Irresistible No-Bake Sugar Cookie Fudge: Your Easiest Holiday Treat
This Sugar Cookie Fudge captures all the delightful flavor of classic sugar cookies in a remarkably quick and easy no-bake recipe. It’s the perfect treat to whip up when you need something delicious without the fuss of baking. Get creative and decorate it with your favorite sprinkles to perfectly match any occasion, making it a versatile dessert for holidays, parties, or simply a sweet everyday indulgence!
Fudge holds a special place in my heart as one of my absolute favorite desserts to prepare and share with loved ones. There’s something inherently comforting and celebratory about a rich, creamy piece of fudge. For a long time, traditional chocolate fudge was my go-to, but my husband and son are huge fans of anything sugar cookie flavored. Their love for those classic, buttery treats inspired me to venture beyond the usual and create a special fudge just for them.
This creamy sugar cookie fudge recipe is a true game-changer. It comes together in less than 10 minutes of active preparation time, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules or last-minute dessert cravings. The best part? It’s virtually effortless to make, and decorating it is a joy, allowing for endless customization to suit any festive occasion or personal preference. Imagine a treat that delivers all the nostalgic flavor of a soft, chewy sugar cookie but in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge form!
If you share my passion for making homemade fudge, I’m confident you’ll also adore my Reese’s Fudge recipe, which brings together the beloved peanut butter chocolate combination into a decadent square. And for those who can’t get enough of cookies, you absolutely won’t want to miss the irresistible blend of wholesome oatmeal cookies and rich fudge in my Oatmeal Fudge Bars – they’re truly a match made in dessert heaven.
Why This Sugar Cookie Fudge Will Become Your New Favorite Treat
- Effortlessly Quick & Easy: This magical recipe requires only about 10 minutes of hands-on time from start to finish. The majority of the process involves simply letting the fudge chill and set, freeing you up to focus on other tasks until it’s perfectly ready to slice and serve. It’s the ultimate hassle-free dessert.
- Beginner-Friendly Perfection: No need for specialized candy-making skills or a temperamental candy thermometer! This simple fudge recipe is designed for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned dessert enthusiasts. Forget complicated sugar boiling or intricate techniques – just straightforward steps for delicious results.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Creaminess: Crafted with luxurious white chocolate as its base, this fudge boasts an incredibly creamy, smooth texture that truly melts in your mouth. Each bite is a sweet, decadent delight that will leave you craving more. The subtle sweetness of the white chocolate perfectly complements the sugar cookie flavor.
- Endlessly Customizable Decorations: The beautiful white canvas of this fudge makes it incredibly versatile for decoration. Easily switch up the sprinkles, food coloring, or other toppings to perfectly match any holiday, birthday party theme, or special event. Think vibrant colors for a summer celebration or elegant pastels for a baby shower.
- Excellent for Gifting & Make-Ahead: This sugar cookie fudge keeps exceptionally well and is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Its robust shelf life and ability to be stored make it an ideal candidate for preparing ahead of time, especially during busy seasons like the holidays. It also makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sugar Cookie Fudge
For exact measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Sugar Cookie Mix: This pre-packaged hero is the secret to effortlessly infusing that distinct, comforting sugar cookie flavor into your fudge. It eliminates the need for measuring out multiple dry ingredients and ensures a consistent taste every time. While any good quality mix will work, choosing one with a flavor profile you already love will elevate your fudge.
- White Chocolate Chips: These form the creamy, sweet foundation of your white fudge. High-quality white chocolate chips will melt more smoothly and provide a richer, more luxurious texture. Avoid imitation white chocolate, as it can sometimes seize or have a waxy texture.
- Butter: Using salted butter adds an extra layer of richness and a subtle savory counterpoint that balances the sweetness of the fudge beautifully. If you only have unsalted butter, a tiny pinch of salt can be added to the mixture. The butter also contributes to the fudge’s silky smooth consistency.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is absolutely crucial for both the sweetness and the incredibly creamy texture of the fudge. It’s a key component in most no-bake fudge recipes because it thickens beautifully without the need for traditional candy-making methods. Make sure it’s *sweetened* condensed milk, not evaporated milk, as they are not interchangeable in this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing the sugar cookie notes and adding a warm, aromatic depth to the fudge. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- Sprinkles: These are your tools for personalization! Sprinkles add a delightful pop of color and a touch of whimsy to this creamy white fudge. Choose festive sprinkles to celebrate holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or birthdays, or simply pick your favorite colors to brighten any day. They also add a subtle textural contrast.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Perfect Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Prepare Your Pan: First, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This overhang will act as handles, making it incredibly easy to lift the set fudge out of the pan for clean slicing. A light spray of cooking oil can also help if you’re concerned about sticking.
- Gently Warm the Milk and Sugar Cookie Mix: In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the sugar cookie mix. Stir these two ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and no dry pockets of mix remain. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. The goal here is to warm the mixture gently, not to boil it. This step helps to dissolve the sugar and integrate the flavors without scorching.
- Melt in the White Chocolate and Butter: Once the milk and cookie mix mixture is warm (it shouldn’t be boiling, just steaming slightly), remove it from the heat. Immediately add the white chocolate chips and butter to the pot. Continue stirring diligently with a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the white chocolate chips and butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This requires continuous stirring to ensure even melting and prevent any lumps.
- Transfer to the Pan and Decorate Instantly: Promptly pour the warm, smooth fudge mixture into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Using the back of your spatula, spread the fudge evenly into the pan. As soon as the fudge is spread, generously sprinkle your chosen festive sprinkles over the top. Gently pat the sprinkles down with your fingers or the back of your spatula to ensure they adhere firmly to the warm fudge before it begins to set.
