If you’re all about the dreamy union of nostalgic, gooey cookie dough and luscious, melt-in-your-mouth fudge, then M&M Cookie Dough Fudge is a treat that you simply can’t miss. Packed with vibrant mini M&M’s and mini chocolate chips floating in a soft, creamy base, this colorful no-bake dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for birthdays, bake sales, or any time you need a little extra joy. It’s the kind of sweet that pulls you in for “just one more square” every time you open the fridge!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe all comes down to a handful of simple but key ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from creamy richness to the iconic bursts of chocolate and color you expect from M&M Cookie Dough Fudge. Use the best quality you can find for truly irresistible results!
- Unsalted butter: Gives the fudge its base of rich creaminess and classic cookie dough flavor.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Adds that unmistakable caramel undertone found in classic cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar: Brings essential sweetness while keeping the texture smooth.
- Milk: Binds everything together and helps create a soft, scoopable dough texture.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for those wonderful, warm bakery notes.
- Salt: A tiny pinch balances out all the sweetness and lifts the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (heat-treated): For that cookie dough consistency, but make sure it’s cooked for safety!
- Mini chocolate chips: Add tiny pockets of chocolate that melt just slightly in the finished fudge.
- Mini M&M’s: For those joyful splashes of color and that extra chocolate crunch.
- White chocolate chips: The fudge base—velvety, creamy, and sweet; swap with semi-sweet for a deeper flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Binds the whole fudge together with glossy, decadent richness.
How to Make M&M Cookie Dough Fudge
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out later. This simple step not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your M&M Cookie Dough Fudge instead of scrubbing pans.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and milk. Stir gently and patiently until the butter melts and all the sugar crystals dissolve completely, resulting in a glossy, uniform mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt—the kitchen will smell like delicious cookie shops! Let this mixture cool slightly so you don’t melt the chocolate chips in the upcoming steps.
Step 3: Add Flour and Mix-ins
Once the mixture is just warm, not hot, stir in the heat-treated all-purpose flour until everything looks cookie dough-like and homogenous. Next, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s, holding back just a handful of each to sprinkle on top for a truly picture-perfect finish.
Step 4: Prepare the Fudge Layer
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. This forms the creamy base that gives M&M Cookie Dough Fudge its signature texture—rich, dense, and sweet.
Step 5: Combine and Set
Now for the magic: gently fold the cookie dough mixture into the melted white chocolate base until everything is perfectly combined. Pour this into your lined baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top. Don’t forget to scatter your reserved mini chocolate chips and M&M’s over the surface and lightly press them in for that bakery-worthy look. Allow the fudge to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until it’s firm enough to cut neatly into squares.
How to Serve M&M Cookie Dough Fudge
Garnishes
For an extra touch of fun and sweetness, sprinkle a few more mini M&M’s or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the top just before serving. You could even add a light dusting of colorful sprinkles for special occasions—it instantly makes each piece a tiny celebration!
Side Dishes
Since M&M Cookie Dough Fudge is rich and sweet, pair it with something refreshing, like a cup of black coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These pairings balance out the fudge’s sweetness and let all those cookie dough flavors pop.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond squares! Try serving pieces in mini cupcake liners, threading them onto skewers for fun party “fudge pops,” or stacking just-cut cubes in pretty mason jars tied with colorful ribbons. M&M Cookie Dough Fudge also makes an adorable homemade gift—just wrap in cellophane with a bow for instant smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge and it’ll stay beautifully fresh for up to a week. Layer parchment between the pieces to keep the colors from the M&M’s looking bright and to prevent any sticky situations.
Freezing
M&M Cookie Dough Fudge freezes like a dream! Once fully set, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then tuck them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, and you can enjoy a sweet bite straight from the freezer or thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
No need to reheat this fudge since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If yours has been stored in the freezer, just let it thaw for 20 to 30 minutes on the counter before digging in so you can fully appreciate its soft, creamy texture.
FAQs
Do I have to heat-treat the flour for this recipe?
Yes, always heat-treat flour before using it in no-bake treats like M&M Cookie Dough Fudge to eliminate any potential bacteria. You can quickly do this by baking at 350°F for about 5 minutes or microwaving in 30-second bursts until it reaches 165°F.
Can I use regular M&M’s or other candies?
Absolutely! Though mini M&M’s give the best bite-sized crunch and color, feel free to use regular-sized M&M’s, chopped up if you like, or swap in other colorful chocolate candies for a fun twist.
What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
For a less sweet, more classic chocolatey version, substitute the white chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Just note that the overall fudge will be richer and less creamy white in color.
Help! My fudge didn’t set properly. What went wrong?
If your fudge is too soft, it likely means there was a bit too much liquid or not enough chilling time. Let it refrigerate a while longer, and don’t forget those crucial measurements—using too much milk or not enough white chocolate can definitely affect texture.
Can M&M Cookie Dough Fudge be made vegan or gluten-free?
With a few swaps, yes! Use plant-based butter and milk, a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative, gluten-free heat-treated flour, and dairy-free chocolate chips and candies. Just check your brands to be sure!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party or treating yourself to a nostalgic pick-me-up, this M&M Cookie Dough Fudge is pure, colorful happiness in every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your newest must-have treat—give it a try and see why so many people fall in love at first square!
Print
M&M Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of cookie dough and fudge with this M&M Cookie Dough Fudge recipe. Creamy white chocolate fudge loaded with mini chocolate chips, M&M’s, and a hint of vanilla, creating a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s
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 dish with parchment paper. In a saucepan, melt butter, sugars, and milk. Remove from heat, add vanilla, salt, and flour. Mix in chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk in the microwave.
- Combine and Chill: Fold the cookie dough mixture into the melted white chocolate. Pour into the pan, top with reserved chips, and chill for 3 hours.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Heat-treat flour for safety.
- Substitute white chocolate with semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
