M\&M Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe
If there’s one treat that always delivers pure happiness, it’s M&M Cookie Dough Fudge. This no-bake delight brings together the nostalgic flavors of cookie dough and the colorful crunch of mini M&Ms, all set in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge base. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, M&M Cookie Dough Fudge is a must-try treat that feels playful and sophisticated all at once—the ultimate bite-sized indulgence for kids and grown-ups alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of M&M Cookie Dough Fudge lies in a short list of pantry staples that each play an essential role. From creamy butter to vibrant candy-coated chocolates, every ingredient works together to create irresistible flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): This adds richness and helps the cookie dough base turn out creamy and soft.
- Packed brown sugar (½ cup): Brown sugar gives the dough its signature chewy, caramel-like flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): For just the right amount of sweetness and that classic cookie dough taste.
- Milk (¼ cup): A splash of milk brings everything together and keeps the texture smooth.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla adds a warm, comforting note to the fudge.
- All-purpose flour, heat-treated (1¼ cups): Heat-treating eliminates bacteria, making it safe to eat in uncooked fudge.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A small pinch balances all the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
- Mini chocolate chips (½ cup): These add delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Mini M&M candies (½ cup, plus more for topping): The star of the show! They bring color, crunch, and chocolatey fun.
- White chocolate chips (2 cups): Melted white chocolate forms the luscious fudge base.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): This makes the fudge creamy and irresistibly sweet.
How to Make M&M Cookie Dough Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the edges. This step makes it incredibly easy to lift out your fudge once it’s set—no sticking or mess when it’s time to cut those perfect squares!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and use a hand mixer (or some elbow grease!) to cream the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Blend until the mixture looks fluffy and there are no obvious lumps, setting the stage for that irresistible cookie dough flavor.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture turns smooth and creamy, with all the sugars fully mixed in. The scent at this stage will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery.
Step 4: Add Flour and Salt
Now it’s time to work in the heat-treated flour and salt. Stir them in gently, mixing until a soft dough forms. The salt is your flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness while the flour gives structure.
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Next, fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini M&Ms. Mix just enough so they’re scattered throughout the dough—you want a bit of chocolate and candy crunch in each bite of M&M Cookie Dough Fudge.
Step 6: Melt the Fudge Base
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Let it cool for a few minutes; you don’t want to melt the mini chocolate chips and candies when you mix everything together.
Step 7: Combine and Layer
Once the fudge base has cooled slightly, fold in your cookie dough mixture. Stir gently—just enough to fully combine. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly, smoothing out the top. For a festive finish, scatter a few extra mini M&Ms over the surface and gently press them in.
Step 8: Chill and Slice
Place the pan in your refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours, until the fudge is set and firm. Once ready, grab those parchment “handles” to lift out the fudge. Slice into neat squares, and get ready for lots of oohs and aahs!
How to Serve M&M Cookie Dough Fudge
Garnishes
When it comes to serving, you can’t go wrong with an extra sprinkle of mini M&Ms on top—those bright splashes of color make the fudge look irresistible. For a whimsical finish, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even drizzle a touch of melted chocolate for bakery-worthy flair.
Side Dishes
M&M Cookie Dough Fudge is delightfully rich, so it pairs well with simple accompaniments. Serve with a tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee to balance the sweetness. If you’re feeling ambitious, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns this into a truly decadent dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, present the fudge squares in colorful cupcake liners or stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a show-stopping centerpiece. Wrap individual squares in clear cellophane, tie with ribbon, and you have the cutest edible gift for holidays, birthdays, or just-because surprises!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover M&M Cookie Dough Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week, so you can sneak a piece or two whenever your sweet tooth calls!
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, M&M Cookie Dough Fudge freezes beautifully! Just wrap each square securely in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this treat, but if you prefer your fudge extra soft and gooey, let a piece sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying. It’ll taste just as dreamy as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use regular-size M&Ms instead of mini?
You can use regular M&Ms, but mini M&Ms distribute more evenly throughout the fudge, making each bite colorful and balanced. Minis are also perfect for that classic cookie dough fudge look.
How do I heat-treat flour?
To make your flour safe for no-bake treats, simply microwave it in a bowl for about 1 minute 15 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, or spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes. This kills any potential bacteria and keeps your treats worry-free!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While M&M Cookie Dough Fudge is naturally rich in dairy, you can experiment with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, dairy-free condensed milk, and suitable chocolate chips. Just be mindful that the texture and taste may change a little, but it will still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. It’s perfect if you’re making fudge for a crowd, or just know you’ll need extra to satisfy those fudge cravings.
Why is my fudge not setting?
If your fudge looks too soft or gooey after hours in the fridge, the fudge base may not have cooled enough before combining, or the white chocolate didn’t fully melt. Give it a few more hours, or try popping it in the freezer for extra firmness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that turns any day into a celebration, M&M Cookie Dough Fudge is just what you need. This cheerful, no-bake recipe is guaranteed to brighten your kitchen and bring big smiles to everyone who tries it. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and experience the magic!
Print
M&M Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 16 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of cookie dough and fudge with this M&M Cookie Dough Fudge recipe. Creamy white chocolate fudge loaded with mini M&M candies and chocolate chips make for a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini M&M candies
For the Fudge:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla, then mix in flour and salt. Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms.
- Make the Fudge: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and condensed milk in intervals. Cool slightly, then mix in cookie dough. Spread in pan, top with extra M&Ms, and refrigerate.
- Serve: Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Heat-treat flour to eliminate bacteria before using in the recipe.
- Store fudge in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