- Allow Ample Time to Set, Then Serve: Let the fudge cool down and set completely. This process typically takes about 4 hours at room temperature. For a quicker set, you can place the pan in the refrigerator (see tip below). Once fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge block out of the pan, place it on a cutting board, and slice it into desired squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your homemade sugar cookie fudge!
Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Combine Ingredients Before Heating: It’s crucial to mix the sugar cookie mix and sweetened condensed milk thoroughly *before* applying heat. Attempting to mix as it heats can lead to an uneven consistency, clumpy fudge, or even cause the mixture to scorch at the bottom of the pan before it’s properly combined. A smooth start ensures a smooth finish.
- Stir Continuously for Smoothness: To prevent the fudge from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning, it’s essential to stir the mixture constantly while it’s warming over medium heat. Use a heatproof rubber spatula or a sturdy wooden spoon, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan diligently. This ensures even heat distribution and a perfectly smooth, unburnt fudge.
- Transform into Brightly Colored or Pastel Fudge: Unleash your creativity by adding a few drops of food coloring to the warm fudge mixture just before pouring it into your prepared pan. This is fantastic for personalizing your fudge for any special occasion. Think vibrant green for St. Patrick’s Day, romantic pink or bold red for Valentine’s Day, sunny yellow for Easter, or your child’s favorite color for a birthday party treat. You can even swirl multiple colors for a marbled effect!
- Indulge in a Minty Variation: For a refreshing twist, try making white peppermint fudge. Simply substitute peppermint extract for vanilla extract in the recipe. Once poured, decorate generously with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch, or use red and white sprinkles to enhance the minty theme. This variation is particularly popular during the winter holidays.
- Get Creative with the Toppings: Beyond traditional holiday sprinkles, the possibilities for toppings are endless! Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Crushed candies such as M&Ms, Oreos, or butterscotch chips can add both flavor and texture. Freeze-dried strawberry crumbles offer a burst of fruity flavor and a beautiful visual appeal. Mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate after the fudge sets can also elevate your creation.
- Add a Citrus Zest: For a bright, unexpected flavor, try adding a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the warm fudge mixture. This can cut through the sweetness and add a lovely aromatic note.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Once the fudge has set, warm some store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top before cutting. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt would complete this gourmet touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Cookie Fudge
No, it is critically important to use *sweetened condensed milk* for this recipe. Evaporated milk is unsweetened and has a different consistency, which will result in a completely different taste and texture, and the fudge will likely not set correctly. Sweetened condensed milk is key to the creamy, sweet base of this no-bake fudge.
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or simply can’t wait the typical four hours for the fudge to set at room temperature, you can place the pan in the refrigerator. Chilling in the fridge should significantly cut the setting time down by approximately half, usually taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Just ensure it’s fully firm before slicing.
An 8×8-inch square baking pan is ideal for this recipe, yielding fudge squares of a good thickness. You can also use a 9×9-inch pan for slightly thinner fudge. Always remember to line your pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides, to make lifting and cutting the fudge much easier.
Grainy fudge often occurs if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve or if the mixture is cooked too quickly or at too high a temperature. Ensure you stir the sweetened condensed milk and sugar cookie mix thoroughly before heating, and heat it gently over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth before adding the chocolate and butter. This prevents crystallization and ensures a silky texture.
Yes, you can easily double the recipe! If doubling, I recommend using a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch baking dish, to accommodate the increased volume without making the fudge overly thick. Make sure to use a larger saucepan as well to prevent overflow during heating and stirring.
Storing Your Delicious Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Refrigerate: To keep your sugar cookie fudge fresh and firm, store the finished fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan to stack multiple layers of fudge, it’s a good idea to place a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. Properly stored, this fudge will last for about one week in the fridge, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
- Freeze: For longer storage, this fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap individual pieces or blocks of fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe airtight container. You can also layer pieces with waxed paper in between before placing them in the container. When stored in the freezer, your sugar cookie fudge will retain its quality for at least 3 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat for future occasions or last-minute gifts. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
More Fun & Festive Dessert Recipes to Try
If you loved making this easy sugar cookie fudge, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delightful dessert recipes perfect for celebrations, holidays, or just because:
- Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies: Soft, chewy, and bursting with refreshing mint and rich chocolate flavor.
- Santa Hat Brownies: Adorably festive and easy-to-make brownies topped with a creamy frosting and a strawberry “Santa hat.”
- Coconut Balls (White Chocolate Coconut Truffles): Decadent, no-bake truffles combining sweet coconut with luxurious white chocolate.
- Grinch Truffles: Fun, vibrant green truffles inspired by the Grinch, perfect for holiday cheer.
- Easy Microwave Fudge: For when you need fudge even faster, this microwave version delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
- Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies: A playful and addictive snack mix that tastes just like a cozy cup of hot chocolate.
Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups sugar cookie mix
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz bag white chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons festive sprinkles
Instructions
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Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, allowing for an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
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In a medium-sized saucepan, thoroughly mix together the sweetened condensed milk and sugar cookie mix until well combined. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is warmed through and slightly steamy (do not boil).
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Remove from heat. Add in the white chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until all the chocolate chips and butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
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Immediately pour the warm fudge into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Without delay, top generously with your festive sprinkles. Gently press the sprinkles down with the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure they stick to the fudge as it begins to cool.
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Allow the fudge to set completely at room temperature for approximately 4 hours, or in the refrigerator for about 1.5-2 hours. Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Additional Recipe Info
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