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I gotta tell you about my top holiday sweet - Cookie Fudge Squares! I came across this idea when trying to get that sugar cookie taste without the hassle of cookie cutters. These creamy squares packed with colorful sprinkles have become what I bring to every holiday get-together. And guess what? They're so easy to whip up you'll wonder why you haven't tried them before!
Delightful Spin on Cookie Classics
I totally enjoy traditional cookies during the season but sometimes I crave something new. This fudge packs all those wonderful cookie flavors into a smooth, creamy treat. What I really dig about it is how you can switch up the sprinkles to fit any occasion or celebration!
Main Components
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thick sweet milk forms the foundation of our treat. Don't accidentally grab evaporated milk at the store, they look similar but work totally differently in this recipe.
- Sugar Cookie Mix: You'll need two 6.25-ounce packages of dry mix to give these squares their distinctive cookie flavor. Using the premade mix makes everything so much simpler.
- White Chocolate Chips: We use 5 cups of good white chocolate chips here. They create that velvety, sweet base that makes everyone come back for seconds.
- Sprinkles: Festive sprinkles make these squares look amazing. Christmas colors work great, but you can pick whatever colors match your event.
How to Harden Fudge
- Letting the Fudge Set
- I'm not usually good at waiting for sweets but I've found that letting everything firm up naturally gives you the best results. When I'm running short on time though I pop it in the freezer for a bit just don't forget it's in there!
Adjusting Pan Sizes
- Alternative Pan Sizes
- No need to stress if your pan isn't exactly what's called for! I've made this in square 9×9 pans and rectangular 7×11 dishes. Just stay away from 9×13 pans unless you want thinner pieces. You want to keep that perfect thickness for the best bite.
Storing the Fudge
- Room Temperature Storage
- At my place these treats usually vanish within days but they'll stay perfectly fresh for about a week in a sealed container at room temp. Stick them in the fridge and you can enjoy them for a full two weeks!
Freezing the Fudge
- How to Freeze Fudge
- Want to prep early for the holidays? These squares freeze wonderfully! I always put wax paper between layers and write the date on the container. They stay good for 3 months in the freezer though at my house they never stick around that long!
Recipe Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish
- First off get an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This stops everything from sticking and helps you lift out the finished treat.
- Mix the Ingredients
- Take a medium pot and warm the sweetened condensed milk on medium-low. Once it's warm add your cookie mix and stir well. Then toss in the white chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla. Keep stirring until everything melts together smoothly.
- Transfer and Top with Sprinkles
- Take your mixture off the heat and pour it into your lined dish. Spread it out flat then scatter Christmas sprinkles all over the top. Let it sit out for 4 hours to firm up or put it in the fridge if you need it sooner.
Customizing Your Fudge
I've tried so many different versions over time! Try adding a tiny bit of almond extract for extra flavor or mix in some crushed candy canes for a minty kick. My newest favorite thing? Throwing in chunks of white chocolate before it sets it's seriously amazing!
Tips for Success
After making tons of batches I know what works best. Watch that chocolate as it melts any tiny lumps will mess up your texture. Keep your heat low and don't stop stirring. And take your time spreading it in the pan getting it nice and even makes such a big difference when you're showing it off!
Serving Suggestions
These squares always get grabbed first at holiday parties! They're perfect next to hot coffee or cocoa. For get-togethers I cut them really small and put them on my Christmas plate with some fresh mint for color. Trust me they'll be gone before anything else!
Nutritional Considerations
Let's face it this is a treat meant for enjoying! While you could try lighter versions with sugar-free stuff I just go for the real thing and eat a smaller piece. It's something special for the holidays and those little moments of joy are worth it!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These fudge squares have become such an important part of my holiday cooking. The way they mix those childhood cookie memories with rich fudgy goodness is just perfect. Whether you make them for friends give them as gifts or keep them all for yourself you'll love how easy yet impressive they are.
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Common Questions
- → How long does this fudge take to set?
- You'll need about 4 hours if left out on the counter. Want it faster? Pop it in the fridge or freezer for just 30 minutes.
- → Can I use a different pan size?
- An 8x8 or 9x9-inch dish works great. You can try a 7x11-inch pan too, but don't go with 9x13 as your fudge will end up too shallow.
- → How should I store this fudge?
- Keep it in a sealed container at room temp for up to a week. It'll stay good in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Want to save it longer? Freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Why is sweetened condensed milk important?
- You must use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. It gives your fudge the right texture and sweetness level.
- → Can I use different sprinkles?
- Sure thing! Switch up the sprinkles for any celebration you want, or just leave them off completely.