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Wanna know my top holiday sweet? Sugar Cookie Fudge! I stumbled on this gem while searching for ways to get that sugar cookie taste without dealing with cookie cutters. Now this creamy, sprinkle-filled fudge is what I bring to every holiday get-together. And guess what? It's so easy you'll wonder why you haven't made it before!
Delightful Spin on Sugar Cookies
Don't get me wrong, I adore classic sugar cookies during the festive season, but sometimes I'm looking for something fresh. This fudge packs all those sugar cookie tastes into a smooth, creamy square. And it's super adaptable too - just swap out the sprinkles to fit whatever you're celebrating!
Key Ingredients
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This stuff makes everything moist and sweet. Just make sure you grab the right can at the store. Don't accidentally pick up evaporated milk - they're totally different things and your fudge won't turn out right.
- Sugar Cookie Mix: You'll need two 6.25-ounce bags of the dry mix. This clever shortcut gives you that authentic sugar cookie flavor without extra work.
- White Chocolate Chips: Grab 5 cups of good quality white chips. They create that smooth, rich base that makes everyone come back for seconds.
- Sprinkles: These little bits of color make your fudge look extra special. Christmas ones work great, but you can use whatever matches your party theme.
How to Harden Fudge
- Letting the Fudge Set
- I'm not the most patient person with desserts but trust me waiting for fudge to firm up naturally gives you the best results. In a rush? Pop it in the freezer but keep checking on it so it doesn't get too hard!
Adjusting Pan Sizes
- Alternative Pan Sizes
- No worries if your pan collection doesn't include the exact size we mention! I've thrown this mixture into everything from 9×9 to 7×11 containers with great results. Just stay away from 9×13 unless you want skinny fudge pieces. The trick is keeping it thick enough to be properly fudgy.
Storing the Fudge
- Room Temperature Storage
- In my home this sweet treat usually vanishes within days but if you need to keep it just put it in an airtight box at room temp and it'll stay yummy for about a week. Stick it in your fridge and you'll get fourteen whole days of goodness!
Freezing the Fudge
- How to Freeze Fudge
- Want to prep ahead for holiday madness? This fudge freezes amazingly well! I always put sheets of parchment between layers and write the date on the container. It stays tasty for up to 3 months but honestly who can wait that long to eat it?
Recipe Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish
- First thing you want to do is put parchment paper in an 8×8-inch baking dish. This stops your fudge from getting stuck and makes it super easy to lift out when it's ready.
- Mix the Ingredients
- Take a medium saucepan and warm up the sweetened condensed milk over medium-low heat. Once it's warm, stir in the sugar cookie mix until they're completely combined. Then add your white chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until everything's smooth and all the chocolate has melted.
- Transfer and Top with Sprinkles
- Take the mixture off the heat and pour it into your lined baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then scatter Christmas sprinkles all over the top. Let it sit at room temperature for about 4 hours, or stick it in the fridge if you can't wait that long.
Customizing Your Fudge
I've tried so many twists on this recipe over time! Try adding a bit of almond extract for amazing flavor or mix in some crushed candy canes for a minty Christmas feel. My newest favorite trick? Tossing in chunks of white chocolate before it sets it's totally incredible!
Tips for Success
After making this tons of times I've figured out what really works. You gotta watch that chocolate as it melts tiny lumps will mess up your texture. Use low heat and don't stop stirring. And when you pour it in the pan take your time spreading it out flat nice even layers look way better when you serve it!
Serving Suggestions
This sweet treat always grabs attention at holiday parties! I like putting it next to hot coffee or cocoa. For bigger gatherings I cut tiny squares and arrange them on my Christmas platter with some fresh mint for color. It's always the first dessert people grab!
Nutritional Considerations
Let's face it this is a total treat! Sure you could try making it with sugar-free options but I think enjoying the real thing in small amounts is the way to go. It's a special holiday goodie after all and sometimes those little moments of joy are worth every calorie!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This fudge has turned into a must-have part of my holiday cooking routine. The way it brings back sugar cookie childhood memories but in a rich fudgy form is just awesome. Whether you're making a batch for friends bringing it to a party or just treating yourself you'll fall for how easy yet impressive it turns out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How soon will the squares firm up?
- They need about 4 hours if left out. You can make it faster by putting them in the fridge or freezer for half an hour.
- → Will different sized pans work?
- An 8x8 or 9x9-inch dish works great. You can also use a 7x11-inch container, but don't go with 9x13 as your squares will come out too flat.
- → What's the best way to keep these fresh?
- Keep them in a sealed container at room temp for up to 7 days, or in the fridge for about 2 weeks. You can even freeze them for up to 3 months.
- → Why must I use sweetened condensed milk?
- This recipe needs sweetened condensed milk specifically, not the evaporated kind. It gives your squares the right texture and sweetness level.
- → Can I switch up the sprinkle colors?
- Absolutely, you can change the sprinkles to fit any celebration or theme, or just leave them off entirely.