I remember the house smelling like vanilla and butter on the first snow of the season, the radio playing a soft holiday tune as my mother rolled dough on the linoleum table. Little hands pressed cookie cutters into sugar cookies, and spilled sprinkles became tiny confetti. Those warm, sticky afternoons fixed the idea of comfort food in me for life.
I grew up cooking beside my mom and a patchwork of church and community cookbooks that lived on a kitchen shelf. I’m Maggie Hart in a new voice: a home cook who learned simple, practical techniques from family tables and tried-and-true recipes. I write for friends who want cozy, uncomplicated dishes you can make any night without fuss. I test recipes in real kitchens with real weeknights, so measurements and timing work when life gets busy.
My approach keeps things family-friendly and pork-free, leaning on casseroles, one-pot dinners, and nostalgic desserts that bring folks together. If you want no-fuss sweets that taste like childhood but fit modern weeknights, you’ll find comfort here. For a little extra cookie inspiration that pairs with fudge ideas, check out this collection of the best easy Italian almond cookies I love: best easy Italian almond cookies.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this dish
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge brings the best of two holiday treats into one playful bar. It tastes like those tender, buttery sugar cookies you remember but melts in your mouth like classic fudge. The sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate make a creamy base that sets nicely in the fridge, so this Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge is forgiving and fast.
You don’t need a candy thermometer or any tempering skills to get reliably smooth results. That makes this Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge a go-to when you want homemade gifts, a simple party plate, or a no-stress dessert to share after a weeknight supper. The crushed sugar cookies folded in give a pleasant crumbly contrast, and the sprinkles on top add a festive, cheerful look without extra work.
I like that the recipe stays flexible. You can swap cookie types, add extracts, or press it into cookie cutters after it firms up for shaped treats. Leftovers hold well, making this Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge a smart make-ahead option. If you need a sweet tray item that looks thoughtful and tastes nostalgic, this fudge comes through with minimal fuss. It’s also a fun recipe to make with kids: they can help press the mixture into the pan and scatter the sprinkles. The combination of familiar sugar cookie flavors and classic fudge texture explains why this Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge becomes a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings and simple family nights alike.
How to prepare Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
Making Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge at home takes just a few warm minutes at the stove and a couple of hours chilling time. Start low and slow when you melt the white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter so nothing scorches. Stir constantly to keep it smooth. After you take the pan off the heat, fold in the vanilla and almond extracts, then the crushed sugar cookies for texture. Spread everything in a greased pan, sprinkle on the festive confetti, and let the fridge do the rest. This method keeps the process hands-off and precise: the simplicity is the point.
Ingredients :
2 cups white chocolate chips, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, 1/2 cup crushed sugar cookies, Sprinkles for topping
Directions :
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth., 2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts., 3. Fold in crushed sugar cookies until evenly distributed., 4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan, spreading it evenly., 5. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles on top., 6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set, then cut into squares and serve.
Serving ideas
Serve Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge on a simple platter with a mix of textures for contrast. Pair a few squares with sturdy cookies and fresh fruit for a holiday coffee break, or set out alongside hot chocolate for an after-sledding treat. The sweet, creamy bars cut into small pieces fit nicely on a dessert board with nuts, dried fruit, and other small cookies. If you plan a cookie swap or bring-your-own-dessert event, the Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge travels well wrap pieces in parchment or place them in a shallow airtight container to protect the sprinkles and edges.
For a festive dessert plate, add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a few crushed sugar cookie crumbs as garnish; the crumbs echo the fudge’s texture and make the presentation feel cohesive. You can also stack a few thin fudge pieces between layers of sturdy parchment to keep them from sticking. If you want to pair this dessert with other holiday sweets, consider classics like buttery Italian cookies; an easy companion recipe I like is the easy Italian almond cookies, which balance the fudge’s creamy sweetness with a crisp chew. Serving Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge in smaller squares encourages sampling, and its bright sprinkles always make a table feel more cheerful.
