Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge

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Introduction

The holidays are a time for indulging in sweet treats that bring joy and warmth to the season. If you’re looking for a festive and easy-to-make treat, look no further than Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge. This dessert combines the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the rich, smooth texture of fudge. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth sweet that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or as a special indulgence for yourself.

Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge is a fun twist on traditional fudge recipes, bringing the familiar taste of buttery, vanilla-flavored sugar cookies into a decadent, creamy dessert. With colorful sprinkles and a buttery finish, this fudge not only tastes incredible but also looks beautiful, making it an ideal addition to your holiday dessert table.

In this article, we’ll dive into why Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge is the ultimate holiday treat, walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to make it, and share tips on how to customize the fudge to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fudge lover or a fan of sugar cookies, this dessert is sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Festive: With its sweet, buttery flavor and vibrant sprinkles, this fudge embodies the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional baked goods, this fudge requires minimal effort and no baking, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday preparations.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins, like crushed candy canes or chocolate chips, or switch up the sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
• Rich and Creamy: The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the fudge, combined with the flavors of sugar cookies, will satisfy your sweet tooth in the best way possible.
• Ideal for Gift-Giving: Cut into squares and packaged beautifully, this fudge makes a thoughtful and delightful homemade gift for family, friends, or coworkers.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (30 minutes for prep, 1 hour for chilling)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 small squares, depending on the size you cut.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 24g
  • Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Fudge:

• 3 cups white chocolate chips: The base for this fudge. White chocolate provides a rich, creamy flavor that complements the sugar cookie taste.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: This creates the smooth, velvety texture of the fudge.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps to bind the fudge together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A key ingredient to infuse that classic sugar cookie flavor.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: Optional, but this enhances the sugar cookie flavor and gives the fudge a subtle nutty note.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the fudge and helps set the texture.
• 1/4 cup sprinkles: Use festive red, green, or multicolored sprinkles for decoration.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the fudge.

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra sprinkles: For decorating the top before the fudge sets.
• Crushed candy canes: For a minty twist to the flavor.
• Mini chocolate chips: For added texture and a touch of chocolate.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE FUDGE BASE

1. Melt the White Chocolate: In a large saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Set the heat to medium-low and stir constantly until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Make sure the mixture doesn’t burn by stirring frequently.
2. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Once the chocolate and butter are melted, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Mix in the Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using. These extracts are key to giving the fudge its signature sugar cookie flavor.

SECOND STEP: ADD POWDERED SUGAR AND SALT

1. Sift the Powdered Sugar: To ensure the fudge is smooth and free of lumps, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture. This will help the sugar blend into the chocolate mixture more evenly.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the melted mixture, stirring continuously to ensure that it incorporates fully. The mixture will thicken as you stir.
3. Add the Salt: Stir in the salt, which helps to cut through the sweetness and balance the flavors of the fudge.

THIRD STEP: POUR AND CHILL

1. Prepare a Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This makes it easier to remove the fudge once it sets.
2. Pour the Fudge into the Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure the surface is smooth and level.
3. Sprinkle with Decorations: Before the fudge sets, sprinkle colorful holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes over the top for extra festive flair. You can also add mini chocolate chips if desired.
4. Chill the Fudge: Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for at least 1 hour, or until it’s firm to the touch. If you’re in a rush, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

FINAL STEP: CUT AND SERVE

1. Cut into Squares: Once the fudge is firm and set, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the fudge immediately, or store it in an airtight container. It makes a wonderful gift when wrapped in festive packaging, and it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge

Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge is a versatile dessert that can be served in many ways. Here are some creative ideas for how to enjoy this festive treat:

1. Gift-Giving

This fudge makes a perfect homemade gift for friends, family, or colleagues. Cut the fudge into squares and wrap them in holiday-themed cellophane bags or boxes. You can even tie the packages with ribbon for an extra festive touch.

2. Holiday Parties

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or bringing a dish to a potluck, Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge is an easy, crowd-pleasing option. Its sweet flavor and colorful sprinkles will surely stand out on your dessert table.

3. Pair with Hot Beverages

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. The richness of the fudge is balanced perfectly by the warmth of a comforting drink, making for a cozy holiday treat.

4. Serve as a Snack

If you’re looking for something quick and sweet between meals during the holiday season, this fudge is a great option. Its small, bite-sized squares make it easy to enjoy as a snack with minimal mess.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s a great option if you’re looking to get a head start on your holiday baking and candy-making.
2. Customize the Sprinkles: While this recipe calls for traditional holiday sprinkles, feel free to get creative! Use sprinkles that match your theme or even make your own mix by combining red, green, and gold.
3. Add Extra Flavor: If you love the taste of sugar cookies, you can add a small amount of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the fudge for a hint of spice. It will make the fudge even more reminiscent of a holiday sugar cookie.
4. Store Properly: To keep the fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

While Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge is delightful on its own, there are several ways to put your own spin on this treat:

1. Add Crushed Candy Canes

For an extra holiday twist, crush a few candy canes and mix them into the fudge. You can also sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for added crunch and a minty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sugar cookie essence.

2. Use Different Extracts

If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can swap it out for other extracts, such as hazelnut or maple, to change the flavor profile of your fudge.

3. Make it Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version of this fudge, substitute the butter and sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut milk and dairy-free butter. Make sure to check that the white chocolate you use is dairy-free as well.

Freezing and Storage

Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge freezes beautifully. To store it for later:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the fudge to cool and set fully before storing it.
2. Wrap and Freeze: Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Thawing: To enjoy the fudge again, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Special Equipment

While no special equipment is required to make this fudge, here are a few items that will make the process easier:

• Saucepan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan to melt the chocolate and butter.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula for stirring the fudge mixture and scraping it out of the pan.
• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: A square pan is perfect for making fudge, allowing you to cut it into nice, uniform squares.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate? Yes, if you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute dark chocolate chips for white chocolate. However, this will alter the flavor, as dark chocolate has a more intense taste.
2. Can I make this fudge without condensed milk? Sweetened condensed milk is essential to achieving the creamy texture of fudge, but you can try a homemade version using coconut milk and sugar for a dairy-free option.
3. Can I add nuts to the fudge? Absolutely! Chopped nuts, like pecans, walnuts, or pistachios, can add texture and flavor to the fudge. Add them in while mixing the powdered sugar into the melted chocolate mixture.
4. How can I make my fudge more festive? Use red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or mini holiday-themed candies on top for extra decoration and holiday cheer.
5. How long will the fudge last? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge will last for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

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Conclusion

Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge is a delightful and easy-to-make holiday treat that combines the best of both worlds: the buttery, vanilla flavor of sugar cookies and the smooth, rich texture of fudge. Perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or simply indulging yourself during the season, this fudge is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant sprinkles, festive flair, and creamy texture, Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge will quickly become a holiday favorite. Try making it this season and enjoy the magic of the holidays in every bite!