There’s just something magical about making christmas fudge during the holiday season! The rich, creamy texture combined with the delicious chocolate flavor brings back so many warm memories for me. I remember the first time I made fudge for my family gathering; the kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of melting chocolate, and I could hardly wait to share it with everyone. My cousins and I would hover around, eagerly waiting for those gooey squares to cool down, and trust me, it was always a race to grab the first piece! There’s nothing quite like seeing the smiles on their faces as they take that first bite. This fudge is not just a treat but a tradition, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy it brings to your holiday celebrations!

Ingredients List

2 cups granulated sugar: This is what gives our fudge that delightful sweetness. Make sure it’s packed well for the best results!
1 cup heavy cream: The heavy cream adds that luscious, creamy texture we all love in fudge. Don’t skimp on this one!
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These little gems melt beautifully and provide that rich chocolate flavor. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter fudge!
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This deepens the chocolate flavor even more and gives our fudge that gorgeous color. Make sure it’s unsweetened for balance!
1/4 cup unsalted butter: The butter adds a nice richness and helps everything come together. Trust me, it’s a must!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all those wonderful flavors. It’s like a warm hug in your fudge!
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Feel free to toss in your favorite nuts for added crunch! Walnuts or pecans are my go-to, but it’s totally up to you.

How to Prepare Christmas Fudge

Making christmas fudge is a delightful process, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a batch of fudge that’ll make everyone’s holiday season a little sweeter.

Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by greasing a 9×9 inch baking pan. I like to use a little unsalted butter or cooking spray—just enough to coat the bottom and sides so the fudge doesn’t stick. This little step is crucial, trust me! You want those fudgy squares to come out perfectly, so don’t skip it!

Combine Ingredients on the Stovetop

Now, grab your favorite saucepan and combine the granulated sugar and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly as it heats up—this is where the magic begins! You’ll want to bring it to a gentle boil, and don’t walk away! Keep stirring to avoid burning. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the sugar to dissolve completely and creates that creamy base we love.

Add Chocolate and Other Ingredients

After those 5 minutes, it’s time to take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Wow, the aroma is already amazing! Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You really want to make sure the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated—this is what gives your fudge that rich texture!

Pour and Cool

Once your mixture is nice and smooth, pour it into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Now, let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, letting it cool properly will make cutting those squares so much easier later on!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your christmas fudge turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up over the years:

Stir, stir, stir: When you’re combining the sugar and cream, constant stirring is key! It prevents the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. I like to use a wooden spoon for this—it feels more rustic, don’t you think?
Watch the temperature: Keeping your heat at medium is crucial. If it’s too high, the mixture can boil over or scorch, which will ruin that lovely creamy texture. You’ll know it’s ready when it just starts bubbling gently.
Cooling time matters: Resist the urge to rush the cooling process! Letting it set at room temperature for a full 2 hours is essential for the fudge to firm up properly. If you try to cut it too soon, you’ll end up with a gooey mess instead of neat squares.
Experiment with mix-ins: This is your fudge, so feel free to get creative! If you want to add in some peppermint extract or a handful of dried fruits, go for it! Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you add something like dried cranberries.
Storage is key: If you find yourself with leftover fudge (which is rare, but it happens!), make sure to store it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and delicious for days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you cover it up!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most decadent christmas fudge ever! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for each piece of this delicious christmas fudge. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and any mix-ins you decide to add:

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 25mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g

This fudge is a sweet indulgence, so enjoy it in moderation! It’s perfect for spreading a little joy during the holidays, and with these numbers in mind, you can savor each bite guilt-free. Happy fudging!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, where do I even begin? Making christmas fudge is just such a joy, and there are so many reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe! First off, it’s quick and easy to prepare—seriously, you can whip it up in no time, which means more moments to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.

This fudge is also perfect for holiday gifting! Imagine presenting a beautiful box filled with these rich, chocolatey squares to your loved ones. Trust me, they’ll appreciate the personal touch, and it’s a gift that’s always a hit. You might even get some requests for more!

And let’s not forget how customizable it is! You can mix in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that gourmet touch. This means each batch can be a little different, keeping things exciting and fresh!

Finally, this fudge is a true crowd-pleaser at gatherings! Whether it’s a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or just a sweet treat after dinner, you’ll find everyone reaching for more. Seeing those smiles as they indulge in your homemade fudge is the best reward ever. So go ahead, make a batch (or two) and watch it disappear!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious christmas fudge properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty! Once your fudge has completely cooled and set, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the fudge squares to prevent them from sticking together—this little trick makes it so much easier to grab a piece later on!

You can keep your fudge at room temperature for up to a week, but if you want to extend its shelf life, pop it in the fridge. It’ll last for about 2 weeks in there, which is perfect if you want to save some for later holiday festivities!

Now, if you find yourself with more fudge than you can handle (which, let’s be honest, is rare but can happen!), you can freeze it! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Your fudge can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Trust me, it’s just as delicious!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can switch up the chocolate chips to your preference. Dark chocolate gives a rich, intense flavor, while milk chocolate makes it sweeter. You could even try white chocolate for a unique twist! Just keep in mind that using different chocolates might alter the sweetness and texture slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

How long does the fudge last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your christmas fudge will last about a week at room temperature. If you pop it in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well, and it’ll keep for about two months.

Can I make this fudge vegan?
You can definitely make a vegan version! Swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based cream, like coconut cream or almond milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. For the butter, try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just be mindful of the consistency; you might need to adjust the sweetness if you use a different chocolate.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use full-fat coconut milk, which adds a lovely creaminess and a hint of coconut flavor—yum! You could also try cashew cream or a combination of milk and butter, though the texture might not be quite as rich.

Can I add flavorings or toppings to the fudge?
Yes, yes, and yes! Feel free to get creative with flavors. A teaspoon of peppermint extract gives it that festive flair, or you could sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a holiday crunch. Sea salt or a drizzle of caramel can elevate the flavors too! The sky’s the limit with mix-ins and toppings!

Christmas Fudge: 5 Steps to Delightful Holiday Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 36 pieces 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A sweet and creamy chocolate fudge perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
In a saucepan, combine sugar and cream over medium heat.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and add chocolate chips, cocoa powder, butter, and vanilla.
Stir until smooth and well combined.
Add nuts if desired.
Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Let it cool at room temperature for 2 hours.
Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Fudge can be frozen for longer storage.
Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 150
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: christmas fudge, holiday dessert, chocolate fudge

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