Sugar Cookie Fudge for Christmas Cookie Boxes

Photo of author
Author: Opera Cook
Published:
Sugar cookie fudge pieces packed in Christmas cookie box with holiday ribbons.

Upgrade Your Cookie Box Game with a Sparkling Holiday Treat 🎀

When it comes to holiday gifting, few things bring joy quite like a box filled with homemade cookies and sweets. But this year, why not take your cookie box to the next level with something extra special — Sugar Cookie Fudge!

Creamy, rich, and bursting with sugar cookie flavor, this festive fudge adds texture, color, and luxury to any Christmas cookie box. Its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency pairs beautifully with crunchy cookies and chewy treats, balancing your dessert assortment with a touch of indulgence.

Whether you’re building cookie boxes for friends, coworkers, teachers, or family, this easy sugar cookie fudge recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. Not only does it look bakery-perfect, but it also requires zero candy thermometers and minimal effort — ideal for busy holiday bakers.

Let’s unwrap this sweet holiday magic together. 🎄✨


Why Sugar Cookie Fudge Belongs in Every Christmas Cookie Box

  • Perfect texture contrast: Its creamy richness pairs beautifully with crisp or chewy cookies.

  • Visually festive: Sprinkles, shimmer, or edible glitter add instant Christmas appeal.

  • Long shelf life: Fudge stays fresh longer than cookies, making it ideal for gifting.

  • Beginner-friendly: You can make it in minutes with just a few pantry ingredients.

  • Endlessly customizable: Switch up the toppings, colors, and mix-ins for every holiday theme.

With its buttery sugar cookie flavor and smooth white chocolate base, this fudge feels nostalgic yet elegant — the ideal upgrade for any dessert spread or gift box.


Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised how few ingredients it takes to make such an impressive treat.

  • 3 cups (510g) white chocolate chips – Forms the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth base.

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and creates the perfect fudge texture.

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, sugar cookie flavor.

  • 1 teaspoon butter extract – Optional, but enhances the buttery cookie taste.

  • ¼ cup dry sugar cookie mix – Adds authentic sugar cookie flavor and a subtle doughy texture.

  • Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances depth.

  • ½ cup Christmas sprinkles – Red, green, white, gold, or a mix for a festive finish.

  • Optional: Edible glitter or shimmer sugar for extra sparkle.


Equipment Checklist

You’ll need just a few basics:

  • 8×8-inch square baking dish

  • Parchment paper

  • Microwave-safe bowl (or small saucepan for stovetop method)

  • Spatula

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Knife for slicing


Step-by-Step Instructions

Even if you’ve never made fudge before, you’re going to love how simple this is.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line your 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make lifting the fudge easier later.

You can lightly spray the parchment with non-stick spray if you’d like, but it’s not required.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Condensed Milk

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.

If using a stovetop, melt gently over low heat, stirring constantly until completely melted and uniform.

Step 3: Flavor It Up

Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract, butter extract, pinch of salt, and dry sugar cookie mix. Stir until smooth. The mixture will thicken slightly — that’s exactly what you want!

Step 4: Fold in the Festivity

Let the mixture cool for 1–2 minutes so the sprinkles won’t melt on contact. Then fold in half of your sprinkles.

This gives the fudge cheerful color speckles throughout.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Smooth it out with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 6: Decorate the Top

Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles evenly over the top. Gently press them in so they adhere but don’t sink.

If you’d like extra sparkle, lightly dust the top with edible glitter or shimmer sugar for a snow-like finish.

Step 7: Chill to Perfection

Refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until the fudge is firm and fully set.

Once chilled, lift it out using the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board.

Step 8: Slice and Pack

Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into bite-sized squares. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Now, it’s ready to be nestled into cookie boxes, dessert tins, or gift bags — pure holiday magic!


Pro Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Fudge

  • Use quality chocolate: It melts more smoothly and gives better texture.

  • Don’t overheat: White chocolate can burn easily, so microwave gently.

  • Stir thoroughly: Make sure the cookie mix dissolves fully into the melted base.

  • Cool before adding sprinkles: Prevents color bleeding.

  • Chill long enough: At least a few hours ensures neat, perfect squares.


Holiday Cookie Box Pairing Ideas

Fudge adds creaminess and color to cookie boxes — but it shines even brighter when paired thoughtfully. Here are some classic pairings that look and taste amazing together:

  • Sugar Cookie Fudge + Gingerbread Cookies – Creamy sweetness meets spicy warmth.

  • Sugar Cookie Fudge + Peppermint Bark – A contrast of smooth and crunchy, cool and creamy.

  • Sugar Cookie Fudge + Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Deep cocoa flavor complements the white chocolate base.

  • Sugar Cookie Fudge + Shortbread – A buttery-on-buttery dream combo!

  • Sugar Cookie Fudge + Snowball Cookies – Double the winter charm with powdered sugar sparkle.

Pro Tip: Arrange different colors and textures in each box for visual variety — light fudge next to dark cookies creates a striking contrast.


How to Assemble a Beautiful Christmas Cookie Box

Building a stunning cookie box is like crafting edible art. Here’s how to make yours look as good as it tastes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Box

Select a sturdy, food-safe box or tin. Lined bakery boxes, decorative cardboard boxes, or reusable tins all work well.

Step 2: Add Layers

Line the bottom with parchment paper or tissue paper. If using multiple types of treats, separate them with small cupcake liners or parchment dividers.

Step 3: Arrange by Color and Shape

Alternate dark and light treats for visual balance. Place larger cookies on the bottom and smaller ones (like fudge squares) on top or tucked between.

