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I wanna tell you about my top holiday sweet - Sugar Cookie Fudge! I found this gem when trying to get that sugar cookie taste without dealing with all the cookie cutters and dough. This smooth fudge packed with colorful sprinkles has turned into my holiday party must-have. And guess what? It's crazy easy to make - you'll feel like you've stumbled on a hidden holiday treasure!
Playful Take on Sugar Cookies
I absolutely adore traditional sugar cookies during holiday time but sometimes I'm looking for something fresh. This fudge packs all those sugar cookie flavors we love in an incredibly smooth form. And it's super adaptable too - just swap out the sprinkles to match whatever you're celebrating!
Key Ingredients
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This stuff is super important for our recipe since it adds the right moisture and sweetness. Just make sure you grab the right can at the store and don't accidentally pick up evaporated milk instead, as they won't work the same way.
- Sugar Cookie Mix: You'll need two 6.25-ounce bags of dry sugar cookie mix to give the fudge that authentic cookie taste. Using the mix keeps things simple and nails the flavor we want.
- White Chocolate Chips: Our recipe needs 5 cups of good white chocolate chips. They create that smooth, rich base that makes the fudge so creamy and delicious.
- Sprinkles: We'll throw on some fun holiday sprinkles to make the fudge look festive. Christmas colors work great, but you can totally use whatever sprinkles make you happy.
How to Harden Fudge
- Letting the Fudge Set
- I'm not great at waiting when sweets are involved but I've figured out that letting fudge set on its own at room temp gives you the dreamiest texture. When I'm running short on time I'll pop it in the freezer for a bit just gotta watch it closely!
Adjusting Pan Sizes
- Alternative Pan Sizes
- No stress if you don't have exactly the right pan! I've whipped this up in everything from 9×9 to 7×11 dishes. Just stay away from 9×13 unless you want really thin pieces. The trick is getting that perfect thick fudgy slice.
Storing the Fudge
- Room Temperature Storage
- At my place this sweet treat usually vanishes within days but if you store it in a sealed container at room temp it'll stay yummy for about a week. Tuck it in the fridge and you can enjoy it for a full two weeks!
Freezing the Fudge
- How to Freeze Fudge
- Getting ready for holidays early? This fudge freezes wonderfully! I always put parchment between the layers and write the date on the container. It stays good frozen for up to 3 months though honestly it never hangs around that long in my home!
Recipe Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish
- First thing you wanna do is line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This stops your fudge from sticking and makes it super easy to lift out once it's ready.
- Mix the Ingredients
- Grab a medium saucepan and warm up the sweetened condensed milk over medium-low heat. When it's warm, dump in the sugar cookie mix and stir until everything's mixed together. Then add your white chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until everything looks smooth and all the chocolate has melted.
- Transfer and Top with Sprinkles
- Take the mixture off the heat and pour it into your lined baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then shower the top with Christmas sprinkles to make it look festive. Let it sit at room temperature for about 4 hours, or stick it in the fridge if you're in a hurry.
Customizing Your Fudge
I've tried so many different versions over the years! A little bit of almond extract really makes the flavors pop or throwing in some crushed candy canes gives it a cool peppermint kick. My newest favorite trick? Adding chunks of white chocolate before it sets it's seriously amazing!
Tips for Success
After making this tons of times I've learned what makes perfect fudge. You gotta watch that chocolate as it melts even tiny lumps will mess up your texture. Use low heat and don't stop stirring. And take your time spreading it in the pan getting that smooth even layer really makes it look extra special!
Serving Suggestions
This fudge always gets all the attention at holiday get-togethers! I love pairing it with hot coffee or cocoa. For parties I cut tiny squares and arrange them on my Christmas platter with some fresh mint sprigs for color. They're always the first treat to get gobbled up!
Nutritional Considerations
Let's face it this is a total treat! While you could try lighter versions with sugar-free stuff I really prefer enjoying the real thing in small amounts. It's a special holiday goodie after all and those little moments of happiness are totally worth every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This fudge has become such a special part of my holiday baking every year. The way it brings together those childhood sugar cookie memories with that rich fudgy texture is just incredible. Whether you make it for friends gift it in cute packages or keep it all for yourself you'll love how easy yet impressive it turns out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does it need to set?
- It sets in about 4 hours at room temp. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes to speed it up.
- → Can I switch the pan size?
- An 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan works well. A 7x11 pan is okay, but skip 9x13—it makes the fudge too thin.
- → What's the best way to store it?
- Keep it airtight at room temp for a week, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- → Why does it need sweetened condensed milk?
- It gives the right sweetness and texture. Skip evaporated milk—it won't work here.
- → Can I skip or change the sprinkles?
- You can switch the sprinkles for any celebration or leave them off completely. Your choice!