The holiday season is all about moments that bring people together—cozy nights by the fire, decorating the tree, singing carols, and of course, indulging in festive treats that make this time of year feel extra special. And nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like a batch of homemade Christmas Fudge.
This colorful, marbled dessert has become a cherished tradition in our family. Every year, we gather in the kitchen, turn on our favorite Christmas playlist, and swirl red, green, and white fudge into deliciously sweet little squares that taste like Christmas in every bite. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a memory, a moment, and a celebration of the season.
Whether you’re looking for a quick last-minute gift, a show-stopping treat for your dessert table, or a fun activity with the kids, this easy Christmas fudge recipe is the answer.
🎁 Why This Christmas Fudge Should Be on Your Holiday Menu
If you’re new to making fudge or want something that’s simple but still packs a festive punch, this recipe is a must-try. Here’s why:
- No baking required – No oven, no problem. Just melt, mix, and chill.
- Only five main ingredients – All pantry-friendly and easy to find.
- Customizable – Add-ins and toppings let you make it your own.
- Visually stunning – The red, green, and white swirls look like they came from a holiday bakery.
- Perfect for gifting – Wrap it up in cellophane or tuck it in a cookie tin for a homemade present.
With a smooth, creamy texture and just the right level of sweetness, this fudge disappears fast—and will have everyone asking for the recipe.
🍫 Christmas Fudge Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious holiday treat:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
The base of the fudge, these melt into a creamy, sweet foundation. - 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Thick, rich, and sweet—it binds the chocolate and creates that signature fudge texture. - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds a warm, subtle flavor that enhances the white chocolate. - Red and green food coloring
These holiday colors bring the festive magic to your fudge. Use gel coloring for more vibrant hues. - 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
Because everything’s better with a little sparkle!
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through exactly how to make this gorgeous, swirled Christmas fudge.
1. Line your pan
Start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang so you can easily lift the fudge out later.
2. Melt the chocolate and milk
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
🔥 Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning.
3. Add the vanilla
Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
4. Divide and color
Divide the mixture evenly into three separate bowls:
- Leave one portion plain (white).
- Add a few drops of red food coloring to the second bowl and stir until well mixed.
- Add green food coloring to the third bowl and mix.
🎨 Pro tip: Use gel food coloring for more intense color with less moisture.
5. Assemble the fudge
Pour the plain white mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the red and green fudge randomly over the top.
6. Create a marbled effect
Using a skewer, knife, or toothpick, gently swirl the colors together to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix—you want clear, distinct swirls.
7. Decorate
Sprinkle the top with holiday sprinkles (optional) for extra festive flair.
8. Chill until firm
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch.
9. Slice and serve
Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into small squares and serve or store.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cooking Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 10 mins | 2 hours | 2 hours 20 mins | 24 | 150 kcal |
💡 Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Fudge
Even though this recipe is simple, a few extra tips can ensure that your fudge turns out smooth, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing every time.
✔ Use high-quality white chocolate chips
Not all white chocolate is created equal. Choose a brand that melts well and doesn’t turn grainy. Brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard are excellent choices.
✔ Avoid overheating
White chocolate is more sensitive than dark or milk chocolate. Always melt it on low heat and stir constantly to avoid scorching.
✔ Silicone spatulas work best
They’re great for smooth mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl and pan.
✔ Don’t over-swirl
A few gentle swirls are all you need. Too much swirling blends the colors together and can muddy the effect.
✔ Let it chill completely
Trying to slice it too early can lead to a gooey mess. Make sure it’s completely set before cutting.
🎨 Fun Variations to Try
This recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are a few creative ideas to try:
🍭 Peppermint Fudge
Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
🍫 Chocolate Swirl Fudge
Swirl in dark or milk chocolate fudge along with the red and green layers.
🌰 Nutty Holiday Fudge
Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans before pouring the fudge into the pan.
❄️ Snowy Coconut Fudge
Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut over the top for a snow-like effect.
❤️ Grinch Fudge
Make the whole fudge green and add a red heart sprinkle in the center of each square.
🎅 Perfect For Every Holiday Occasion
This Christmas fudge isn’t just for the dessert table. It works for all kinds of festive events and gift-giving ideas:
- 🎁 DIY Christmas gifts – Wrap pieces in wax paper and tuck into a holiday tin.
- 🧁 Cookie exchanges – A colorful alternative that stands out from traditional cookies.
- 🏫 School parties or bake sales – No baking required, making it perfect for busy parents.
- 📺 Movie nights – Pair with hot cocoa for the ultimate Christmas treat.
- 🕯️ Advent calendar fillers – Cut fudge into small bites and wrap them individually.
🧊 How to Store and Freeze Christmas Fudge
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks.
Freezing Instructions:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
This makes it the perfect make-ahead holiday treat!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
No—evaporated milk is not a substitute. Sweetened condensed milk provides the necessary sugar and creamy texture.
Is white chocolate fudge the same as vanilla fudge?
Not quite. While both may look similar, white chocolate fudge uses melted white chocolate chips, while vanilla fudge is often made with sugar, butter, and cream, and flavored with vanilla.
Can I use almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! Swap the vanilla for almond extract or peppermint extract for a fun twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead of an 8-inch square pan.
What if the fudge doesn’t set?
Chill it longer—if it’s still soft, the ratio of chocolate to milk might have been off. Use exact measurements, and always use real white chocolate chips (not candy melts or coating).
💬 What People Are Saying
“This is the easiest fudge I’ve ever made, and it looks SO festive! Everyone at the office loved it.” – Jenna K.
“My kids had a blast swirling the colors. It’s now our annual Christmas baking tradition.” – Daniel S.