Eggnog Fudge That Melts in Your Mouth

If you’ve ever wanted to bottle up the cozy taste of the holidays, eggnog fudge might just be your new favorite treat. This creamy, sweet, and subtly spiced candy brings together everything we love about the festive season—rich eggnog flavor, hints of nutmeg, and melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate. Whether you’re planning a dessert table, searching for an edible gift, or simply craving something indulgent, eggnog fudge fits the bill beautifully.

Don’t miss our Christmas Fudge Cake if you’re looking for more decadent holiday bakes.

Let’s dive into why this seasonal fudge has become a holiday favorite in kitchens across the country.

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Why Eggnog Fudge is the Ultimate Holiday Treat

What Makes Eggnog Fudge So Special

Eggnog fudge isn’t just another festive dessert—it’s a sweet symphony of flavor and texture. The velvety richness of eggnog pairs effortlessly with white chocolate to create a smooth, luxurious fudge. Add in warming spices like nutmeg and a splash of rum extract, and each bite tastes like holiday cheer.

Beyond its flavor, eggnog fudge is also simple to prepare and doesn’t require any baking. It only takes about 15 minutes to whip together (plus chilling time), making it a great choice for busy bakers.

When to Serve It During the Holidays

This fudge is a showstopper for any Christmas party, New Year’s gathering, or cookie exchange. Since eggnog is available only a few weeks each year, this recipe is perfect for making the most of that limited-time flavor.

Set it out alongside your favorite cookies or serve it in festive paper wrappers for guests to enjoy on-the-go. Hosting a brunch? A small square of eggnog fudge pairs beautifully with coffee or a cup of mulled cider.

Ideal for Gifting and Sharing

Need an easy, affordable, and heartfelt gift idea? Eggnog fudge checks all the boxes. You can package it in holiday tins, glass jars, or wrapped in parchment with ribbon for a homemade gift everyone will rave about.

Looking for inspiration? Try gifting it along with our Christmas Cookie Bars for a sweet little sampler box.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Eggnog Fudge

Why Full-Fat Eggnog Matters

The type of eggnog you use can make or break this recipe. Stick to full-fat, store-bought eggnog for best results. The reduced-fat versions are too thin and may cause the fudge to set improperly. Homemade eggnog, while delicious, often lacks the consistency needed for perfect texture.

Marshmallow Cream vs. Condensed Milk

Instead of sweetened condensed milk, this recipe uses marshmallow cream for its signature soft texture and stability. It helps bind the fudge and keep it creamy without becoming overly dense.

If you’re tempted to swap it out, be warned—it won’t yield the same silky finish. The marshmallow cream also prevents sugar crystallization, which is key to a smooth fudge.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Holiday Cheer

Want to get creative? You can fold in chopped candied pecans, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top, or swirl in a bit of cinnamon sugar before chilling.

Discover great ideas like these in our Eggnog Pie—a rich, custardy alternative perfect for your dessert rotation.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Eggnog Fudge

Prepping the Pan and Ingredients

Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper—this makes removing and slicing the fudge much easier. Gather your ingredients: chopped white chocolate, unsalted butter, sugar, full-fat eggnog, ground nutmeg, rum extract, and marshmallow cream.

White chocolate chips aren’t recommended; use high-quality chopped white chocolate for better meltability and smoother texture.

Boiling to the Soft Ball Stage

In a medium saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, and eggnog. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches a boil. You’ll want to continue boiling until it hits the “soft ball” stage—about 8 to 10 minutes or 234°F on a candy thermometer.

No thermometer? Drop a spoonful into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball. This step is critical to getting the right consistency once the fudge sets.

Mixing and Pouring Like a Pro

Once you’ve hit the perfect temperature, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour it over your bowl of chopped white chocolate and stir until smooth. Add in the nutmeg, rum extract, and marshmallow cream, then beat the mixture until everything is fully combined and glossy.

Pour it into the prepared pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The result? Creamy, dreamy, festive fudge every time.

Don’t miss our Super Ginger Molasses Cookies if you want another old-fashioned holiday favorite to go with your fudge tray.

Pro Tips for Fudge That Turns Out Every Time

Avoiding Grainy Texture

One of the most common fudge issues? A gritty, sugary feel. This usually happens when the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely before boiling or the mixture is stirred too vigorously once it starts to cool. To prevent this, stir constantly during the heating process and resist the urge to scrape the sides of the pan where sugar may have crystallized.

If you’re unsure how smooth fudge should look, check out the texture in our Christmas Cookie Bars, which also balance creaminess with sweetness.

How to Test Without a Thermometer

Don’t have a candy thermometer? No problem. The “soft ball” test works just fine. Simply drop a small amount of the boiling mixture into a glass of ice water. If it forms a soft, flexible ball that flattens between your fingers, it’s ready.

This old-school method may seem simple, but it’s surprisingly reliable when done carefully.

Chilling and Storage Tips

Let the fudge set in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Once set, cut into small squares with a sharp knife for clean edges. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

For more holiday prep tips, don’t miss our Coconut Sweet Potato Lentil Soup, a great make-ahead dish to balance out your holiday sweets.

Fun Variations of the Classic Eggnog Fudge

Eggnog Fudge with Rum Extract

The original recipe already includes a splash of rum extract, but you can increase it slightly for a stronger flavor. Alternatively, try real dark rum—but reduce the eggnog a touch to maintain the same liquid ratio.

Want more warm, hearty flavors? Check out our Italian Sausage Chestnut Pasta—a savory hit for holiday dinners.

Spiced Eggnog Fudge with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Nutmeg gives this fudge its classic eggnog warmth, but adding a pinch of cinnamon and even a dash of clove can give it more depth. Sprinkle extra spices on top before chilling for a festive finish.

You could also stir in candied ginger for a spicy surprise in every bite.

White Chocolate Eggnog Swirl Fudge

Create a marbled effect by swirling in plain melted white chocolate on top after pouring the fudge into the pan. Drag a skewer or butter knife through to create elegant swirls.

This not only looks stunning but adds another layer of creamy richness to each square.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Fudge

Conclusion: Bring Holiday Cheer with Every Bite

Eggnog fudge is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a nostalgic taste of the holidays packed into every square. With its rich, creamy texture and warm spice notes, this festive dessert brings joy whether you’re enjoying it by the fire, sharing it with loved ones, or wrapping it up as a homemade gift.

It’s easy enough for beginners and customizable for seasoned bakers. From spiced versions to fancy white chocolate swirls, eggnog fudge proves that the simplest recipes often bring the biggest smiles.

Looking for more no-fuss, festive sweets? Don’t miss our Christmas Fudge Cake—it’s another holiday classic that’s guaranteed to impress.

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