Easy Christmas Fudge

$To make Easy Christmas Fudge, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your choice) - ½ cup dried cranberries or holiday sprinkles for decoration When choosing your ingredients, quality matters. Use good chocolate chips for rich flavor. Sweetened condensed milk should be thick and creamy. If you want a lighter fudge, you can swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate. You can also use coconut milk or almond milk as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. Adding toppings makes your fudge festive! Try these fun ideas: - Use dried cranberries for a tart burst of flavor. - Holiday sprinkles add color and joy. - You can also top the fudge with crushed candy canes for a minty twist. - For a fancy touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before chilling. These little details make your Easy Christmas Fudge even more special. Start by lining an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift out the fudge later. It is a simple step but very helpful. Next, take a medium saucepan and put it on low heat. Add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir the mix gently. Keep stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This process takes just a few minutes. Once melted, remove the saucepan from heat. Add in the unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined. It should look rich and creamy. Then, fold in the chopped nuts gently. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the chocolate mix. Now, pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. For a festive touch, sprinkle dried cranberries or holiday sprinkles on top. Press them down lightly into the fudge. Place the dish in the fridge for at least 2 hours. After it sets, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your sweet holiday treat! For the full recipe, check the details above. To get smooth and creamy fudge, use fresh ingredients. Old chocolate can clump. Melt the chocolate and milk slowly over low heat. Stir often to blend well. If you want a softer fudge, add a bit more sweetened condensed milk. For a firmer texture, let it chill longer. One mistake is not using low heat. High heat can burn the chocolate. Another is skipping the salt. A little salt brings out the sweet taste. Also, don’t rush the cooling process. If you cut it too soon, the fudge may fall apart. Chop your chocolate chips for even melting. Use a heavy saucepan to help with heat distribution. Make sure the pan is completely dry. Water can seize the chocolate, making it grainy. Stir gently and keep an eye on it. When it’s almost melted, remove it from the heat and stir until smooth. For a full recipe, check out the Christmas Chocolate Bliss Fudge. {{image_2}} One fun twist on classic fudge is to add peppermint. You can use peppermint extract for flavor. Just add ½ teaspoon of it when mixing in the cocoa powder. For a festive touch, crush some candy canes and sprinkle them on top. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color. Your fudge will taste like a holiday treat in every bite. Nuts can elevate your fudge to a new level. You can use walnuts, pecans, or any nuts you like. Just chop them roughly before adding them to the mix. Use about ¾ cup of chopped nuts for a good crunch. They bring a rich flavor and texture that pairs nicely with the smooth chocolate. You can even toast the nuts lightly for an extra depth of taste. Think about adding holiday flavors like cranberry or orange to your fudge. Dried cranberries work great for a fruity twist. Mix in about ½ cup when you add the nuts. For an orange flavor, use the zest of one orange. This gives a fresh, bright taste to your fudge. These flavors make your fudge not just sweet, but also festive and unique. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed instructions on each variation. Store your Easy Christmas Fudge in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. The fridge works well too. Just make sure it is wrapped well. This keeps it fresh and soft. When stored properly, this fudge lasts about two weeks. If you keep it in the fridge, it can stay good for three weeks. Just check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze fudge for later. Cut it into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy your fudge for up to three months! When you want some, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For full details, check the Full Recipe. Making Easy Christmas Fudge is quick and simple. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you need to chill it for at least 2 hours. So, the total time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Perfect for a busy holiday! Yes, you can use different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate all work well. Each type brings a unique taste. Just remember, this may change the final flavor. To cut fudge neatly, use a sharp knife. Make sure your knife is clean and dry. For best results, warm the knife under hot water first. Wipe it dry, then slice the fudge. This helps create clean edges. Absolutely! You can skip the nuts if you prefer. Just leave them out of the recipe. The fudge will still be tasty and rich. You can also add extra toppings if you like. To make this fudge gluten-free, you don’t need to change much. All the ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels on your chocolate and other ingredients to ensure they are safe. If you need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, try coconut milk and sugar. Combine equal parts coconut milk and sugar, and cook until thick. You can also use evaporated milk with added sugar to achieve a similar taste. For the best results, use the Full Recipe. We covered everything you need for making delicious fudge. You learned about key ingredients, steps, tips, and fun variations. Remember to pay close attention to texture and avoid common mistakes. Proper storage will keep your fudge fresh for longer. With this knowledge, you can create yummy treats for any occasion. Enjoy sharing your fudge with friends and family, and don't be afraid to get creative with flavors!$

Indulge in the sweet decadence of Christmas Chocolate Bliss Fudge! This easy recipe combines rich chocolate, creamy condensed milk, and festive nuts and cranberries to create the perfect holiday treat. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that will impress your friends and family. Ready to make your holiday season even sweeter? Click through for the full recipe and get baking!

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Ingredients

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your choice)

½ cup dried cranberries or holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Melt Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth.

Add Cocoa and Flavor: Remove from heat and mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Incorporate Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Pour into Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Decorate: Sprinkle the dried cranberries or holiday sprinkles over the top for a festive look. Press them lightly into the fudge.

Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 16-20 squares

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the fudge squares on a festive platter and garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful holiday touch.