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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge – delicious easy microwaveable fudge that tastes just like chocolate chip cookie dough for an easy dessert everyone loves! I love to give delicious, fun, and unique gifts during the holidays and this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge is a fabulous gift!
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Table of Contents
Easy Chocolate Chip fudge
Chocolate chip cookie dough fudge is a decadent treat that combines the creamy richness of fudge with the nostalgic taste of raw cookie dough, studded with semisweet chocolate chips for a delightful texture contrast. This indulgent dessert is perfect for those who can’t decide between the gooeyness of cookie dough and the smooth melt-in-your-mouth experience of classic fudge. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, buttery flavors, making it an irresistible choice for special occasions or as a comforting treat. With its visually appealing layers and the surprise of chocolate chips in every piece, chocolate chip cookie dough fudge is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
I know it might seem early, but I am full in the swing of planning Christmas gifts for family, friends, neighbors and teachers. This fudge isn’t just great at Christmas- it is great any time of year, but you can’t go wrong with everyone’s favorite cookie flavor in fudge form!
How to Make Cookie Dough Fudge
First assemble the following ingredients:
- White Chocolate Chips (8 oz.) – White chocolate chips melt into a creamy, sweet base that perfectly complements the richer tones of the chocolate chips in the fudge.
- Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Semisweet chocolate chips add a deep, chocolaty richness, providing a classic taste and a delightful texture contrast.
- Butter (½ cup) – Butter enriches the fudge with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, enhancing its indulgent, velvety feel.
- Water (1 cup) – water is essential to dissolve the pudding, ensuring a smooth, uniform texture throughout the fudge.
- Cookie Dough Flavor Instant Pudding (3.9 oz.) – Cookie dough flavored instant pudding infuses the fudge with a nostalgic cookie dough taste, adding a unique twist to the traditional fudge flavor profile.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups) – Powdered sugar contributes to the fudge’s soft structure, offering sweetness and a fine texture that dissolves effortlessly on the tongue.
Use this Method
Prep Pan. Line 8-inch square pan with Foil, with ends of foil extending over sides.
Combine Ingredients. Microwave chocolate, butter, and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Add dry pudding mix and stir until mixture becomes thick and creamy. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until well blended. Add chocolate chips to fudge and stir quickly (don’t over stir or they will melt into fudge). Press onto bottom of prepared pan with back of spatula.
Firm Up. Refrigerate 2 hours or freeze 30 minutes- until firm. Eat or pack in airtight container with parchment paper between each layer and store in refrigerator.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chocolate Chip Fudge
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate chips and real butter for the best flavor. Pure vanilla extract also makes a significant difference in the depth of flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and any other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature to mix more evenly and create a smoother fudge texture.
Safe Cookie Dough: Since the cookie dough will not be baked, make sure to use heat-treated flour to eliminate any bacteria, and opt for a recipe that does not require eggs, or use pasteurized egg products to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Consistency is Key: When making the fudge base, cook it to the soft ball stage (about 234-240°F) to ensure it sets properly. Using a candy thermometer can help achieve the right temperature.
Mixing the Dough: For the cookie dough part, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy to create a light texture. Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips to avoid breaking them.
Layering: To achieve distinct layers of cookie dough and fudge, chill the first layer slightly before adding the next. This prevents the layers from mixing and helps maintain clean lines.
Setting the Fudge: Allow the fudge to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to ensure it’s fully firm before cutting. This makes it easier to get clean, even pieces.
Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge, and clean the knife between slices to keep the edges neat. If the fudge is very firm, dipping the knife in hot water can make slicing easier.
Serving Size: Chocolate chip cookie dough fudge is rich, so consider cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it perfect for sharing and can help extend its shelf life.
Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It can also be frozen for longer storage, just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
FAQs
Too Soft: This often happens if the fudge mixture wasn’t cooked to a high enough temperature. It should reach the soft ball stage, between 234-240°F. Not cooking it long enough can result in a fudge that doesn’t set properly.
Too Hard: This can occur if the fudge was cooked at too high a temperature or for too long, causing too much water to evaporate. This makes the fudge set too quickly and become hard.