Step 4: Add a Finishing Touch

Tie the box with ribbon or twine, and slip in a handwritten tag or small holiday ornament.

Step 5: Keep it Fresh

If you’re gifting the same day, store at room temperature. Otherwise, refrigerate the fudge and add it to the box right before delivery.


Flavor Variations to Try

Make this recipe your own by adding creative twists and colors.

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Fudge

Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes for a refreshing, minty finish.

Almond Sugar Cookie Fudge

Replace butter extract with almond extract for a nutty, bakery-style flavor.

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge

Use rainbow sprinkles instead of holiday ones for birthdays or year-round celebrations.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Fudge

Once set, spread a thin layer of vanilla frosting on top, then add sprinkles. Sweet, soft, and ultra festive!

Golden Sparkle Fudge

Dust the top with edible gold glitter and metallic star sprinkles for an elegant twist — perfect for party trays.


How to Store and Gift Sugar Cookie Fudge

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

  • Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 3 weeks. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and store up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before gifting.

Gifting Tips

  • Wrap each square in parchment paper for a rustic look.

  • Use mini treat bags tied with twine or ribbon.

  • For luxury boxes, include fudge squares in mini cupcake liners.

  • Add small tags that read “Sugar Cookie Fudge – Homemade Holiday Joy.”

Your recipients will feel like they’ve been gifted a little piece of Christmas cheer.


Troubleshooting Common Fudge Issues

The fudge didn’t set.

It might not have chilled long enough, or the chocolate wasn’t fully melted. Pop it back in the fridge for another hour.

It’s too soft.

You may have used evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk — they’re not interchangeable. Make sure to use the right one.

It turned grainy.

This happens if the chocolate overheats. Use low heat and stir constantly to maintain a smooth texture.

The sprinkles melted.

Add them only after the mixture has cooled slightly to prevent bleeding.


Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

(Based on 36 small squares)

  • Calories: 140

  • Fat: 5g

  • Carbohydrates: 20g

  • Sugar: 18g

  • Protein: 2g

It’s a holiday indulgence — rich enough to satisfy with just a small piece.


Why Sugar Cookie Fudge Is the Perfect Holiday Gift

Cookie boxes are already delightful, but adding fudge makes them unforgettable. Unlike cookies, fudge has a luxurious creaminess that balances crunchy or crumbly textures, making every bite feel special.

It’s also practical: fudge keeps longer than cookies and transports easily without breaking or crumbling. It holds up beautifully even when shipped or stored for days before gifting.

Plus, the vibrant sprinkles and smooth white chocolate give each piece a cheerful holiday glow — like tiny edible presents inside your cookie box.

In other words, Sugar Cookie Fudge is the heart of a holiday box done right.


Presentation Ideas for Holiday Parties and Dessert Trays

Even if you’re not gifting, this fudge doubles as a centerpiece-worthy dessert.

  • Holiday Dessert Board: Combine fudge, cookies, candies, and fruit for a colorful display.

  • Mini Dessert Cups: Serve fudge cubes in paper cups topped with a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

  • Festive Platters: Arrange with truffles, brownies, or macarons for a variety of textures.

  • Hot Cocoa Bar Accent: Add fudge cubes as edible stir-ins for hot cocoa or coffee.

However you serve it, this fudge adds a polished, professional look with minimal effort.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe without a microwave?

Yes! Melt the chocolate and condensed milk together over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly until smooth.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes — use dairy-free white chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version.

How long does fudge last in cookie boxes?

Fudge keeps well for up to three weeks when stored in airtight containers in a cool environment.

Can I use candy melts instead of white chocolate chips?

You can, but the flavor will be slightly less creamy. Real white chocolate gives a richer taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. The fudge will still set perfectly — just chill longer.

Can I color the fudge?

Yes! Add a few drops of gel food coloring to the melted mixture before pouring it into the pan for pastel or holiday-themed hues.

Can I ship fudge in the mail?

Yes! Wrap each piece individually, seal in an airtight container, and pack it with cushioning. Ship in cool weather for best results.


A Sweet Addition to Every Christmas Box 🎁

There’s something special about giving homemade gifts — the love, effort, and joy baked (or in this case, melted) into every bite.

This Sugar Cookie Fudge for Christmas Cookie Boxes brings all of that and more: buttery sweetness, creamy texture, and festive flair that makes every gift box feel luxurious.

With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll transform your holiday cookie boxes from delightful to dazzling — and create a treat everyone will remember long after the holidays are over.

So gather your sprinkles, tie your ribbons, and get ready to sweeten the season with the creamiest, dreamiest fudge of all.

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!

Love This Recipe? Don't Lose It!

Subscribe now and Get your FREE Cookbook! 🎉 Delicious recipes are just one click away! 👩‍🍳🍽️”

We use your personal data for interest-based advertising, as outlined in our Privacy Notice.

You Might Also Like...

Garlic Herb Prime Rib in the Oven (Easy Roast Beef Recipe)

Garlic Herb Prime Rib in the Oven (Easy Roast Beef Recipe)

Slow Low-Temperature Oven Prime Rib Roast Method

Slow Low-Temperature Oven Prime Rib Roast Method

Holiday Prime Rib Roast (Oven Instructions for Christmas Dinner)

Holiday Prime Rib Roast (Oven Instructions for Christmas Dinner)

Beginner-Friendly Seasoned Prime Rib Roast (Oven Method)

Beginner-Friendly Seasoned Prime Rib Roast (Oven Method)

Leave a Comment