Christmas Fudge

Name: Christmas Coal Fudge
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 50
Ingredients: 5 cups sugar; 1 cup (2 sticks) butter; 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk; 1 (13 ounce) container marshmallow fluff; 2 ½ cup semisweet chocolate morsels; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Black gel food coloring

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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

If fudge is something you enjoy making over the holiday season, then you are going to LOVE this Christmas Fudge. It’s made with the best ingredients, and when you bite into it, you will fall in love with the flavor instantly. Marshmallow fluff, chocolate, sugar, and butter are the main ingredients in this delicious Christmas Coal Candy recipe.

christmas fudge next to a christmas gift box

Imagine bringing something to a holiday gathering that everyone just falls in love with. You will be amazed at how quickly this sweet treat disappears. If the goal is to not bring any leftovers home after a holiday gathering, then this easy fudge recipe is for you. You will get a sweet taste with every bite you take!

This decadent fudge is the perfect holiday treat or last-minute gift for your sweet tooth friends. It’s an incredibly easy recipe to make and is great for spreading the holiday cheer. Christmas fudge also known as Christmas Coal Candy is a perfect gift for teachers and coworkers.

What is Christmas Fudge?

To put it simply, fudge is a type of sugar candy. You can make fudge in a variety of ways, but the main way is by mixing butter, sugar, and milk together. It’s heated and then cooled, and the end result is a creamy dessert that many people love.

You can often find Christmas fudge at malls and touristy locations. However, now you’ll be able to make fudge right in your own home!

Ingredients Needed for Christmas Fudge

Sugar: you can’t make fudge without sugar!

Butter: another important ingredient in this fudge is butter.

Evaporated Milk: an unexpected yet welcome ingredient in fudge.

Marshmallow Fluff: if you’ve never had marshmallow creme in fudge, it’s amazing!

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: this ingredient is going to make your fudge super chocolaty.

Vanilla Extract: every good dessert recipe needs a little vanilla extract.

Black Gel Food Coloring: this will be what makes the fudge a coal color, just in time for Christmas.

butter, sugar and evaporated milk melting in pan

How to Make Christmas Fudge

Please see the recipe card for the ENTIRE recipe, this is a condensed version.

Get a large baking sheet ready.
In a heavy pan, add butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. With a wooden spoon, keep stirring constantly.
Once the butter and sugar have melted, you are going to bring them to a boil.
Go ahead and stir in the black gel food coloring. You get to choose how dark you want the fudge.
Stir in the marshmallow fluff, chocolate morsels, and vanilla extract.
Pour the fudge mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature.
Cut into squares with a sharp knife, lift the fudge out with the wax paper.
Refrigerate the fudge in an airtight container between sheets of waxed paper.

chocolate christmas fudge stacked on tissue paper

Substitutions and Variations

Create a design. Put white, dark or milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Then pour over the top of the fudge. Swirl a design with a toothpick.

Make them festive. Add in festive sprinkle into or on top of your fudge for a delicious holiday treat.

Add a fun topping. Crush peppermint candies or candy canes and add on the top of the fudge for a seasonal look.

Change up the flavor. Add in a little bit of peppermint extract for a spin on this classic chocolate fudge.

christmas coal fudge sliced and stacked on top of each other

Christmas Fudge FAQs

What size pan should I use for Christmas fudge?

I made this fudge on a 11×15 baking sheet. A 9×13 baking pan can be used for thicker pieces.

Can I freeze fudge?

Fudge is very easy to freeze! It’s also a great dessert to make ahead of time and take out of the freezer when you’re ready.

Do I have to add the food coloring?

The answer is NO, you don’t. If you want to leave out the food coloring, go for it. It won’t be as dark of a color, but it will still taste delicious.

Other Holiday Recipes to Enjoy

Christmas Coal Candy Recipe

Christmas Coal Fudge

Yield: 50 pieces

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

5 cups sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (13 ounce) container marshmallow fluff
2 ½ cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Black gel food coloring

Instructions

Prepare a large baking sheet with waxed paper.
In a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, cook the butter, sugar, and evaporated milk, stirring constantly.
Cook until the butter and sugar has completely melted. Continuing to stir, bring the mixture to a boil And cook until soft ball stage, between 235 degrees and 245 degrees. This takes approximately 11 minutes.
Stir in the black gel food coloring until you reach your desired shade of black.
To the sugar mixture, stir in the marshmallow fluff, chocolate morsels, and vanilla extract until the chocolate is completely melted and combined. Add additional black gel food coloring, if desired.
Pour the fudge onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.
Lift the fudge from the baking sheet using the waxed paper. Cut into squares.
Refrigerate the fudge in an airtight container between sheets of waxed paper.