When the holiday season rolls around, there’s always one dessert that gets requested over and over in my family: this Easy Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge. It’s everything festive wrapped into one delicious, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Imagine the buttery sweetness of a sugar cookie combined with the creamy richness of fudge—plus, it’s covered in cheerful sprinkles. What’s not to love?

This recipe is perfect for those cozy December afternoons when you want to whip up something homemade but don’t want to spend hours baking. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or need an easy edible gift, this fudge will impress every time. Bonus? It’s super beginner-friendly and doesn’t require a candy thermometer or any complicated steps.

Let me tell you a little story about how this recipe became a holiday tradition in my kitchen.

Easy Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge Recipe

Memories of a Christmas kitchen

A few years ago, I was in full holiday panic mode. Gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, and an ambitious plan to make homemade treats for everyone on my list. Enter sugar cookie fudge—completely by accident. I had a half-used bag of white chocolate chips, some sugar cookie mix from a failed baking experiment, and a can of sweetened condensed milk just sitting in the pantry. With no time to spare, I threw them together, crossed my fingers, and hoped for magic.

The result? Pure Christmas joy in a square. I remember the first batch disappearing before I could even package it for gifts. My sister literally grabbed a spoon to scrape out the leftovers from the pan. Since then, this fudge has become the star of my holiday dessert lineup, and honestly, it’s too easy not to make every year.

Where does fudge come from anyway?

Fudge might feel like a classic American treat, but its origins are a bit murky. Some say it was invented by accident in the late 19th century, when a batch of caramel went “fudged” (hence the name). Over the years, fudge evolved into the creamy confection we know today, with countless flavor variations. Sugar cookie fudge is a more modern twist, combining nostalgic cookie flavors with the rich texture of traditional fudge. It’s a true holiday mash-up that feels like the perfect indulgence for this time of year.

Let’s talk ingredients: sugar cookie magic

This recipe keeps things simple with just a few main ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect fudge:

Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to smooth, creamy fudge without the need for precise candy-making techniques. Just make sure to grab sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk (they’re often stocked near each other).
White chocolate chips: These give the fudge its structure and a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the sugar cookie mix. If you’re out of white chocolate chips, you can substitute chopped white chocolate bars or even almond bark.
Sugar cookie mix: This is what gives the fudge its signature cookie flavor. Pro tip: heat-treat your mix before using to ensure it’s safe to eat (more on that below).
Butter: Adds richness and helps bring all the ingredients together.
Christmas sprinkles: Because what’s a holiday dessert without some sparkle? You can swap these for any sprinkles you love or even add crushed peppermint for a fun twist.

Oh, and about heat-treating the sugar cookie mix—this is just a quick step to eliminate any bacteria that might be in raw flour. Spread the mix on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Let it cool before adding it to the fudge.

Kitchen gear you’ll need

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this recipe, but a few key tools will make your life easier:

A large pot: Go for one with a heavy bottom to prevent the fudge from burning as it cooks.
Parchment paper: Trust me, lining your baking dish is non-negotiable. It makes removing and cutting the fudge a breeze.
9×9 baking dish: This size gives you the perfect thickness for bite-sized pieces. If you only have an 8×8 dish, no worries—your fudge will just be a bit taller.
A sturdy spatula: For all that stirring. You want something heat-resistant and flexible to scrape down the sides of your pot.

Step-by-step: how to make sugar cookie Christmas fudge

Let’s break this down into easy steps so you can feel confident every step of the way.

Prep your pan: Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy lifting. Give it a light spritz with non-stick spray. This makes clean-up a total breeze.
Heat the milk: In a large pot, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and warm it over medium heat. Stir frequently—you don’t want it to scorch. Once it’s heated, you’re ready to add the fun stuff.
Melt everything together: Add the white chocolate chips, sugar cookie mix, and butter to the pot. Stir constantly until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. (Be patient—it can take a few minutes for the chips to fully melt.) At this point, your kitchen will start smelling like pure holiday heaven.
Add sprinkles: Stir in a generous handful of Christmas sprinkles. This is where you can get creative—red and green for Christmas, or mix it up with gold and silver for New Year’s.
Pour and decorate: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle more sprinkles on top for that extra festive touch.
Chill to set: Pop the dish into the fridge and let the fudge set completely. Overnight is ideal, but if you’re impatient (like me), two hours will do.
Cut and serve: Lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper edges. Cut into small squares and get ready for everyone to swoon over your handiwork.

Fun variations to try

This recipe is super customizable, so feel free to experiment!

Gluten-free: Swap the sugar cookie mix for a gluten-free version. You can also skip the cookie mix altogether and add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.
Vegan: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed coconut milk. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Peppermint twist: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture and top with crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles.
Birthday vibes: Swap the Christmas sprinkles for rainbow ones and call it birthday cake fudge. Perfect for a festive celebration any time of year.
Chocolate swirl: Melt some milk or dark chocolate and swirl it into the fudge mixture before it sets for a marbled effect.

Serving and presentation ideas

When it comes to serving, this fudge is as versatile as it is delicious. Arrange the squares on a festive platter and garnish with a sprig of holly or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. For gifting, stack a few pieces in clear cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon, and you’re good to go.

This fudge also pairs wonderfully with other desserts. Serve it alongside your favorite cookies, brownies, or a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday spread.

What to drink with sugar cookie fudge?

Since this fudge is pretty sweet, I love pairing it with drinks that balance out the richness. Coffee is a classic choice—especially a frothy cappuccino or an eggnog latte. For a festive cocktail, try a peppermint martini or a cranberry mimosa. If you’re going non-alcoholic, spiced tea or a mug of mulled cider work beautifully.

Storage tips

Sugar cookie fudge is surprisingly durable, making it perfect for holiday gifting. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you’re making it ahead of time, you can freeze it—just wrap the squares in wax paper and pop them in a freezer bag. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Scaling the recipe

Need more fudge? You can easily double this recipe and pour it into a 9×13 pan instead. Just make sure your pot is big enough to handle all the ingredients. For smaller batches, halve the recipe and use an 8×8 dish.

Wrapping up

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and ridiculously easy treat to share this holiday season, sugar cookie Christmas fudge is your answer. It’s quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to spread joy. So grab your apron, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and get ready to wow your family and friends with this sweet little masterpiece.

FAQs

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Sure! The flavor will change, but dark chocolate can add a rich, slightly bittersweet twist.

2. Do I really need to heat-treat the sugar cookie mix?
It’s a good idea, especially if you’re gifting the fudge or serving it to kids. It only takes a few minutes and ensures the flour is safe to eat.

3. Can I make this fudge without butter?
Yes! The butter adds richness, but the recipe will still work without it. You could also use coconut oil as a substitute.

4. How long does it take for the fudge to set?
Two hours in the fridge should do the trick, but for the best texture, let it chill overnight.

5. What’s the best way to cut fudge cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water (and dried) before slicing. It makes neat, clean cuts without sticking.