To keep chocolate chips from melting and retaining their shape within the fudge, let the fudge mixture cool slightly before folding them in. Alternatively, use larger or specially formulated baking chips that are designed to hold their shape at higher temperatures.
Fudge typically takes about 2-4 hours to set in the refrigerator. However, for best results, it’s often recommended to let it set overnight. The setting time can vary depending on the recipe and the temperature of your refrigerator.
To cut fudge cleanly, use a sharp knife and warm it under hot water before slicing. Dry the knife between cuts. Making sure the fudge is fully set and chilled can also help prevent crumbling.
Graininess typically occurs when sugar crystals form in the mixture. To avoid this, make sure all the sugar is dissolved during the cooking process, avoid stirring the mixture once it starts to boil, and don’t scrape the sides of the pot where sugar crystals may have formed.
Yes, fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What to enjoy with fudge
Coffee: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of fudge, making for a delightful contrast. A strong espresso or a creamy latte can both work well.
Tea: Black tea or herbal teas like peppermint can complement the sweetness of fudge, offering a refreshing contrast.
Milk: A classic pairing, the creaminess of cold milk goes perfectly with the dense richness of fudge, especially for chocolate varieties.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a classic accompaniment to fudge. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the dense fudge, and it can help cut through the richness.
Nuts: Toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the soft, sweetness of fudge.
Cheese: For a gourmet twist, pair fudge with creamy cheeses like brie or a sharp cheddar. The saltiness of the cheese can enhance the fudge’s flavors.
Fruit: Fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or sliced apples can add a tart, refreshing element that balances the sweetness of fudge.
Wine: Choose a wine that complements the flavors of your fudge. Port wine, with its sweet and rich profile, pairs nicely with chocolate fudge. For a lighter option, try a Riesling or Moscato.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of a piece of fudge adds a light, airy texture and a slight sweetness that complements without overpowering the fudge.
Salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of fudge can enhance its flavors and add a surprising crunch. The contrast between sweet and salty is always a hit.
Digestives: Crumbly biscuits or digestive cookies can add a contrasting texture to the creamy fudge, and their mild flavor complements without competing.
Dried Fruit: Dried cherries, apricots, or cranberries can add a chewy texture and a tartness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the fudge.
Try these Christmas Recipes:
Try these favorites next: Single Serve Microwave Peppermint Fudge, Christmas Candy Cookie Dough Fudge, Rocky Road Fudge, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge!
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz. White Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips, I prefer mini
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 1 cup water
- 3.9 oz. Cookie Dough Flavor Instant Pudding OR Sugar Cookie Mix, the powdered kind in a bag
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line 8-inch square pan with Foil, with ends of foil extending over sides.
- Microwave chocolate, butter, and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted.
- Add dry pudding mix and stir until mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until well blended.
- Add chocolte chips to fudge and stir quickly (don't overstir or they will melt into fudge).
- Press onto bottom of prepared pan with back of spatula.
- Refrigerate 2 hours or freeze 30 minutes- until firm.
- Eat or pack in airtight container with parchment paper between each layer and store in refrigerator.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve never tried cookie dough before (shame on me) but I know lots of my friends love it! So these beautiful pieces of fudge make the perfect gifts for them ๐ Thanks for sharing! Have a lovely week xx
Its so tasty Sarah! Thanks ๐
I’m going to try your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge, it’s unusual & looks like it is so good! TY!
hope you love it!
Oh my gosh…this is SO up my alley, it’s not even funny. Sounds DELISH. Thank you so much for being a part of Snickerdoodle Sunday- hope you’ll return for more fun tomorrow!
Sarah (Sadie Seasongoods)
ooooh! This looks incredible! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday! Pinning and Tweeting! Would be perfect for gifts too! Have a fabulous Holiday!
~Laurie
wow looks amazing and is so easy. wondering if any pudding mix, like say vanilla, would work, hmmmm.
thanks for sharing on craft schooling sunday!
Hi Courtney! I found you through the Create it Thursday link party and fell in love with your blog! I love all your fun and creative recipes and projects and featured you this week on my blog. You can find it at http://messyhairedmom.com/feature-friday-6/ Thanks so much for sharing such great ideas on your blog, have a wonderful weekend ๐
Thanks so much McKenzie! Love your blog and your gorgeous photography!