Sugar Cookie Fudge with Candy Cane Topping

A Festive Classic: Sweet, Creamy, and Peppermint-Perfect 🍬✨

When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like the combination of sugar cookies and peppermint. Together, they capture the essence of Christmas — sweet, cozy, and joyfully nostalgic.

This Sugar Cookie Fudge with Candy Cane Topping brings both flavors together in one stunning no-bake treat. The creamy, buttery base of sugar cookie fudge pairs beautifully with the crisp, refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes. It’s like biting into the holiday season itself!

The red and white speckles on top make each square sparkle like tiny pieces of Christmas magic, perfect for dessert trays, edible gifts, or a sweet surprise for your cookie boxes.

And the best part? This fudge is unbelievably easy to make. No oven, no candy thermometer — just simple ingredients and a few festive touches to create a holiday masterpiece.

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Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe

• Quick and easy: No-bake and beginner-friendly — ready to chill in minutes.

• Festive & colorful: The crushed candy cane topping adds vibrant holiday flair.

• Creamy & rich: Smooth white chocolate fudge with classic sugar cookie flavor.

• Perfect for gifting: Stores well, travels beautifully, and looks amazing in tins or treat bags.

• No special tools needed: Just a microwave or stovetop, and you’re set.

Whether you’re making a batch for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or homemade Christmas gifts, this Sugar Cookie Fudge with Candy Cane Topping will instantly become a holiday tradition.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fudge Base

• 3 cups (510g) white chocolate chips – The base of your creamy fudge.

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Gives a smooth, velvety texture.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Classic sugar cookie essence.

• ½ teaspoon butter extract (optional but recommended) – Adds that bakery-style buttery richness.

• ¼ cup sugar cookie mix or finely crushed vanilla cookies – Enhances the sugar cookie flavor and texture.

• ⅛ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly.

For the Topping

• ½ cup crushed candy canes – Use a mix of fine and chunky pieces for texture and sparkle.

• 1 tablespoon white chocolate (melted) – Optional drizzle to help toppings stick.

• Edible glitter or white sprinkles (optional) – Adds extra festive shine.

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Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch square baking pan

• Parchment paper

• Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan

• Spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Knife or bench scraper

• Plastic wrap or container for storing

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy lifting later.

Lightly grease or spray the paper to make removal even smoother once the fudge sets.

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Step 2: Melt the Base

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.

Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and glossy.

If you prefer the stovetop, melt gently over low heat, stirring continuously until combined.

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Step 3: Flavor the Fudge

Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, butter extract, salt, and sugar cookie mix (or crushed cookies).

Mix until smooth and thick. The texture should resemble creamy cookie dough fudge, rich and sweet with that comforting sugar cookie aroma.

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Step 4: Pour the Mixture

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Smooth out the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer.

If desired, drizzle a small amount of melted white chocolate across the top to help the candy cane bits stick firmly.

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Step 5: Add the Candy Cane Crunch

Before the fudge cools, sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over the surface.

Press them gently into the fudge so they adhere but don’t sink in completely.

Optional: For a little extra sparkle, dust the top with edible glitter or snowflake sprinkles.

This step adds both texture and that signature Christmas look — white chocolate creaminess under a red-and-white candy sparkle.

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Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for 2–3 hours or until the fudge is completely firm.

Once set, lift it out using the parchment paper overhang and place on a cutting board.

Use a sharp knife to slice into even squares or bars.

Tip: Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges, especially if the candy canes are sticky.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Sugar Cookie Fudge with Candy Cane Topping is now ready to serve or wrap for gifting.

Each square glistens with crushed candy canes, offering the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and peppermint crunch.

Serve on holiday dessert boards, at Christmas parties, or as a deliciously simple edible gift for friends and neighbors.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Fudge

• Use high-quality white chocolate: It melts smoother and tastes richer.

• Crush candy canes gently: Use a rolling pin — you want a mix of tiny flecks and small chunks, not powder.

• Avoid overheating: White chocolate can scorch easily; melt slowly and stir often.

• Add toppings while warm: This ensures candy pieces stick properly.

• Slice cold: For crisp, bakery-style edges, chill completely before cutting.

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Fun Flavor Variations

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Add a thin layer of melted dark chocolate on top before sprinkling with candy canes for a peppermint bark twist.

Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Fudge

Fold in mini chocolate chips before chilling for a classic cookie-and-cream flavor.

Red & White Swirl Fudge

Tint half your fudge mixture red with gel coloring, then swirl before topping for an extra-festive look.

Mocha Peppermint Fudge

Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the base for a sophisticated, café-style version.

