Classic Christmas Fudge

$To make Classic Christmas Fudge, you need these simple ingredients: - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) - A pinch of salt The classic flavor of fudge comes from a few key ingredients: - Sugar gives the fudge its sweet base. - Cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate taste. - Whole milk creates a creamy texture. - Butter enhances the smoothness and adds richness. - Chocolate chips deepen the chocolate flavor. - Vanilla extract rounds out the taste with warmth. These components work together to create a smooth, rich, and decadent fudge that melts in your mouth. You can tweak the fudge to fit your taste by adding extras: - Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch. - Marshmallows can give a chewy texture. - Dried fruit like cranberries or cherries can add a fruity note. - Different chocolate types, such as dark or white chocolate, can change the flavor. Feel free to experiment with these add-ins to make your fudge unique! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) - A pinch of salt Make sure you have a medium saucepan ready. A greased 8x8-inch baking dish will help us later. Next, mix the sugar, cocoa, and salt in your saucepan. Stir them well to combine. Now, slowly whisk in the whole milk. Mix until it looks smooth. Turn on the heat to medium. Stir the mix constantly. This helps prevent burning. Wait until the mixture starts to boil gently. Let it boil without stirring for about 4 to 5 minutes. It should reach the soft-ball stage. This is around 234°F or 112°C. After boiling, remove the pan from heat. Add the butter, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. Stir until melted and smooth. If you want extra crunch, fold in the chopped nuts now. Pour the fudge mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. Let it cool at room temperature. This takes about 2 hours. You want it to set firm. Once set, cut the fudge into squares. Serve them on a nice platter. Enjoy this sweet treat during the holiday season! To get that smooth, creamy fudge, you need to watch the heat. When you boil the mixture, do not stir. This lets the sugar reach the right stage. Use a candy thermometer to check the soft-ball stage at 234°F or 112°C. If you miss this point, your fudge can turn out too hard or too soft. One big mistake is not mixing the sugar and cocoa well. If you skip this, you might get lumps in your fudge. Always mix the dry ingredients first. Another error is not cooling the fudge enough before cutting. If you cut too soon, it can crumble. Patience is key here! Want more flavor? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder. These will give your fudge a warm twist. For a festive look, sprinkle powdered sugar on top or add edible glitter. You can also use colorful wrappers. This makes great gifts, adding a personal touch to your holiday treats. Pro Tips Use a Candy Thermometer: Ensuring the fudge reaches the soft-ball stage temperature is crucial for the perfect texture. A candy thermometer will help you achieve this with accuracy. Let it Cool Completely: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature before cutting. This will help it set properly and make it easier to cut into neat squares. Mix in Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, like almond or peppermint, in addition to vanilla for a unique twist on the classic fudge flavor. Storing Fudge: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can mix things up with your fudge flavors. Try adding peppermint extract for a minty twist. Just one teaspoon will do! You can also mix in crushed candy canes for a fun crunch. Another great idea is to use caramel swirls. This adds a sweet, buttery flavor. For a nutty touch, try using almond extract with almond slivers. Making fudge gluten-free is easy! Just ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free. You can use coconut milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option. Replace the butter with coconut oil. This keeps the fudge creamy and rich. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips to maintain that delicious chocolate flavor without dairy. Get creative with your fudge by adding unique ingredients. Try mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity flavor. You can also add a swirl of peanut butter for a rich taste. For a festive look, use colored sprinkles on top. Another fun idea is to make layered fudge. You can create layers of different flavors for a beautiful presentation. To keep your classic Christmas fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use a container that seals well. You can layer the fudge squares with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together. If you have leftovers, avoid exposing them to air. This helps prevent drying out. When stored properly, the fudge lasts about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen fudge can last up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To keep your fudge tasting great, always check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in texture or smell. If you see any crystals forming, that’s a sign it might not be fresh. Store it in a cool, dark place, away from heat sources. This helps maintain its rich flavor and creamy texture. Enjoy your holiday treat! You can tell fudge is ready when it reaches the soft-ball stage. This happens at about 234°F or 112°C. If you do not have a thermometer, you can test it using a spoon. Drop a small amount of fudge into cold water. After a few seconds, take it out. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready. Another sign is that the fudge will look shiny and smooth. Yes, you can use different types of chocolate in your fudge. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. Milk chocolate makes it sweeter and creamier. You can also mix chocolates for a unique flavor. Just make sure to keep the same total amount of chocolate. This way, the fudge sets well and tastes great. To cut fudge neatly, first, let it cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. You can warm the knife slightly under hot water for smoother slicing. Wipe the knife with a cloth between cuts. This keeps the edges clean and helps avoid mess. For even squares, score the top before cutting all the way through. In this article, we explored fudge from ingredients to storage. We listed all key components for classic fudge and offered optional add-ins for your own twist. I shared easy steps to prepare and cook, plus cooling tips for the best texture. We also covered common mistakes to avoid and variations for every taste, including gluten-free options. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep your fudge fresh. Make your fudge journey enjoyable and delicious!$

A rich and creamy fudge perfect for the holiday season.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cups whole milk
0.25 cups unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
0.5 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
a pinch salt

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and mix until combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Allow it to boil without stirring for about 4-5 minutes. You want the mixture to reach the soft-ball stage (around 234°F or 112°C).
Remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. Stir until everything is melted and smooth.
If using, fold in the chopped nuts at this stage for extra texture.
Pour the fudge mixture into a greased 8x8-inch square baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours until set.
Once set, cut the fudge into squares and serve.

Notes

Arrange the fudge squares on a festive platter and decorate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or edible gold glitter for a holiday touch. Consider wrapping some squares in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon for gifts!

Keyword chocolate, fudge, holiday