How to keep leftovers
Keep leftover Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge fresh by layering pieces in an airtight container. Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking and to keep the pretty sprinkles intact. Refrigerate the container and enjoy the fudge within one to two weeks for the best texture and flavor. Because the recipe uses sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate, it stays moist and safe in the fridge, but extended cold storage can slightly change the mouthfeel, so aim for sooner rather than later if you want the ideal creamy bite.
If you prefer room temperature storage for short periods say, during a dinner party place the fudge in a cool spot away from direct heat and serve the portions within a day. For longer saving, you can freeze the fudge. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator to preserve the texture; avoid bringing them directly to room temperature from the freezer, which can make them crumbly. When you reheat slightly for serving, let them sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes. Storing this Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge correctly keeps it tasting freshly made and lets you plan ahead for gatherings or gift trays.
Simple tips for success
A few small steps make Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge turn out perfectly every time. First, use low heat when melting the white chocolate with the sweetened condensed milk and butter. High heat risks seizing the white chocolate, so patience matters. Stir constantly and scrape the pan edges to ensure even melting. When the mixture looks glossy and smooth, remove it from heat before adding extracts this preserves their flavor and keeps the profile bright. Add crushed sugar cookies only after the base cools slightly so they don’t go gummy.
Measure your cookie pieces by volume; half a cup of crushed sugar cookies gives a nice texture without overpowering the creamy base. If you want a stronger cookie note, gently toast the crumbs in a dry skillet for two minutes and cool them before folding in. For help with other cookie pairings or decorating ideas, consult recipes like this ricotta cookie guide for inspiration: ricotta Italian Christmas cookies with almond glaze. When you press the fudge into the pan, tap it lightly on the counter to remove air pockets and create an even top for sprinkling. Chill fully before cutting to avoid crumbly edges.
Easy twists you can try
This Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge welcomes small flavor swaps. Try swapping a portion of the vanilla with a little lemon zest for a bright citrus note, or add a tablespoon of browned butter for a deeper, toasty flavor. You can fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped toasted nuts, or a swirl of jam for contrast. If you want to make a chocolate-sugar-cookie hybrid, press a thin layer of melted dark chocolate on the bottom of the pan before pouring in the white chocolate mixture when set, you’ll have a two-tone bar.
For texture variations, mix in a few crushed peppermint candies or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance. If you prefer lower-sugar options, experiment with sugar-free cookie crumbs and a reduced-sugar white chocolate alternative, but note those substitutions can alter set time and mouthfeel. For another nut-forward option that pairs well with festive flavors, consider recipes like these sugar-free Italian pistachio cookies for inspiration: sugar-free Italian pistachio cookies. No matter which twist you choose, keep the basic steps of the Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge intact: gentle melting, cool the base slightly, fold in crumbs, and chill until firm.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use other cookies instead of sugar cookies?
A: Yes. You can substitute shortbread, vanilla wafers, or graham crackers. Each will change the texture and sweetness a bit, so taste the mixture before chilling if you want to adjust extracts or sprinkle amounts. Using a more buttery cookie will make the bars richer; a crisper cookie yields more contrast. For a traditional sugar-cookie flavor, stick with a classic sugar cookie crumb in your Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge.
Q: How long does Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge take to set?
A: The fudge needs at least two hours in the refrigerator to firm up properly, though chilling overnight gives the best, clean cuts. If you try to slice it too soon, it will be soft and may crumble. For parties, make it the day before and keep it chilled until serving.
Q: Can I make this fudge without almond extract?
A: Absolutely. The almond extract adds a subtle nutty note that complements sugar cookies, but a half teaspoon of extra vanilla or a splash of lemon extract can work as substitutes. If you omit almond extract entirely, consider toasting the cookie crumbs slightly to add a depth of flavor to your Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge.
Conclusion
If you want another simple, five-ingredient fudge idea to compare or adapt, see this Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge Recipe – Only 5 Ingredients!: Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge Recipe – Only 5 Ingredients!. It offers a tidy reference for flavor combinations and assembly tips that pair well with the Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge approach described here.
Print
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of sugar cookie flavors and classic fudge texture, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup crushed sugar cookies
- Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Fold in crushed sugar cookies until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle with festive sprinkles on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Excellent for homemade gifts and holiday trays. Can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American