This easy hot cocoa fudge recipe contains both semi-sweet chocolate chips and hot cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate flavor! I also topped the fudge with regular mini marshmallows to really make it like a cup of hot cocoa.
This hot chocolate fudge recipe is a perfect holiday treat to make this holiday season!
I chose a hot cocoa mix that also included the marshmallow bits to have even more marshmallow flavor within the fudge mixture.
Looking for more hot chocolate recipes? Then check out these hot chocolate cupcakes and frozen hot chocolate drink.
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Why You'll Love This Homemade Fudge
- No candy thermometer is needed.
- It's no bake and can be made in the microwave.
- It uses both hot chocolate powder and melted chocolate.
- The texture is both smooth and creamy.
- You can serve them at any Christmas party or give it as a gift!
I love to make fudge using sweetened condensed milk because it’s a lot easier than other recipes where you need a sugar thermometer to get an exact temperature.
I also made this in the microwave, but you could always make it on the stovetop using a large saucepan.
Ingredients Needed
Here are some notes on the simple ingredients we'll be using. For the full ingredients list, look at the recipe card below.
- Chocolate Chips: Use your preferred chocolate chip, such as milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use normal sweetened condensed milk, not fat-free.
- Hot Chocolate Mix: Gives the fudge its hot cocoa flavor. Feel free to use packets of hot cocoa like I did or your own homemade hot chocolate mix. If using homemade or from a tin, you'll need 5 tablespoons of cocoa.
- Marshmallows: I used mini to top the fudge, but you could also use dehydrated marshmallows.
Instructions
Here are the step by step instructions on how to make this chocolate marshmallow fudge.
Step 1: Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
Melt in 20 second intervals, stirring well after every 20 seconds until melted and smooth.
Step 2: Dry ingredients. Add the hot cocoa packets and salt to the chocolate mixture and mix until fully combined. Then pour into your prepared baking dish and smooth out with your spatula.
Step 3: Chill. Place the fudge into the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. The best option is to let it chill overnight.
Recipe Variations
Before spreading the fudge mixture into the baking pan, you could easily mix in other ingredients:
- Crushed candy canes.
- Peppermint candies.
- White chocolate chips.
- Tiny marshmallows (also called bits).
- Nuts.
I would mix in a ⅓ cup of any of these.
Storage Tips
Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Expert Baking Tips
- Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and then non-stick spray.
- Melting Chocolate: When making this fudge in the microwave, melt in 20 second intervals, stirring well after every 20 seconds until melted and smooth.
- Cutting Fudge: To get 1-inch small squares, use a ruler and a pastry cutter. You can also use a sharp knife. I just cut mine into 30 bigger squares.
Recipe FAQs
This fudge recipe keeps really well at room temperature if need be. I would let your recipient know that the fudge should be placed in the refrigerator upon arrival so it will last longer.
Yes! Be sure to wrap your fudge in plastic wrap a few times and place it into an air-tight container or a freezer bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
No you cannot, for they are not interchangeable. Sweetened condensed milk contains the sugar that is needed for the fudge to set up, whereas evaporated milk contains no sugar.
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below. I love hearing from you! Also, please tag me on Instagram and check out my Pinterest for even more recipe ideas.
It brings me so much joy to see you make my recipes. 🙂
Happy Baking!
More Fudge Recipes
📖 Recipe
Easy Hot Cocoa Fudge
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Rubber Spatula
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 hot cocoa packets
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Melt in 20 second intervals, stirring well after every 20 seconds until melted and smooth.
- Mix in the hot cocoa packets and salt until fully combined. Then pour into your prepared baking dish and smooth out with your spatula.
- Place the fudge into the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours (for best results, let it chill overnight). Cut the chilled fudge into 30 squares. You could also cut them into bigger or smaller squares.
- Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes:
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- Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and then non-stick spray.
- Melting Chocolate: When making this fudge in the microwave, melt in 20 second intervals, stirring well after every 20 seconds until melted and smooth.
- Cutting Fudge: To get 1-inch small squares, use a ruler and a pastry cutter. You can also use a sharp knife. I just cut mine into 30 bigger squares.
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Such a simple and easy to follow no bake fudge recipe!