This Hot Chocolate Fudge is everything cozy about a mug of hot cocoa, turned into a rich, and creamy homemade fudge. This is a twist on my favorite microwave fudge, that is loaded with chocolate, hot cocoa mix, and finished with mini marshmallows on top, just like your favorite cup of cocoa. It’s a perfect candy for the winter season, and especially when you want something sweet without using a candy thermometer.
This homemade fudge is extra easy, but still packed with flavor. It has dried hot chocolate mix added in to add a little extra flavor, but is still foolproof.
Why You’ll Love this Fudge
- Quick and Easy: This fudge is surprisingly easy to make, with only a few simple ingredients – the chocolate can be heated in a pot on the stove, or in a bowl in the microwave. The best part is you don’t even need a candy thermometer!
- Perfect for Gifting: This makes a great homemade gift for your friends and family during the holidays. Package a few pieces up in cellophane bags, or add it to your cookie trays.
- Creamy Texture: The fudge is creamy, smooth and soft.
- Festive Flavor: The hot cocoa mixed in, and mini marshmallows make this fudge extra cute, and extra fun for the holiday season!
Ingredients Needed
This is a quick overview of some the ingredients you’ll need for this Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
- Chocolate Chips: you can use dark chocolate, semi sweet, or milk chocolate chips
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Do not confuse this with evaporated milk, you want the thick, sweet, and creamy milk.
- Heavy Cream: We use a little for dissolving the hot cocoa mix.
- Hot Chocolate Mix: We’re using the dry mix powder, it adds the best extra chocolatey flavor to the fudge.
- Mini Marshmallows: You can use the regular gooey mini marshmallows or mini dehydrated marshmallows. This adds a little extra flavor, texture, and gives the fudge the look of a cup of cocoa!
How to make Hot Chocolate Fudge
Step 1: Dissolve the Hot Chocolate Mix. Add the dried hot chocolate powder, butter, and cream to a pot and mix over medium low, for a couple minutes until the chocolate powder is dissolved.
Step 2: Make the Fudge Base. Add in the Sweetened condensed milk and mix until its all creamy. Remove from the heat and immediately add in the chocolate chips. Stir until the mixture is totally smooth.
Step 3: Pour into the Pan. Pour the chocolate fudge into a lined baking pan and spread it to the corners. Spread the top so it is mostly even. Pour the mini marshmallows over the top, and gently press them into the top of the fudge.
Step 4: Drizzle with more Chocolate. Add the remaining chocolate chips to a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each until you can stir it totally smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the marshmallows. Let the fudge set until the chocolate is set, then slice and enjoy.
Tips and Tricks
- Line your Pan: Line your square pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift the fudge out of the pan when its done, and slice it up easily.
- High Quality Ingredients: Use good, high quality ingredients to improve the taste and texture of your fudge. I love Ghiradelli Semi Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips, or Guittard Milk Chocolate Chips.
- Add Peppermint: I love a little peppermint in my hot chocolate. If desired, add crushed peppermint candy pieces on top of the fudge when you add the mini marshmallows.
Storage Instructions
Once the fudge is set you can store the pieces in a ziplock bag or airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature (if your kitchen isn’t too warm) or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the fudge for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature for a few hours, or in the fridge overnight.
This Hot Chocolate Fudge is cozy, chocolatey, and as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a fun dessert all year long, or extra festive during the winter season!
More Fudge Recipes
- Mint Chocolate Fudge
- White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
- German Chocolate Fudge
- Caramel Apple Fudge // Like Mother Like Daughter
- Rocky Road Fudge // Like Mother Like Daughter
If you try this Hot Chocolate Fudge, please leave a 🌟 rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Hot Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Hot Chocolate Mix (dry mix/powder)
- 2 TBS Heavy Cream
- 2 TBS Unsalted Butter
- 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 3 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips (divided)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (fresh or dehydrated)
Instructions
- Line a 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving some hanging over the side for easy removal.
- Add the Hot Chocolate Mix, Heavy Cream, and Butter to a medium pot over medium low. Stir together until the butter has melted, the powder has dissolved and the mixture is blended well. 1/4 cup Hot Chocolate Mix, 2 TBS Heavy Cream, 2 TBS Unsalted Butter
- After it is dissolved (check with your fingers to make sure its not grainy) add the Sweetened Condensed Milk and stir until totally mixed and creamy. 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Remove from the heat and add in 3 cups of the chocolate chips. Stir until they are totally melted. (Add back to the heat over low if they won't melt all the way without.) Stir in the Vanilla Extract. 3 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly to the edges and corners of the pan.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the top of the fudge, and press them into the fudge lightly so they stick better. 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to a small microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments until you can stir it smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the mini marshmallows.
- Cover the pan and let the fudge sit until it is set, a few hours. Or place it in the fridge to chill for a couple hours. Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan and cut it into small pieces with a sharp knife, and enjoy!
Notes
- Line your Pan: Line your square pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift the fudge out of the pan when its done, and slice it up easily.
- High Quality Ingredients: Use good, high quality ingredients to improve the taste and texture of your fudge. I love Ghiradelli Semi Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips, or Guittard Milk Chocolate Chips.
- Add Peppermint: I love a little peppermint in my hot chocolate. If desired, add crushed peppermint candy pieces on top of the fudge when you add the mini marshmallows.
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