Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe
Alright, let me tell you about this Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe that’s become my absolute holiday favorite. It’s one of those delightful treats that bring instant smiles, blending creamy white chocolate goodness with a cheeky pop of Grinch-green color. I remember making this for the first time last year, and everyone, kids and adults alike, were captivated—it’s such a fun way to celebrate the season with a sweet twist.
This fudge works beautifully as a last-minute gift, a festive party treat, or just a little something to brighten your own holiday snack stash. The vibrant green hue with cute red heart sprinkles makes it not only delicious but a cheerful addition to your dessert table. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe, this one’s an absolute winner you’ll enjoy time and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe works together to create that perfect creamy, rich texture and show-stopping look. When you pick your white chocolate chips, I always go for a high-quality brand like Ghirardelli because it melts smoothly and tastes heavenly.
- White chocolate chips: Using Ghirardelli or a similar quality brand helps your fudge melt evenly and taste rich without being cloyingly sweet.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is key for creamy texture; make sure to use the full-fat kind for the best fudge!
- Salted butter: Adds depth and cuts sweetness slightly; keep it chilled and cubed for easy melting.
- Clear vanilla extract: I prefer clear to avoid turning the fudge beige, keeping that bright green color crisp.
- Gel green food coloring (Electric Green #162 – Americolor): Gel colors are concentrated so you’ll get the bold Grinch-green without watering down the fudge.
- Red heart candy sprinkles (Wilton brand JUMBO hearts): These add the perfect festive touch, like little cheerful Grinch-y hearts on top!
Variations
I like to play around with this Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe depending on who I’m making it for. You can easily swap the sprinkles or add your favorite nuts for crunch. It’s totally customizable, so feel free to make it your own!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: I’ve swirled in some peanut butter before, which adds a nice salty contrast to the sweet fudge—everyone loved it!
- Dairy-Free Version: By using dairy-free white chocolate and coconut condensed milk, this fudge can be made vegan-friendly without losing its charm.
- Different Sprinkles: Sometimes I use crushed candy canes or edible glitter for a different festive look.
How to Make Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Melt everything gently
Start by combining your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and the chilled cubed butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Stir gently but constantly to prevent scorching the chocolate—this part’s crucial to get that silky texture. Don’t rush; low and slow melts everything evenly. Once everything is smooth and melted together, remove from heat.
Step 2: Add vanilla and color
Stir in the clear vanilla extract for that warm, cozy flavor. Then comes the fun part—add your gel green food coloring a little at a time until you get that vibrant Grinch green shade. I like starting with ¼ teaspoon and adjusting from there. Remember, a little goes a long way with gels!
Step 3: Pour and decorate
Pour your luscious green fudge mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan and smooth out the top. While the fudge is still warm, sprinkle those jumbo red heart candies evenly—this adds a pop of festive color and a touch of sweetness. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, or pop it in the fridge to speed up the setting process.
How to Serve Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with the red heart candy sprinkles because they look adorable and add that sweet crunch. Sometimes I also sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible gold glitter for a sparkly holiday touch that kids especially adore.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of peppermint tea or a mug of rich cocoa. At parties, I like to serve it alongside other classic Christmas cookies to offer a variety of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Whenever I gift this fudge, I cut it into neat mini squares and place them in festive tins lined with wax paper. For a whimsical touch, I sometimes wrap each piece in green tissue paper with a tiny red bow—such a charming, personal touch that everyone appreciates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I find it best to layer pieces with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together and maintain that fresh texture.
Freezing
If you want to save fudge for longer, freezing works great! Just freeze the fudge squares in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months—perfect for prepping ahead of the holiday rush.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen fudge, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you want to freshen it up a bit, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. No need to reheat in the microwave—this fudge tastes best when cool and firm.
FAQs
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Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel green food coloring in the Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe?
While you can use regular food coloring, gel food coloring is recommended because it provides a more vibrant color without thinning out the fudge. Regular liquid color may affect the texture, making it less firm or too runny. So for that perfect Grinch-green look, stick with gel coloring.
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How long does the Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge take to set?
The fudge usually sets in about 2 hours at room temperature, but if you’re in a hurry, pop it into the fridge and it should be firm in about an hour. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before slicing for clean edges.
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Can I make this Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This fudge keeps really well and can be made several days ahead or even frozen for up to 3 months. Just store it properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
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Do I have to use the red heart candy sprinkles?
Not at all! The red hearts are just a festive touch I love, but you can use any sprinkle or candy decoration you prefer—or none at all if you want a simpler look. It’s your fudge, your rules!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe is a real joy to make and share—it brings together a fun holiday theme with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. I’ve made it every year since discovering it, and it never fails to impress both my family and friends. If you want a festive, easy-to-make treat that stands out on any dessert table, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Go ahead, try it out and watch those faces light up with delight!
PrintChristmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Mini Grinch Fudge Recipe! Creamy white chocolate fudge is beautifully tinted electric green and topped with adorable red heart sprinkles, capturing the mischievous spirit of the Grinch. Easy to make and perfect for gifting or party treats, this rich, sweet fudge is sure to become a holiday favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 25 mini fudge pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips (approximately 2 (11-ounce) bags of Ghirardelli brand chips)
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¾ teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon gel green food coloring (Electric Green #162 – Americolor brand)
Topping
- 25 extra-large red heart candy sprinkles (Wilton brand red JUMBO hearts)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the fudge once set.
- Melt chocolate mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and chilled salted butter cubes. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, ensuring the butter is incorporated evenly without overheating or burning the chocolate.
- Add flavor and color: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the clear vanilla extract and gel green food coloring a little at a time until you achieve a vibrant electric green shade typical of the Grinch theme.
- Pour and top: Pour the green fudge mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Immediately sprinkle the 25 extra-large red heart candy sprinkles evenly over the top to create the festive holiday look.
- Set the fudge: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm and set.
- Cut and serve: Once set, remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper edges, if used. Cut into small squares or festive shapes as desired and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the green food coloring gradually to avoid overpowering the white chocolate’s taste.
- Ensure the butter is chilled but cut into small cubes for even melting and smoothness.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For gifts, wrap individual pieces in festive holiday candy wrappers or small tins.
Keywords: Christmas fudge, Grinch fudge, white chocolate fudge, holiday dessert, festive treats, easy fudge recipe
