Sugar Cookie Fudge for Party Trays

The holiday season is all about sharing — and nothing says sweet celebration like a beautifully arranged dessert tray. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, attending a potluck, or building edible gifts, party trays packed with bite-sized treats are always a hit. And one dessert that never fails to steal the show? Sugar cookie fudge.

Creamy, buttery, and loaded with nostalgic sugar cookie flavor, sugar cookie fudge brings color, texture, and holiday cheer to any dessert spread. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and fits seamlessly next to cookies, candies, and other sweets on a party tray.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to create the perfect sugar cookie fudge for party trays — including a foolproof recipe, decorating tips, portion suggestions, presentation ideas, and storage advice to keep your fudge fresh from prep to party time.

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Why Sugar Cookie Fudge Is Perfect for Party Trays

Eye-Catching

Sugar cookie fudge is naturally festive — think soft white squares flecked with red and green sprinkles, or layered with pastel swirls. It brightens up any tray and pairs beautifully with other holiday desserts.

Bite-Sized

No cutting or utensils needed! Guests can easily pick up a piece and enjoy it in one or two bites — ideal for mingling parties or buffet-style gatherings.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Sugar cookie fudge stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can prep days (or even weeks) in advance without losing flavor or texture.

Customizable

You can tailor it to your color theme, party size, or dietary needs. It’s gluten-free (as long as your cookies are), and you can even make dairy-free versions if needed.

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How to Make Sugar Cookie Fudge for a Party Tray

Here’s a beginner-friendly recipe that yields smooth, creamy, crowd-pleasing fudge with a sweet sugar cookie taste.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white chocolate chips

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional but recommended)

• ¾ cup crushed sugar cookies (bake or buy your favorite)

• Holiday sprinkles (red, green, gold, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Pan:
   Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Melt the Base:
   In a saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth. Do not overheat.

3. Flavor It:
   Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.

4. Add Cookies:
   Fold in crushed sugar cookies gently. You want small chunks, not crumbs.

5. Pour & Decorate:
   Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Add festive sprinkles on top and press lightly so they stick.

6. Chill to Set:
   Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until fully firm. Then lift the fudge out and cut into small squares.

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Best Size for Party Tray Fudge

For party trays, smaller pieces are best. Aim for:

• 1-inch squares (perfect for bite-size)

• Yield: About 64 pieces from an 8×8-inch pan

• Tip: Use a warm, clean knife for neat cuts

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Decorating Ideas for Holiday-Themed Trays

Sugar cookie fudge is like a blank canvas. Here’s how to make it pop on a party tray:

Color Themes:

• Classic Christmas: Red and green sprinkles, white base

• Elegant Winter: Silver sanding sugar, edible glitter, pale blue swirls

• Rustic: Crushed cinnamon sugar cookies, caramel drizzle

• Modern Chic: Gold leaf accents, minimalist style

Topping Suggestions:

• White chocolate drizzle

• Edible glitter

• Crushed peppermint candy

• Colored sugar

• Mini cookie pieces on top

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Pairing Sugar Cookie Fudge with Other Tray Treats

Fudge plays well with many other sweets. Here’s how to build a balanced party tray:

Cookies:

• Gingerbread men

• Snickerdoodles

• Shortbread

• Chocolate crinkle cookies

Candies:

• Peppermint bark

• Chocolate truffles

• Toffee bites

• Marshmallow pops

Fruit & Extras:

• Sugared cranberries

• Dried orange slices

• Cinnamon sticks for garnish

• Chocolate-covered pretzels

Tip: Place fudge in paper candy cups or mini muffin liners to keep everything clean and easy to grab.

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How to Arrange Your Holiday Party Tray

Presentation matters! Here’s how to make your sugar cookie fudge tray look professional:

Choose the Right Tray:

• Wooden serving board for rustic charm

• White ceramic platter for elegance

• Tiered dessert stand for height and space

Use Sections:

Group treats by type and color. Place sugar cookie fudge in the center or as a border to bring color and contrast.

Add Garnishes:

Sprigs of pine, mini ornaments, ribbon, or candy canes tucked around the edges add festive flair.

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How Much Fudge Should You Make?

For party trays, plan 2–3 pieces of fudge per guest, depending on how many other desserts you’re serving.

Sample Fudge Quantity Guide:

For multiple trays or large gatherings, make double batches and store extra in the fridge or freezer.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Storage:

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers with parchment between layers for up to 2–3 weeks.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving:

• Bring fudge to room temperature 30–60 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Transport:

• Use sturdy containers if traveling.

• Keep cold if transporting in warm weather.

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Holiday Fudge Gifting Bonus

If you’re using party trays as gifts, consider including sugar cookie fudge with:

• A handwritten label or tag (e.g., “Homemade Sugar Cookie Fudge”)

• A gift box lined with wax paper and tied with ribbon

• A small insert with storage instructions and allergen notes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double the sugar cookie fudge recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13 pan for a double batch. Ensure the fudge sets completely before cutting.

Do I need to bake the sugar cookies first before adding them to the fudge?
Yes, use fully baked cookies — either homemade or store-bought — to avoid raw dough or moisture issues.

What if I don’t like almond extract?
You can omit it or substitute with more vanilla. Almond adds a classic sugar cookie flavor, but it’s optional.

Can I make this fudge without a stove?
Yes! You can melt the chocolate and condensed milk in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

How do I make it look different from plain white fudge?
Use swirls of natural food coloring, top with decorative sprinkles, or cut into fun shapes with mini cookie cutters.

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Final Tips for a Stunning Party Tray

• Balance colors with red, white, green, and neutral-toned treats.

• Include a mix of textures: creamy fudge, crisp cookies, chewy candies.

• Label your tray if allergens are a concern (e.g., contains dairy or nuts).

• Use height and layers (tiered stands or stacked cookies) to add dimension.

• Keep fudge chilled until just before serving for clean cuts and firmness.