If you’re searching for the ultimate no-bake holiday treat that combines the festive cheer of Christmas with the irresistible sweetness of sugar cookies, look no further than Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge. This delightful recipe is a vibrant, easy-to-make candy that perfectly captures the joyous spirit of the season. It’s a velvety smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge bursting with colorful sprinkles and the nostalgic flavor of classic sugar cookies, all without ever needing to turn on your oven. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this dazzling, delicious, and incredibly simple holiday confection!
Key Ingredients for Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge
To create this magical Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients.
- 1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips: High-quality white chocolate chips are crucial for a smooth, melty fudge. Avoid baking bars as they often contain less cocoa butter and can result in a grainy texture.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: European-style butter often has a higher fat content, contributing to a richer flavor and creamier consistency.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the base of our no-bake fudge, providing both sweetness and a thick, creamy texture. Do not confuse it with evaporated milk.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract offers a much better flavor than imitation vanilla.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended): This secret ingredient truly enhances the “sugar cookie” flavor.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sifted powdered sugar helps achieve that ultra-smooth, non-gritty fudge texture.
- ½ cup Christmas Funfetti sprinkles: A festive blend of red, green, and white sprinkles, or any holiday-themed sprinkles you love. Make sure they are high-quality to prevent color bleeding.
- ½ cup crush shortbread cookies or sugar cookies (optional, for added texture): Finely crushed for mixing in, or larger pieces for topping.
How to Make Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge
This Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge recipe is a dream come true for anyone seeking an easy yet impressive holiday treat. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring no baking and minimal hands-on time. The result is a deliciously sweet and satisfying fudge with a beautiful, creamy texture and a burst of festive color.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this delightful candy comes together, making it perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or edible gifts. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a chill time of about 2 hours, you’ll have a show-stopping treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the fudge out later. This prevents sticking and makes cutting much simpler.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl (or a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat), combine the white chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Melt and Stir: Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. This usually takes about 1.5 to 2 minutes. If using a saucepan, stir constantly until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate, as it can seize.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the mixture from the heat (or microwave). Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sifted powdered sugar. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and the fudge is silky smooth. There should be no lumps.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in most of the Christmas Funfetti sprinkles. Reserve a small amount for the topping. Fold just enough to distribute them without overmixing, which can cause the colors to bleed. If using crushed cookies, fold them in now too.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the fudge mixture evenly into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Spread it out with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
- Decorate: Immediately sprinkle the reserved Christmas Funfetti sprinkles over the top of the fudge. Lightly press them down with your hand or the back of a spoon to ensure they adhere.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm. For quicker setting, you can place it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes.
- Cut and Serve: Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp, warm knife (wipe it clean between cuts) to cut the fudge into 1-inch squares.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge
You’re going to absolutely adore this Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge for so many reasons! The main highlight is its incredible simplicity – a truly no-bake recipe that delivers a remarkably creamy and rich confection with minimal effort. This easy homemade creation also offers fantastic cost-saving benefits; making these festive treats at home is significantly cheaper than buying gourmet fudge from specialty stores, allowing you to create abundant batches for gifting or sharing.
What truly sets this fudge apart are its flavorful toppings and ingredients: the nostalgic hint of almond extract perfectly mimics a classic sugar cookie, beautifully complemented by the vibrant crunch of Christmas Funfetti sprinkles that add a playful texture and a burst of holiday cheer. If you enjoy simple, festive treats like our Peppermint Bark, then this delightful fudge is a must-try. Whip up a batch today and experience the joy of homemade holiday magic!
What to Serve Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge With
This vibrant Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge is a versatile holiday treat that pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and other festive desserts.
- Warm Beverages: Enjoy it alongside a classic mug of hot chocolate, a spiced chai latte, or a soothing herbal tea. The warmth and creamy texture of the drinks perfectly complement the rich fudge.
- Coffee: A small square of this fudge is an amazing accompaniment to your morning coffee or an after-dinner espresso.
- Milk: For a nostalgic touch, serve it with a cold glass of milk, especially enjoyable for kids (and adults who are kids at heart!).
- Holiday Dessert Platters: It’s a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie or dessert platter, adding a pop of color and a different texture alongside traditional cookies, brownies, or truffles.
