Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
Table of Contents
As the snow gently falls outside and the warmth of the kitchen surrounds us, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of sweet treats filling the air. This Valentine’s Day, let’s bring a little extra love into our homes with a recipe that’s as delightful to make as it is to share: Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Fudge. It’s a recipe that speaks of tender kitchen moments, family traditions, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful from scratch.
Imagine sitting around the table, enjoying the sweet, creamy taste of homemade fudge with your loved ones. This recipe brings with it not just a burst of flavor, but a bouquet of emotions. It’s the perfect way to tell someone you love them through the language of food. The benefits of making this fudge go beyond taste alone: it’s a wonderfully easy recipe, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, and it offers a delightful creative outlet with its colorful sprinkles and drizzles of almond bark.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to indulge in something sweet and homemade. Our Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Fudge is more than just a treat; it’s a heartfelt gesture, a token of affection wrapped up in a creamy, delicious package. Here’s why this recipe deserves a place at your table:
- Easy and Approachable: This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, making it perfect for those who are new to the kitchen or those who simply love an easy-peasy project. You don’t need any sophisticated skills or equipment—just a bit of enthusiasm and a love for sweet treats.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in the kitchen as you sprinkle and stir, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The process of making fudge is an excellent opportunity for little hands to help with mixing and decorating.
- Nostalgic Delight: With flavors reminiscent of childhood sugar cookies, this fudge is a trip down memory lane. The sugar cookie base brings back fond memories of baking with family, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
- Perfectly Shareable: Whether you’re wrapping it up as a gift or serving it to guests, this fudge is sure to bring smiles all around. Its cute, festive appearance makes it ideal for sharing with friends, family, or even colleagues.
- A Touch of Whimsy: The colorful sprinkles and rich almond bark drizzle add a festive touch, perfect for a celebratory occasion like Valentine’s Day. This fudge isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cheerful expression of the holiday spirit.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Medium Double Boiler Saucepan: Essential for melting your ingredients gently and evenly. This helps prevent burning, ensuring a smooth, creamy fudge.
- 9×9” Baking Dish: Perfect for setting your fudge. The size is just right to create thick, satisfying pieces.
- Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and cleanup. It also keeps the fudge from sticking to the pan, making cutting and serving a breeze.
- Microwave Safe Bowl: Handy for melting the almond bark. You can also use it for mixing and heating other ingredients if needed.
- Zippered Bag or Fork: For drizzling the almond bark over your finished fudge. A zippered bag offers more precision, while a fork gives a rustic, homemade look.
- Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking, ensuring your fudge comes out smoothly without any fuss.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Let’s dive into the heart of our recipe. Here’s everything you need to know to whip up this delightful treat:
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sugar cookie mix (I used Betty Crocker)
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (divided)
- 3-4 ounces of almond bark or white chocolate
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a medium sized double boiler saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, sugar cookie mix, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
- Heat on medium heat and stir continuously until melted and smooth. The key here is patience—keeping the heat moderate ensures a smooth blend without scorching the chocolate.
- Once everything is melted, continue stirring for 2-3 minutes to be sure it’s all melted and coming together. This extra stirring helps incorporate air, giving the fudge a light, silky texture.
- Remove from heat (but keep on the double boiler) and add the vanilla and half of the holiday sprinkles. Mix well. The vanilla extract adds a beautiful aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- Line a 9×9” baking dish with parchment paper and spray well with cooking spray.
- Transfer fudge to the baking dish and smooth it out in the pan. Use a spatula to ensure an even surface for a uniform appearance.
- Press remaining sprinkles into the top of the fudge and chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. The chilling helps the fudge set properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
- Once the fudge has hardened, remove it from the baking dish by lifting the paper out and cut it into pieces on a hard surface. A sharp knife dipped in hot water will make slicing easier and cleaner.
- Melt almond bark in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments until melted and smooth. Stir between each interval to avoid overheating.
- Transfer almond bark to a zippered bag and cut the tip off to drizzle over fudge. You can always just use a fork to drizzle the almond bark if you prefer. The drizzle adds a decorative finish and a touch of elegance.
- Let cool completely and enjoy.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 5 minutes • Total Time: 20 minutes • Calories: 180 per piece • Servings: 16
Note: For a twist, try using different colored sprinkles or flavored extracts to customize your fudge for different occasions! Mint extract with green sprinkles for St. Patrick’s Day, or orange extract with black sprinkles for Halloween, can bring seasonal flair.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
While indulgent, this fudge brings together an array of ingredients that each have their own special touch. The white chocolate chips offer a rich, creamy base that pairs beautifully with the sugar cookie mix, a nostalgic nod to classic baking. Sweetened condensed milk provides a velvety texture, while the pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth and warmth.
The holiday sprinkles add a burst of color and fun, making each piece feel like a celebration. Meanwhile, almond bark or white chocolate drizzle adds a layer of texture and a hint of nutty sweetness. This recipe isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a joyful, sensory experience that brings happiness with every bite. Each ingredient is chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors that celebrate the essence of homemade goodness.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
Though delicious on its own, this Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Fudge pairs beautifully with a variety of other treats and drinks. Consider serving it with a warm cup of tea or a frothy hot chocolate, perfect for cozying up on a cold February day. The creaminess of the fudge complements the warmth of the drinks, creating a comforting combination.
For a more decadent experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of bubbly champagne. The contrast between the cold, creamy ice cream and the rich fudge is delightful, while champagne adds a festive touch for special occasions.
Hosting a Valentine’s gathering? This fudge is a delightful addition to a dessert platter, alongside strawberries, mini cupcakes, or a selection of cheeses for a sweet and savory balance. Its versatility makes it a wonderful complement to any occasion, big or small. You can also try serving it with a selection of nuts or dried fruits to add some texture and variety.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence, I assure you!), storing your fudge properly will keep it fresh and delicious. Place the pieces in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for a bit longer. For longer storage, consider freezing the fudge in a well-sealed container, where it can last for up to three months. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving to ensure the best texture.
For a delightful treat, try crumbling a piece of fudge over your favorite ice cream, or simply enjoy a piece with your morning coffee for a sweet start to the day. This fudge also makes a thoughtful gift; wrap pieces individually in parchment and tie with a ribbon for a charming homemade present. You can also use the fudge as a topping for brownies or cupcakes, adding a layer of flavor and charm.
As we wrap up our cozy kitchen chat, remember that the beauty of homemade cooking lies in its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or crafting a special treat for yourself, this Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Fudge is a sweet reminder of the joy and warmth that can be found in simple, easy-peasy moments.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
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Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Fudge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium sized double boiler saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, sugar cookie mix, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
- Heat on medium heat and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
- Once everything is melted, continue stirring for 2-3 minutes to be sure it’s all melted and coming together.
- Remove from heat (but keep on the double boiler) and add the vanilla and half of the holiday sprinkles. Mix well.
- Line a 9×9” baking dish with parchment paper and spray well with cooking spray.
- Transfer fudge to the baking dish and smooth it out in the pan.
- Press remaining sprinkles into the top of the fudge and chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
- Once the fudge has hardened, remove it from the baking dish by lifting the paper out and cut it into pieces on a hard surface.
- Melt almond bark in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments until melted and smooth.
- Transfer almond bark to a zippered bag and cut the tip off to drizzle over fudge.
- Let cool completely and enjoy.
