Sugar Cookie Fudge in a Jar (Giftable Dessert)

Why This Jarred Sugar Cookie Fudge Is a Perfect Gift

When it comes to holiday gifting, edible presents are among the most delightful—they show thought, are consumable, and spread joy. Here’s what makes this particular fudge gift idea stand out:

• Presentation meets flavour: A mason jar tied with a ribbon makes the fudge look elegant and gift‑ready, while the sugar‑cookie flavour ensures familiar, beloved taste.

• Make‑ahead simplicity: You can prepare the fudge days ahead, cube it, jar it, and be ready with minimal last‑minute work.

• Great for many recipients: Teachers, coworkers, neighbors, friends—almost anyone can appreciate a jar of homemade fudge.

• Portable and shareable: Jars transport easily, stack neatly, and can be part of a gift basket or stand alone.

• Holiday mood: The idea of “sweetness in a jar” captures festive spirit—colorful ribbons, visible fudge cubes, and a collectible jar add charm.

Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or contributing to a holiday treat table, this sugar cookie fudge in a jar gives you a standout option without complicated baking.

---

Ingredients & Notes

Below is the ingredient list for one standard batch of fudge, which yields about 20–24 squares (or approximately enough to fill two 16‑oz mason jars depending on cube size). Notes included to help you prep efficient and delicious gifts.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (approximately 340 g) white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup finely crushed plain sugar cookies (about 8–10 cookies)

• ¾ cup holiday sprinkles (for mixing in and topping)

• Optional: extra crushed sugar cookies or mini sugar cookies for layering and decoration

• Mason jars (16‑oz or 12‑oz size) with lids for gifting

• Ribbon, gift tag or label for presentation

Ingredient Notes

• White chocolate: Use good‑quality white chocolate for smoother texture and better flavour.

• Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the base to make the fudge creamy and set without advanced candy techniques.

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and supports the “sugar cookie” flavour profile.

• Vanilla & almond extracts: Vanilla is essential; almond is optional but adds a subtle bakery feel.

• Salt: Enhances flavour balance and prevents overly sweet taste.

• Crushed sugar cookies: Adds texture and reinforces the sugar‑cookie theme—ensure they’re plain and unfrosted.

• Sprinkles: For festive look and appeal inside the jar and on top of cubes.

• Mason jars: The vessel is part of the gift—choose jars with airtight lids and room for ribbon and tags.

---

Tools & Packaging Prep You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan

• Heat‑proof rubber spatula

• 8″×8″ or 9″×9″ square pan (to set and cut cubes)

• Parchment paper or foil to line the pan with overhang

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Sharp knife for cutting cubes

• Mason jars (16‑oz preferred) with lids, cleaned and dried

• Ribbon or twine, gift tags, stickers for labels

• Airtight containers if prepping ahead

• Decorative tray or table space if you plan to set up a fudge‑in‑a‑jar display

---

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the fudge and transform it into jar‑worthy gifts.

Step 1: Line Your Pan

Line your baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides so you can lift the entire fudge slab out later. Lightly grease the liner for ease of removal.

Step 2: Melt the Fudge Base

In the medium saucepan over low to medium‑low heat:

1. Add the butter and melt gently.

2. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously until warmed and just beginning to steam at the edges—not boiling vigorously.

3. Add the white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth.

4. Remove from heat as soon as smooth to maintain creamy texture.

Step 3: Add Flavour & Mix‑Ins

Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt until fully combined. Then fold in the crushed sugar cookies and about half of the sprinkles (approximately ⅓–½ cup) to distribute festive colour and texture.

Step 4: Pour Into Pan & Set

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles and a little extra crushed cookie crumbs uniformly over the surface for decoration. Optionally press lightly so they stick.

Step 5: Chill Until Firm

Cover the pan loosely with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or ideally overnight until the fudge is completely firm and set. For cleaner cutting, chill up to 4 hours.

Step 6: Cut into Cubes

Using the parchment overhang, lift the fudge slab out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife (you may warm the blade under hot water and dry) to cut into 1″‑to‑1¼″ cubes. You’ll get approximately 20–24 cubes depending on size.

Step 7: Layer Cubes into Jars

1. Choose clean, dry mason jars with lids (16‑oz size is ideal).

2. Place a layer of fudge cubes in the bottom—fill about one‑third of the jar.

3. Optionally add a sprinkle of crushed sugar cookie crumbs or extra sprinkles as a separator.

4. Add another layer of fudge cubes, and top with a final few cubes and sprinkles for presentation.

5. Secure the lid, tie a festive ribbon around the jar neck, and attach a gift tag. Label if desired: “Sugar Cookie Fudge — Homemade Treat”.

