Christmas Coal Fudge looks just like a lump of coal from Santa’s naughty list, but it’s actually creamy white chocolate fudge. It takes 10 minutes in the microwave with no candy thermometer, and it makes the funniest homemade gift for friends, neighbors, and coworkers. The whole batch costs about $8.77, or just $0.55 per serving.
I’ve been making this coal fudge for years as a funny gift for friends and neighbors. Everyone laughs when they open a bag of “coal,” then realizes it’s creamy white chocolate fudge. I start with white chocolate so the black color comes out true and even, and if you love easy holiday candy, it’s one of my favorite Christmas fudge recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Funny Holiday Tradition. A playful take on getting coal in your stocking that makes everyone laugh.
- Festive Appearance. Black food coloring and dark sanding sugar make each piece look like sparkling coal.
- Great for Gifting. A fun homemade treat for friends, neighbors, coworkers, and Christmas parties.
- 10-Minute Microwave Fudge. No stove and no candy thermometer, just a bowl, a microwave, and an 8×8 pan.
- About 55 Cents a Piece. The whole batch costs about $8.77, so you can make gifts for the whole office.
After many years of testing dessert recipes, I know the best homemade candy looks impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen. This Christmas Coal Fudge comes together in just minutes but looks like a fun, thoughtful holiday gift.
If you like this recipe, try Grinch Fudge and Red Velvet Fudge.
Ingredients
- White Chocolate Chips. I like to use Ghirardelli for a smooth, creamy fudge, but any good-quality white chocolate chips will work.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk. This gives the fudge its creamy texture and helps it set. Don’t grab evaporated milk by mistake; it won’t set.
- Unsalted Butter. Melting it with the chips helps the white chocolate melt smoothly and gives the fudge a softer bite. Unsalted lets you control the salt.
- Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract adds extra flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Black Gel Food Coloring. You’ll need about 2–3 teaspoons to get true black. Gel works best because liquid coloring adds too much moisture and can keep the fudge from setting.
- Black Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar. Sprinkle over the top to give the fudge a sparkly, coal-like finish.
- Salt. Just ½ teaspoon balances the sweetness of the white chocolate.
Find the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.
How to Make Christmas Coal Fudge
Step 1. Place the white chocolate chips with the butter in a microwave safe dish. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring constantly between each interval until they are melted.
Step 2. Add the sweetened condensed milk. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The mixture will thicken quickly and look glossy and smooth.
Step 3. Next, add the food coloring until the mixture is the color that you prefer. You will need 2-3 teaspoons of the food coloring.
Step 4. Line an 8X8 baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Spread the mixture into a pan. Slightly bang the pan on the countertop to even out the top layer of the fudge. Top with sprinkles and allow to cool completely. Top with sprinkles, let it cool on the counter, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm enough to cut.
Pro Tips
- Use a glass bowl and a dark spatula. Black gel coloring can stain light-colored plastic and silicone.
- Cut it cold. For clean squares, cut the fudge straight from the fridge with a sharp knife. Run the knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Go rough for real “coal.” For a more realistic look, break the chilled fudge into uneven chunks instead of cutting neat squares.
Coal Fudge Fixes
- It looks gray, not black. Keep adding gel coloring, 1 teaspoon at a time. It also darkens as it sets.
- It’s grainy or thick before the milk goes in. The white chocolate got too hot. Next time, stop microwaving when a few lumps remain and let stirring finish the job.
- It won’t set. Liquid coloring or evaporated milk is usually the cause. Give it a full night in the fridge.
- The sprinkles fall off. Add them right after spreading, while the top is still soft.
Naughty List Gift Bags
One 8×8 pan makes 16 pieces, enough for 4 small gift bags with 4 pieces each. Break the fudge into rough chunks, drop them into clear cellophane bags, and tie with twine and a tag that says “You’ve been a little naughty this year… but it’s fudge!” The whole batch costs about $8.77, so each gift is about $2.19. It’s a fun homemade gift for coworkers, teachers, and white elephant exchanges.
Variations
- Chocolate. Instead of white chocolate chips, you can use white baking chocolate or almond bark.
- Dark Chocolate. Use the same amount of dark chocolate chips in place of white chocolate. The darker base means you’ll need much less black coloring, about 1–2 drops.
- Peppermint. Swap the vanilla for peppermint extract. If you love mint, my white chocolate peppermint fudge is another easy holiday favorite.
- Sea Salt. Sprinkle sea salt on top of the fudge. This is an easy way to cut down on the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, with wax paper between the layers. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months: wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer container. Thaw at room temperature before serving. For more tips, see my guide to freezing fudge.
It can tint your tongue for a little while, like any dark-colored candy, but it rinses away. If you’d rather use less coloring, see the dark chocolate option in Variations.
Yes. Once the fudge is firm, break it into rough, uneven chunks instead of cutting neat squares. Spooning the mixture into separate mounds doesn’t work well, because it spreads before it sets.
The usual culprits are liquid food coloring or evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. Both add too much moisture. If it’s just soft, give it more time in the fridge; overnight is best.
Find more no-fuss holiday candy in my easy fudge recipes.
More Easy Fudge Recipes
It’s your turn to try this fun and tasty Christmas Coal Fudge recipe. Once you make it, leave a comment and let me know how you liked it.
Christmas Coal Fudge
Ingredients
- 18 oz White Chocolate Chips
- 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Black Gel Food Coloring
- Black Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar for topping
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Place the white chocolate chips with the butter in a microwave safe dish.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until they are melted.
- Stir in the condensed milk, vanilla extract and salt.
- Add in the black food coloring until the mixture is the color that you prefer. You will need 2-3 teaspoons of the food coloring.
- Line an 8X8 baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the pan. Slightly bang the pan on the countertop to even out the top layer of the fudge.
- Top with the sprinkles or sanding sugar.
- Allow to cool at room temperature and then place in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Carefully remove the fudge from the pan and then it’s ready to cut, serve and enjoy!
Planning to make this for Christmas. Was wondering if this could be made into “lumps”..dropping the mix into separate drops and sprinkling with the sanding sugar or sprinkles. Would the “lumps” melt?
Cheeryl – I haven’t tested that yet but I’m thinking the mixture wouldn’t stay in the lump form while it sets, that’s why I made this mixture into fudge and not candies. You could try putting the mixture into a mini-muffin tin to give it more a lump shape to allow the fudge to fully set. Let me know how it turns out!