3 Easy Holiday Fudge Recipes

There’s something magical about homemade fudge during the holidays — rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that feels like a warm hug. The best part? You don’t need fancy tools or hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these festive fudge recipes that will delight your family and make perfect edible gifts.

1. Classic Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the sides for easy lifting.
2. Melt the base: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until smooth and shiny.
3. Add flavor: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
4. Set the fudge: Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.
6. Cut and serve: Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and cut into bite-sized squares.

Optional: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or sea salt flakes on top before chilling for a festive touch.

2. White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

A creamy white chocolate base dotted with tart dried cranberries and crunchy almonds — a true winter treat!

Ingredients

• 3 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup sliced almonds (or pistachios for color)

Instructions

1. Line your pan: Use parchment paper to line an 8×8-inch square pan.
2. Melt the chocolate: Combine white chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until melted and smooth.
3. Mix it up: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, cranberries, and nuts.
4. Pour and chill: Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Set it: Refrigerate for 2–3 hours or until firm.
6. Slice: Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Gift idea: Wrap pieces in small candy bags and tie with red ribbon for a beautiful homemade present.

3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Fudge

For peanut butter lovers, this two-layer swirl fudge is pure perfection — creamy, nutty, and irresistibly rich.

Ingredients

Chocolate Layer:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp butter

Peanut Butter Layer:

• 1 cup peanut butter chips (or creamy peanut butter)
• ½ can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Line the pan: Use parchment paper in an 8×8-inch pan.
2. Make the chocolate layer: Melt chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter over low heat. Stir until smooth, then pour into the pan and spread evenly.
3. Make the peanut butter layer: In another pan, melt peanut butter chips, condensed milk, and butter until smooth.
4. Swirl: Pour the peanut butter layer over the chocolate layer. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl them together for a marbled effect.
5. Chill: Refrigerate 3 hours or until completely set.
6. Cut and enjoy: Slice into squares and keep refrigerated until serving.

Tip: Add crushed pretzels or caramel drizzle on top for a salty-sweet surprise.

Storing and Gifting Fudge

• Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for 2 weeks.
• Wrap each piece in parchment paper for clean presentation.
• For gifting, use decorative tins or small mason jars — they make lovely holiday favors!

Final Thoughts

Homemade fudge is one of the easiest ways to spread sweetness during the holidays. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create desserts that taste like they came from a professional candy shop. Whether you love classic chocolate, crave creamy white chocolate cranberry, or can’t resist peanut butter swirls — these easy fudge recipes will keep everyone coming back for more.