When the air turns crisp and holiday lights sparkle, it’s time to bring treats out of the kitchen that taste like celebration. This Holiday Sugar Cookie Fudge blends the warm, buttery essence of sugar cookies with the creamy richness of fudge, layered with festive color and charm. Wrapped in clear gift bags or displayed on dessert trays, this fudge is a holiday favorite that stands out in flavor and presentation.
In this article you’ll get:
A full recipe (ingredients + step-by-step instructions)
Tips to boost texture, flavor, and appearance
Variations to make it uniquely yours
Gift‑wrapping ideas and presentation styles
Storage, shelf life, and best practices
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Let’s dive in and make this holiday season even sweeter.
What Makes This Holiday Sugar Cookie Fudge Unique?
This fudge recipe captures the essence of a classic sugar cookie—vanilla, buttery notes, soft texture—while retaining the creamy, sliceable goodness of fudge. The “holiday” element comes from festive sprinkles, optionally colored layers or swirls, and the joy of gifting something homemade. Unlike cookies, fudge travels better, keeps moist, and makes a beautiful, edible gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 cups white chocolate chips (or good-quality white chocolate)
1 (14–15 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup sugar cookie mix (dry mix)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Festive sprinkles (red, green, gold)
Optional: colored sugar dust or edible shimmer
This combination offers just enough sugar cookie flavor without overwhelming the creamy fudge base.
Equipment & Tools
8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
Parchment paper or foil for lining
Heatproof bowl or double boiler setup
Spatula
Sharp knife or bench scraper
Airtight containers or gift bags
How to Make Holiday Sugar Cookie Fudge
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line your baking pan with parchment or foil, with overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease or spray to assist in removing the fudge cleanly.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate & Butter
In a heatproof bowl (or double boiler), melt white chocolate and butter over gentle heat, stirring continuously until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Mix in Condensed Milk & Vanilla
Remove from heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until seamless and creamy.
Step 4: Fold in Sugar Cookie Mix
Gently fold in the dry sugar cookie mix, mixing just until no dry bits remain. The batter should look smooth, thick but pourable.
Step 5: Pour into Pan & Add Sprinkles
Pour the mixture into the lined pan, smoothing the surface. Immediately sprinkle your festive sprinkles over the top so they stick lightly to the surface.
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
Refrigerate the pan for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until the fudge is fully set and firm.
Step 7: Cut & Gift
Use the overhang of parchment/foil to lift the block out of the pan. Use a sharp knife (warmed in hot water and dried) to cut into neat squares. Wrap or package as desired.
Presentation & Gifting Ideas
Clear Cellophane Bags: Stack 3–4 squares, tie with a ribbon and add a gift tag.
Small Kraft Boxes: Line with parchment, add fudge squares, and include a festive sprinkle or cinnamon stick.
Tiered Dessert Trays: Mix fudge with cookies and candies for variety.
Gift Jars: Layer fudge with decorative paper and tie with twine.
Holiday Exchange Packs: Combine fudge with other holiday treats like spiced nuts or chocolate cups.
Adding a little holiday decor — evergreen sprigs, mini pinecones, glitter — makes the presentation magical.
Tips to Elevate Your Holiday Fudge
Use good-quality white chocolate — cheaper versions may become grainy.
Melt gently; keep heat low to avoid scorching.
Chill thoroughly before cutting to help get clean edges.
Warm the knife between slices (dip in hot water, dry) to minimize crumbling.
Don’t over-mix once you add the cookie mix; that keeps texture soft.
To avoid sprinkles sinking, add them right after pouring the batter.
Variations & Flavor Twists
Two‑tone sparkle layer: Pour half the batter, let slightly set, then layer with a contrasting color (pink, green) and swirl.
Citrus zest: Add finely grated lemon or orange zest to intensify aroma.
Cookie bits: Fold in small bits of sugar cookies or shortbread for crunch.
Nutty crunch: Stir in finely chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) for texture.
Chocolate drizzle: After cutting, drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over squares for contrast.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature — lasts ~1 week.
For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks (bring back to room temp before serving).
Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Avoid high humidity or warm spots that may soften the fudge.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Too soft or runny: Insufficient chilling — return to fridge longer.
Grainy texture: Overheated chocolate or rapid cooling — melt gently and mix slowly.
Sprinkles sink or smear: Add them just after pouring; avoid stirring after.
Difficult to cut cleanly: Chill well, warm your knife between cuts.
Bitter flavor: Possibly excess sugar cookie mix or low-quality white chocolate — reduce mix or use better chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes — use a certified gluten-free sugar cookie mix.
Q: Can I skip the sprinkles?
A: Absolutely — the fudge still tastes rich and beautiful without decoration.
Q: Can I substitute chocolate for white chocolate?
A: Yes — but you’ll shift toward a more chocolate-forward fudge. The cookie flavor will become more subtle.
Q: How early can I make it before the holidays?
A: Up to a few weeks ahead if stored well.
Q: Is this fudge safe at room temperature?
A: In a cool, dry environment yes — but refrigeration helps grip and longevity in warmer climates.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Holiday Repertoire
This holiday sugar cookie fudge combines ease and elegance. It requires simple ingredients, no oven, and minimal technique — yet delivers beautiful flavor, texture, and festive charm. Because it travels well and makes a standout gift, it’s a perfect addition to your holiday dessert lineup.
Whether you’re prepping for cookie exchanges, wrapping edible gifts, or just treating your loved ones, this fudge checks all the boxes.
Make your batch today, wrap it beautifully, and let your holidays taste as joyful as they look.