White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Replace candy canes with dried cranberries and white chocolate drizzle for a fruity variation.

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Storage and Shelf Life

This fudge stores beautifully — ideal for gifting or making ahead.

• Room Temperature: Up to 1 week in a cool, dry spot (in airtight container).

• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 3 weeks; slightly firmer texture but equally delicious.

• Freezer: Store in airtight bags or containers for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight. The candy cane topping may soften slightly but will still look and taste amazing.

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How to Gift Sugar Cookie Fudge with Candy Cane Topping 🎁

This fudge is practically made for gifting. It’s colorful, easy to package, and festive beyond measure.

Gift Packaging Ideas:

• Arrange fudge squares in holiday tins lined with parchment paper.

• Wrap individual pieces in wax paper or cellophane bags tied with red ribbons.

• Place in decorative mason jars with a small tag reading “Made with holiday love.”

• Add to Christmas cookie boxes alongside shortbread, truffles, and chocolate bark.

Whether it’s for teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or friends, this fudge is guaranteed to bring smiles.

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How to Serve on Dessert Trays

Add your fudge to a dessert platter surrounded by:

• Chocolate peppermint bark

• Sugar cookies

• Gingerbread men

• Mini marshmallows and candy canes

Arrange by color for a beautiful, festive layout. The red-and-white fudge makes an excellent centerpiece for any Christmas dessert table.

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Flavor and Texture Notes

Every bite of this fudge offers a creamy, buttery melt with bursts of cool peppermint crunch. The balance of smooth white chocolate and crisp candy cane pieces keeps it interesting and indulgent without being too heavy.

It’s the ideal blend of classic sugar cookie comfort and peppermint sparkle — a dessert that tastes like Christmas morning nostalgia.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

The fudge didn’t set properly.
Refrigerate longer — sometimes it needs up to 4 hours, especially if your kitchen is warm.

The chocolate separated or seized.
White chocolate burns quickly; always melt slowly and stir frequently.

Candy canes melted too much.
Add them when the fudge is slightly cooler (not piping hot) to preserve their crunch and color.

Fudge too sweet?
Add a pinch more salt next time, or drizzle with a thin layer of dark chocolate to balance the flavor.

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Decorating Ideas for Extra Holiday Charm

Want to make your fudge look bakery-worthy? Try these decorative touches:

• Drizzle melted white or red chocolate over the candy canes for a marbled look.

• Add edible snowflake sprinkles for a winter wonderland effect.

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

• Top with tiny candy cane halves for a more striking presentation.

Presentation matters — and this fudge can easily be the showpiece of your dessert spread.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Based on 36 small squares)

• Calories: ~175

• Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Sugar: 22g

• Protein: 2g

It’s sweet and rich — so a small square is the perfect serving size.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

The magic of this fudge lies in its simplicity and balance.

The white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk create a base that’s smooth and creamy but sets beautifully. The sugar cookie flavor adds depth — buttery, nostalgic, and comforting — while the candy cane topping provides the visual and textural “wow” factor.

It’s festive, easy to make, and perfectly giftable — the ideal combination for the holiday season.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this fudge without a microwave?
Yes! Use a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Can I use different kinds of candy canes?
Of course — try cherry, chocolate, or rainbow candy canes for unique flavors and looks.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores beautifully for weeks in the fridge or months in the freezer.

Can I skip the sugar cookie mix?
You can substitute finely crushed vanilla cookies or shortbread crumbs for the same flavor.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?
Yes, add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the base for stronger flavor (but keep the candy canes for crunch and color).

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — use a 9×13-inch pan for a party-sized batch.

Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! Kids love sprinkling candy canes and creating the festive topping.

What if I don’t like peppermint?
Replace candy canes with crushed sugar cookies, toffee bits, or red-and-green sprinkles for a similar holiday look without the mint flavor.

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The Sweet Taste of Christmas Magic 🎄🍬

When you combine sugar cookie comfort with peppermint sparkle, you get a treat that’s pure holiday joy — and this Sugar Cookie Fudge with Candy Cane Topping delivers just that.

It’s creamy yet crisp, elegant yet easy, and beautiful enough to gift or showcase at any Christmas celebration.

Each bite feels like a warm hug from the holidays — the kind of sweetness that turns simple moments into cherished memories.

So grab your favorite candy canes, melt that chocolate, and whip up a batch of this dazzling holiday fudge. Whether you serve it on Christmas Eve or wrap it in ribbons for loved ones, it’s sure to bring smiles, sparkle, and a whole lot of holiday cheer.