6. Repeat for additional jars as your gift set.

---

Packaging & Gifting Ideas

• Use red or green ribbons, baker’s twine, or metallic cord to tie around the jar neck.

• Attach a small gift tag with the date, name, and “Keep refrigerated” note for best freshness.

• If gifting multiple jars, place them in a decorative box or basket with shredded paper for presentation.

• For bake sales or school gifts: wrap each jar in cellophane bag, tie with ribbon and add a small sticker.

• For dessert tables: arrange several jars on a festive tray with tongs or small spoons so guests can scoop cubes.

• Pop a label: “Sweeten the season — Sugar Cookie Fudge in a Jar” for extra charm.

---

Storage & Serving Instructions

• Store jars in the refrigerator until ready to gift or serve—fudge holds best when cool.

• For serving: open the jar, use a small fork to pick cubes, or pour into a bowl for guests.

• Keep cubes in an airtight container if removed from jar; store in fridge and consume within 5–7 days.

• If room temperature is cool (<70 °F) and sealed, it may stay fresh 1–2 days outside refrigeration—however, best to store in fridge for safety and texture.

---

Variation & Customization Ideas

• Candy cane version: Use peppermint extract instead of almond, and top cubes with crushed candy canes and red/white sprinkles.

• Chocolate swirl jar: Drizzle melted milk chocolate lightly over some cubes before layering for a swirl effect.

• Cookies & cream jars: Substitute crushed chocolate sandwich cookies instead of sugar cookies and top with black/white sprinkles.

• Nutty twist jars: Fold in chopped toasted almonds or pistachios (check for allergy safety) and garnish top with nuts + sprinkles.

• Gluten‑free jars: Use certified gluten‑free sugar cookies and sprinkles so the gift is allergy‑friendly.

• Vegan jars: Use vegan white chocolate, plant‑based condensed‑milk substitute, vegan butter and vegan‑friendly sprinkles.

• Layered colour jars: Make red‑layer fudge at bottom, green layer in middle, plain vanilla layer on top, then jar cubes for layered visual effect inside the jar.

• Mini jars: Use smaller 4–oz or 8‑oz jars for bite‑size gift jars, ideal for neighbor favors or classroom treats.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this fudge without white chocolate chips?
Yes—you could use white chocolate bars chopped or high‑quality melting wafers. The key is using a smooth white base; avoid low‑quality chocolate that doesn’t melt evenly.

How long will the fudge stay fresh in the jar?
When sealed and refrigerated, the fudge remains fresh for up to 5–7 days. If your jars are sealed and stored in a cool environment, cubes may remain fine for 2–3 days at room temperature—but refrigeration is best for texture and safety.

Can I freeze the fudge in jars?
It’s not recommended to freeze jars with lids decorative tied—freezing may affect jar integrity and label/ribbon look. Better to freeze cubes in a separate airtight freezer bag and jar closer to gifting time.

Why did my fudge turn out soft or sticky?
Possibly due to inadequate chilling time or too large a pan making the layer too thin. Ensure you use a properly sized pan and allow full chilling until firm.

Can I replace the sugar cookies with another cookie type?
Yes—but keep in mind the theme. Plain sugar cookies best reinforce sugar‑cookie flavour. If you substitute, choose a light‑flavoured cookie and adjust toppings accordingly.

What size cubes should I aim for jar layering?
Cubes of approximately 1″ to 1¼″ work well to layer neatly in a 16‑oz jar and allow visibility of layers and toppings. Adjust cube size depending on jar volume.

---

Why This Giftable Dessert Is a Holiday Keeper

When you think “edible gift,” a jar filled with homemade treats stands out for its simplicity and charm. This sugar cookie fudge in a jar gives you:

• Homemade appeal: Handmade gifts show care and are often more memorable than store buys.

• Visual beauty: Layered cubes, festive sprinkles, ribbons—the presentation sells itself.

• Functional convenience: The jar presents easily, stores neatly, and can be part of a gift basket or stand alone.

• Shareable flavour: Sugar‑cookie taste appeals to many; texture is indulgent but familiar.

• Multi‑use: Great for giveaways, neighbor gifts, holiday party favors, or classroom treats.

As part of your holiday dessert or gifting plan, this recipe offers high impact with manageable effort—and your recipients will feel special.