- Edible Gifts: Package small squares in festive tins or cellophane bags with a bow for homemade holiday gifts.
Top Tips for Perfecting Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge
Achieving perfect Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge is easy with these helpful tips:
- Quality White Chocolate: Use good quality white chocolate chips (like Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Callebaut). Cheaper brands often contain less cocoa butter, which can lead to a greasier or more crumbly fudge. Avoid “white baking melts” as they typically lack the rich flavor and smooth texture needed.
- Don’t Overheat: When melting the white chocolate, butter, and condensed milk, do so gently. High heat can cause white chocolate to seize or become grainy. Microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, or use a double boiler on the stovetop.
- Sift Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest fudge, always sift your powdered sugar. This prevents any lumps from forming in the final product, ensuring that silky texture we all love.
- Almond Extract is Key: While optional, the almond extract truly elevates the “sugar cookie” flavor. Don’t skip it if you want that authentic taste!
- Fold in Sprinkles Gently and Quickly: For the brightest, least-bled sprinkles, fold them in gently at the very end and avoid overmixing. The less they are stirred in warm fudge, the less likely their colors are to run. Add additional sprinkles on top immediately after pouring.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample time for the fudge to chill and firm up completely in the refrigerator. Rushing this step will result in sticky, gooey fudge that’s difficult to cut cleanly. Ideally, chill for at least 2 hours, or even overnight.
- Warm Knife for Cutting: To get clean, sharp cuts, run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cuts. Re-heat and wipe the knife after every few cuts. This warms the blade just enough to glide through the fudge without dragging.
- Lining the Pan: Always line your pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. This makes lifting the set fudge out of the pan incredibly easy and mess-free.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge fresh and delicious. Reheating is generally not required or recommended for fudge.
- Storing at Room Temperature: This fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Place parchment paper between layers of fudge to prevent sticking. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause it to soften or melt.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Again, use parchment paper between layers. If refrigerated, allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for the best texture.
- Freezing: Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge freezes beautifully! To freeze, cut the fudge into squares, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Once firm, transfer the frozen squares to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen fudge can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Thawing Frozen Fudge: To enjoy frozen fudge, simply transfer the desired amount to an airtight container and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for a few hours. Do not microwave to thaw, as this can alter the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge is more than just a treat; it’s a burst of holiday joy in every bite. Its vibrant appearance, delightful sugar cookie flavor, and incredibly easy no-bake preparation make it an instant holiday classic.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a potluck, a charming edible gift, or simply a sweet indulgence for yourself, this fudge delivers on all fronts. It’s wonderfully sweet, perfectly creamy, and guarantees to bring smiles to faces of all ages. So, unleash your inner holiday elf and whip up a batch of Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge. Your taste buds (and your holiday guests) will thank you!
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Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookie Fudge FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of sprinkles?
A: Absolutely! While Christmas Funfetti sprinkles give it the festive look, you can use any color or shape of sprinkles you like. Just be mindful that certain red sprinkles tend to bleed color more easily, so fold them in gently.
Q: My fudge didn’t set, what went wrong?
A: The most common reason for fudge not setting is an incorrect ratio of ingredients, particularly if the sweetened condensed milk was confused with evaporated milk, or if the white chocolate chips weren’t melted completely or were of poor quality. Ensure you’ve used the correct type and quantities, and allow ample chilling time.
Q: Can I make this fudge in advance?
A: Yes, this fudge is perfect for making in advance! It stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for 2-3 weeks. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Q: Do I really need to sift the powdered sugar?
A: Sifting the powdered sugar is highly recommended to achieve the smoothest, most professional-looking fudge. Un-sifted powdered sugar can introduce small lumps that give the fudge a slightly grainy texture.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins to the fudge?
A: Of course! Feel free to get creative. Crushed peppermints, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a swirl of food coloring could be fun additions. Just be aware that some wet ingredients might alter the setting time.
Q: Is this fudge vegetarian/gluten-free?
A: This fudge is vegetarian. It can be made gluten-free by ensuring your white chocolate chips, sprinkles, and any optional crushed cookies (like shortbread) are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.
