cheer, without even turning on your oven!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Fast: Ready in about 15 minutes of hands-on time.
- Easy: No baking, no candy thermometer, just melt and mix!
- Giftable: Perfect for holiday treat platters or homemade gifts.
- Crowd-pleasing: Everyone adores the classic taste of sugar cookies in fudge form.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this festive fudge is half the fun! You’ll be amazed at how simple these staples transform into something so delightful.
- 2 cups White Chocolate Chips: These are the creamy canvas for our fudge. White chocolate provides that sweet, subtle base that lets the sugar cookie flavor shine.
- 16 ounces Vanilla Frosting (1 can): This is our secret shortcut to silky smooth, perfectly sweet fudge! Using canned frosting eliminates so many steps and guarantees a fantastic texture.
- ¼ cup Sugar Cookie Mix: The star of the show! This dry mix brings all that beloved sugar cookie flavor without having to bake a single cookie.
- Christmas Sprinkle Mix: For that essential festive sparkle! Pick out your favorite reds, greens, whites, and any fun shapes you can find.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
Get ready to be amazed at how quickly this comes together. It’s truly as simple as melt, mix, and chill!
- First things first, let’s get your pan ready. You’ll want an 8-inch square pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the set fudge out super easy – trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
- Next, grab a medium, microwave-safe bowl and toss in your white chocolate chips. Pop them in the microwave on high, heating them in 30-second bursts. Be sure to stir well after each interval. You’re looking for a smooth, melty consistency, so don’t rush it!
- Now for the vanilla frosting. Remove the lid and every piece of foil from the container. Seriously, double-check for any hidden foil bits! Microwave the frosting on high for about 45 seconds, or until it’s completely liquid. It might seem like a strange step, but this helps it blend perfectly with the chocolate.
- In the same bowl with your melted white chocolate, pour in the liquefied vanilla frosting and the sugar cookie mix. Now, get stirring! Mix it all together until everything is beautifully combined and smooth. You’re creating holiday magic right here!
- Pour that gorgeous fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, reaching all the corners.
- This is where the real fun begins! Liberally top your fudge with the Christmas sprinkle mix. Don’t be shy! The more festive, the better. Gently press them down a little so they stick.
- Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until your fudge is nicely set. Patience is a virtue here, but it’s totally worth it! If you love simple treats like this, you might also enjoy making other easy no-bake cookie bars for another quick dessert fix.
- Once it’s firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into ½-inch or 1-inch squares. Serve up your delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge and watch it disappear!
Substitutions & Additions
One of the best things about fudge is how wonderfully adaptable it is! Feel free to get creative and make this recipe truly your own.
- Chocolate Choices: While white chocolate is classic here, you could try half white and half milk chocolate chips for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Flavor Extracts: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty twist, or almond extract to enhance the cookie flavor even more.
- Different Frosting: If you can find a good quality sugar cookie or even cream cheese frosting, go for it! Just make sure it’s plain enough not to overpower the sugar cookie mix.
- Mix-ins: Before pouring into the pan, stir in some crushed peppermints, mini chocolate chips, or even some chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Candy Toppings: Instead of just sprinkles, consider topping with mini M&Ms, crushed candy canes, or even a drizzle of colored icing once the fudge is set.
- Food Coloring: For an extra festive touch, add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan.
Tips for Success
Making fudge should be fun, not stressful! Here are a few pointers to ensure your Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge turns out perfectly every time.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate or Frosting: This is key! Overheating can cause chocolate to seize or frosting to become greasy. Stick to those 30-second intervals for the chocolate and just until liquid for the frosting.
- Stir, Stir, Stir: Ensure everything is thoroughly combined for that smooth, uniform fudge texture. Lumps are not our friends here!
- Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Seriously, don’t skip this step. It makes removing and cutting the fudge so much easier and cleaner.
- Chill Time is Crucial: Resist the urge to cut too soon! The fudge needs that full 2 hours (or more) in the fridge to set properly, ensuring clean slices.
- Prep Ahead for Gifting: This fudge is fantastic for gifting! Make it a day or two in advance, cut into squares, and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble your holiday treat boxes.
- Clean Slices: For super neat squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a warm, damp cloth after every few cuts. This prevents sticking and smearing. If you enjoy experimenting with different fudge flavors, you might also love our Funfetti Cookies & Cream Fudge for another delightful, colorful treat!
How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
Once you’ve made your delicious fudge, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible!
- At Room Temperature: Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, it might soften a bit, so keep that in mind.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this fudge! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
FAQs
Got a few questions bubbling up? Let’s tackle them!
Can I use a different kind of chocolate?
You can certainly experiment! Milk chocolate chips would give it a sweeter, classic chocolate flavor, while semi-sweet would be a little less intense. Just make sure to use good quality chocolate chips for the best melting and flavor. For more cookie-inspired bar treats, check out our Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars!
Can I use homemade vanilla frosting?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade vanilla buttercream, you can use that. Just ensure it’s a very smooth, pourable consistency when heated, similar to the canned frosting. You might need to adjust the microwave time slightly.
What if my fudge doesn’t set?
The most common reasons are not enough chilling time or the chocolate wasn’t fully melted and incorporated. If it’s still soft after the recommended chill time, try popping it back in the fridge for a few more hours, or even overnight. It usually just needs more time!
Can I omit the sprinkles?
Of course! The sprinkles add a wonderful festive touch and a bit of crunch, but if you prefer a simpler look, you can definitely leave them off. It will still taste amazing!
For more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- Step 2: In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until smooth and melty.
- Step 3: Remove the lid and all foil from the vanilla frosting container. Microwave the frosting on high for about 45 seconds, or until it’s completely liquid.
- Step 4: Pour the liquefied vanilla frosting and the sugar cookie mix into the bowl with the melted white chocolate. Stir everything together until beautifully combined and smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly to all corners.
- Step 6: Liberally top the fudge with the Christmas sprinkle mix. Gently press them down a little so they stick.
- Step 7: Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until your fudge is nicely set.
- Step 8: Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into ½-inch or 1-inch squares. Serve immediately.