If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that brings together creamy sweetness and crunchy chocolate cookie bits, this Cookies and Cream Fudge Recipe is your next kitchen adventure. This fudge captures the nostalgic flavor of cookies and cream in a rich, smooth candy that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at a party, or indulging just because, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite for anyone who loves a sweet, creamy, and crunchy dessert combination.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for the perfect fudge. These simple staples each play a unique role, from creating that rich, buttery base to adding texture and bursts of chocolatey goodness with every bite.
- White sugar: The main sweetener that gives body and structure to your fudge.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel, balancing the sweetness.
- Evaporated milk: Provides creaminess and helps achieve the fudge’s velvety consistency.
- White chocolate chips: Infuse the fudge with creamy sweetness and contribute to its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Mini marshmallows: Help to thicken the fudge while adding softness and chewiness.
- Crumbled Oreos: Pack in the iconic cookies and cream crunch that makes this fudge so special.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by lining an 8×8 or 9×13 pan with parchment paper or foil, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This step is essential because it allows you to easily lift the fudge out in one neat block once it’s set. Choosing the pan size depends on how thick you’d like your fudge pieces to be—thicker fudge in a smaller pan or thinner squares in a larger one.
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Butter, and Milk
Next, add the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk to a medium or large saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and begin stirring gently. As the mixture heats, it will thicken and start to boil, pulling away from the sides of the pot—keep the heat steady and stir constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Achieve the Perfect Boil
Continue stirring for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes thick with a foamy appearance. This is the moment your fudge base is ready—remove it from the heat to prevent overcooking and start adding the mix-ins.
Step 4: Melt in the White Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows
Immediately stir in the white chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Keep stirring until everything is melted and blended smoothly. This step brings velvety texture and sweetness to your fudge, making it irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Fold in the Crumbled Oreos
Now comes the fun part: mixing in two cups of crumbled Oreo cookies. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the fudge for that classic cookies and cream contrast in every bite. If you want a decorative touch, reserve some cookie crumbles to sprinkle on top once the fudge is spread out.
Step 6: Pour and Set
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Let it cool at room temperature until fully set. This hands-off waiting period allows the fudge to firm up to the perfect slice-and-serve consistency.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation of your Cookies and Cream Fudge Recipe by adding a final sprinkle of Oreo crumbles or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These simple touches create an inviting look that makes people eager to dig in.
Side Dishes
This fudge shines as a sweet ending alongside a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence during dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the fudge into fun shapes using cookie cutters for themed parties or packaging small bites in decorative cellophane bags as charming handmade gifts. Serving it on a beautiful platter surrounded by whole Oreo cookies adds a playful, inviting touch that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the fudge moist and helps to maintain its delightful texture for up to two weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze Cookies and Cream Fudge Recipe by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Properly frozen fudge can last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheating fudge isn’t usually necessary because it’s best served set and firm, but if you want it softer, let it come to room temperature naturally or warm gently in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
While you can try regular milk, evaporated milk provides richness and helps achieve the perfect creamy texture that regular milk might not. Evaporated milk’s reduced water content is key in creating the fudge’s ideal consistency.
Can I substitute dark or milk chocolate for white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Using dark or milk chocolate chips will change the flavor profile but still result in delicious fudge. It won’t be cookies and cream per se, but a tasty chocolate twist nonetheless.
Do I need to chill the fudge to set?
This fudge sets nicely at room temperature, but if you prefer to speed things up, chilling it in the refrigerator for about an hour works well too. Just be sure to let it sit a few minutes at room temperature before cutting for cleaner slices.
Can I use full-sized Oreo cookies instead of mini crumbles?
Yes, but crumbling them finely helps distribute the cookies evenly, giving the best bite experience. Larger chunks can make cutting and eating the fudge a bit messier.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Cookies and Cream Fudge Recipe makes a fantastic homemade gift. Just package it in a pretty box or tin with parchment paper lining for a thoughtful, delicious present.
Final Thoughts
Making and sharing this Cookies and Cream Fudge Recipe is like wrapping up a big, sweet hug for anyone lucky enough to get a piece. It’s easy to prepare but packed with flavor and texture that will satisfy cravings and leave smiles. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how this simple fudge turns into your new go-to dessert favorite!
Print
Cookies and Cream Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cookies and Cream Fudge is a rich, creamy, and indulgent treat combining the sweetness of white chocolate, marshmallows, and the classic flavor of crumbled Oreos. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for an easy stovetop fudge recipe with a nostalgic cookies and cream twist.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup salted butter at room temperature
- 1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk
Mix-Ins
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups crumbled Oreos (about 20 sandwich cookies)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an inch or two overhang on the sides for easy lifting of the fudge once set.
- Select Pan Size: Using an 8×8 pan will yield thicker fudge cut into 1×1 inch squares; alternatively, a 9×13 pan can be used for thinner pieces. Choose based on your preference.
- Set the Pan Aside: Have the lined pan ready while you prepare the fudge mixture to pour immediately after cooking.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a medium to large saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Stir continuously as it heats and thickens, pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Boil to Foam: Continue stirring and cook until the mixture begins to boil and forms a foamy thick texture, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Melt White Chocolate and Marshmallows: Quickly stir in white chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, mixing until they fully melt into the hot sugar base.
- Add Oreos: Stir in the crumbled Oreos to evenly distribute them throughout the fudge mixture. Optionally reserve some crumbles to sprinkle on top before setting.
- Pour and Set: Spread the fudge evenly in the prepared pan using a spatula or wooden spoon. Allow it to cool to room temperature to set completely.
- Storage: Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Store in an airtight container to prevent drying, especially if made ahead of time.
Notes
- Use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker fudge or a 9×13 inch pan for thinner pieces, adjusting cut size accordingly.
- If you prefer extra Oreo texture, reserve some crumbles to sprinkle on top before cooling.
- Ensure you stir constantly while cooking the sugar mixture to prevent scorching.
- Cool the fudge at room temperature; refrigeration is not necessary and can harden the fudge excessively.
- Store fudge in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
