Microwave Sugar Cookie Fudge (Quick & Easy)

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Author: Opera Cook
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Quick microwave sugar cookie fudge with festive sprinkles, perfect for Christmas dessert platters

Make Holiday Magic in Minutes

When the holiday rush kicks in and you’re juggling a dozen festive to-dos, having a sweet treat that’s both effortless and irresistible is pure gold. That’s where this Microwave Sugar Cookie Fudge swoops in to save the day! 🎄✨

This creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge captures the buttery vanilla flavor of classic sugar cookies, wrapped up in a rich white chocolate base and finished with festive sprinkles. And the best part? It’s made entirely in the microwave — no stovetop, no candy thermometer, no fuss.

Whether you’re preparing a Christmas dessert tray, putting together edible gifts, or just need a cozy treat for a chilly evening, this easy Christmas fudge recipe is the one you’ll reach for again and again.


Why You’ll Love This Microwave Sugar Cookie Fudge

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes (plus chill time).

  • Festive & Fun: Bursting with holiday color and nostalgic sugar cookie flavor.

  • Foolproof: No special equipment or candy-making skills required.

  • Perfect for Gifting: Wrap squares in parchment or tuck them into tins for a sweet homemade present.

  • Kid-Friendly: Safe and fun for little helpers to decorate with sprinkles.


What You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients to make this microwave fudge — most of them might already be in your pantry!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (510g) white chocolate chips – Use a good-quality brand for smooth melting and rich flavor.

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Creates the creamy, fudge-like consistency.

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sugar cookie flavor.

  • 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional but recommended) – Adds that classic sugar cookie richness.

  • ¼ cup dry sugar cookie mix – Gives it that unmistakable baked-cookie taste!

  • 1 pinch salt – Balances the sweetness beautifully.

  • ½ cup holiday sprinkles – Use festive red, green, and white sprinkles or jimmies for a Christmas look.

  • Extra sprinkles for topping (because you can never have too many).


Equipment

  • Microwave-safe mixing bowl

  • Silicone spatula

  • 8×8-inch baking dish

  • Parchment paper

  • Measuring cups and spoons


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set. Lightly spray with non-stick spray if desired.

Step 2: Melt the Base

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully melted.

Tip: White chocolate can seize easily, so go slow and stir well each time.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract, butter extract, salt, and dry sugar cookie mix. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and smooth. The mixture will start to thicken slightly as the cookie mix absorbs moisture — that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles

Let the fudge cool slightly (1–2 minutes) so the sprinkles don’t melt instantly. Then fold in half of the sprinkles for a fun burst of color throughout the fudge.

Step 5: Pour and Decorate

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining decorations on top, pressing them gently into the surface so they stick.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm. For best results, let it set overnight for that perfect sliceable texture.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into small squares with a sharp knife.

Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy white chocolate and buttery sugar cookie goodness — pure holiday joy!


Tips for Perfect Microwave Fudge

  • Use high-quality white chocolate: Cheap brands can turn grainy or seize easily. Look for smooth-melting varieties like Ghirardelli or Guittard.

  • Avoid overheating: White chocolate burns quickly, so microwave in short bursts and stir well.

  • Customize the color: Add a few drops of gel food coloring to create pastel hues or swirl in red and green for a marbled effect.

  • Line your pan: Parchment paper ensures easy removal and tidy edges.

  • Room temperature cutting: Let fudge sit out for 10 minutes before cutting to avoid crumbling.


Variations to Try

This recipe is delicious as-is, but it’s also the perfect base for creative twists.

Sugar Cookie Peppermint Fudge

Fold in crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles for a frosty peppermint crunch.

Sugar Cookie Funfetti Fudge

Make it birthday-style with rainbow sprinkles — ideal for kids’ parties or year-round celebrations.

Sugar Cookie Almond Fudge

Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty twist reminiscent of bakery-style cookies.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Fudge

Once chilled, top with a thin layer of white frosting or melted vanilla candy coating for an extra decadent touch.


How to Store Sugar Cookie Fudge

Proper storage keeps your fudge soft and fresh for days — or even weeks!

Room Temperature

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigerated

Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks for a firmer texture. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezer-Friendly

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.


Gift Ideas: Sweet and Simple

Homemade fudge makes a heartfelt gift, and this sugar cookie version looks as cheerful as it tastes!

  • Holiday tins: Line with tissue paper or parchment, then fill with fudge cubes and a festive ribbon.

  • Cellophane bags: Add a tag with the name and ingredients for a thoughtful handmade touch.

  • Gift boxes: Mix and match with other fudge flavors or cookies for a dessert sampler.

Pro tip: Chill the fudge before packaging so it stays firm and neat while gifting.


Serving Suggestions

  • Add fudge squares to a Christmas dessert platter alongside cookies and truffles.

  • Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

  • Crumble over ice cream or hot chocolate for a festive topping.

  • Serve at holiday parties or cookie exchanges for instant compliments.


Troubleshooting Guide

Even though this recipe is practically foolproof, here are quick fixes for common issues.

My fudge didn’t set properly.

This can happen if there’s too much moisture or the mixture wasn’t heated enough. Chill it longer, or pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes before cutting.

The chocolate seized while melting.

White chocolate can be temperamental! Use low power and stir often. If it starts to clump, add 1–2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening and stir until smooth.

My sprinkles melted.

Let the mixture cool a minute or two before adding sprinkles — they’ll hold their shape better.


Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate, based on 36 small squares)

  • Calories: 135

  • Fat: 5g

  • Carbohydrates: 20g

  • Sugar: 18g

  • Protein: 2g

This treat is indulgent, but perfect for special occasions and holiday moments worth celebrating.


Why Microwave Fudge Is a Holiday Hero

Microwave fudge recipes are the ultimate holiday hack for busy bakers. No stovetop, no stress, and absolutely no guesswork. In just minutes, you can create a dessert that looks (and tastes) like it took hours to make.

Plus, microwave fudge is beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing — all in one. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply treating yourself, it’s the shortcut dessert that never fails to impress.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this without a microwave?

Yes! Simply melt the white chocolate and condensed milk together in a double boiler on low heat, stirring constantly until smooth, then follow the remaining steps as written.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, evaporated milk won’t work here. Sweetened condensed milk is thicker and contains sugar, which gives fudge its creamy texture and sweetness.

Can I use candy melts instead of white chocolate chips?

You can, but the flavor will be slightly different — more like vanilla candy coating than true white chocolate. It will still taste delicious!

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts would add a delightful crunch and contrast to the smooth fudge.

How long does it take to set?

Usually about 2–3 hours in the refrigerator. For best results, chill overnight before slicing.

How far in advance can I make sugar cookie fudge?

This fudge stays fresh for up to 3 weeks when stored properly, so it’s great for make-ahead gifting or parties.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix or skip the mix entirely and add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar instead for sweetness and texture.


A Final Touch of Holiday Cheer

Microwave Sugar Cookie Fudge is the embodiment of holiday simplicity — rich, festive, and unbelievably easy. With its creamy white chocolate base, buttery sugar cookie flavor, and cheerful sprinkles, it’s everything you love about Christmas desserts in one bite-sized square.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time fudge maker, this recipe proves that you don’t need fancy tools or endless time to make something truly magical.

So grab your mixing bowl, melt some chocolate, and make your kitchen smell like the holidays. Because sometimes, the sweetest traditions come together in just five minutes. 🎅✨

Opera Cook!
Opera Cook

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Opera Cook, a passionate home cook sharing tried-and-true comfort recipes made with love. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes, rustic bread, or rich chocolate desserts—you’re in the right place. Let’s bake something wonderful together!

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