Indulge in the sweet sensation of Monster Cookie Dough Fudge, a delightful fusion of cookie dough and creamy fudge that promises to satisfy any sweet tooth. This colorful treat is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Here’s how to create this irresistible dessert step-by-step:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 ½ cups plain M&M’s (divided into 1 cup and 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup plain mini M&M’s (divided into 1/2 cup and 1/2 cup)
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups good quality white baking chips (e.g., Ghirardelli)
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Directions :
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick spray.
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Microwave the all-purpose flour for 1 minute, then allow it to cool completely before sifting to remove any clumps.
- Place 1 cup of plain M&M’s and ½ cup of mini M&M’s into separate freezer bags and freeze them while preparing the recipe.
Make the Cookie Dough Base:
- In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, and salt using a handheld mixer for about 1.5-2 minutes until smooth.
Incorporate Flour and M&M’s:
- Reduce mixer speed and add the cooled flour, mixing until well combined. Stir in the frozen M&M’s from the freezer bags using a wooden spoon.
Prepare the Fudge Mixture:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in 30-second intervals, stirring well until completely melted and smooth.
Combine and Chill:
- Fold the white chocolate mixture into the cookie dough until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Add Final Touches:
- Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and mini M&M’s over the fudge, gently pressing them into the surface. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, remove the fudge from the refrigerator and slice into 25 squares. Each piece will showcase the colorful M&M’s and irresistible cookie dough flavor.
Prep Time and Storage:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes (including chilling)
- Servings: Makes 25 squares
Serving and Storage Tips :
Enjoying and preserving your Monster Cookie Dough Fudge is easy with these helpful serving and storage tips:
Serving Tips:
- Slice Before Serving: To ensure neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges.
- Room Temperature: For a softer texture, let the fudge sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Enhance presentation by garnishing each piece with additional M&M’s or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Pairing: Serve alongside a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite coffee for a delightful pairing.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen fudge, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- Texture: Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture due to the dairy content, but it remains delicious.
- Avoid Heat: Keep fudge away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent melting and preserve its shape.
- Enjoy Fresh: Consume within a week for optimal taste and texture, though it’s often enjoyed before then!
Follow these tips to ensure your Monster Cookie Dough Fudge stays fresh, delicious, and ready to delight your taste buds whenever you crave a sweet treat or need a perfect homemade gift.
Variations :
Explore these creative twists to customize your Monster Cookie Dough Fudge and add exciting flavors:
- Peanut Butter Lover’s Fudge:
- Swirl creamy peanut butter into the fudge mixture before chilling for a nutty twist. Top with peanut butter cups or chopped peanuts.
- Double Chocolate Fudge:
- Replace the white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer chocolate experience. Add chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Crunch Fudge:
- Stir in chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the fudge mixture for added texture and crunch. Sprinkle more nuts on top before chilling.
- Caramel Swirl Fudge:
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the fudge mixture and swirl it with a toothpick for a sweet caramel flavor. Top with sea salt for a delightful contrast.
- Cookies and Cream Fudge:
- Crush chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreo cookies) and fold them into the fudge mixture. Garnish with cookie crumbs and whole cookies on top.
- Fruity Delight Fudge:
- Fold in dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots into the fudge for a fruity burst. Sprinkle more dried fruit on top for decoration.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Fudge:
- Add mint extract to the fudge mixture for a refreshing minty flavor. Mix in mini chocolate chips and garnish with mint leaves for a cool treat.
- S’mores Fudge:
- Layer crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows between the fudge mixture in the baking dish. Toast the marshmallows slightly under a broiler before serving.
- White Chocolate Raspberry Fudge:
- Swirl raspberry jam or puree into the fudge mixture for a fruity and tangy twist. Top with fresh raspberries or raspberry sauce.
- Candy Bar Explosion Fudge:
- Chop up your favorite candy bars like Snickers, Kit-Kat, or Reese’s and mix them into the fudge. Sprinkle more chopped candy bars on top before chilling.
Experiment with these variations to create your own unique version of Monster Cookie Dough Fudge. Whether you prefer classic flavors or want to explore new combinations, each variation offers a delicious twist on this beloved treat, perfect for any occasion!
FAQs :
- Can I use different types of M&M’s in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match various flavors of M&M’s to customize the taste and appearance of your fudge.
- How long does Monster Cookie Dough Fudge stay fresh?
- When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Monster Cookie Dough Fudge can stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Can I freeze Monster Cookie Dough Fudge?
- Yes, you can freeze Monster Cookie Dough Fudge for up to 1 month. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
- Do I need to heat treat the flour before using it in this recipe?
- Yes, microwaving the flour for 1 minute and allowing it to cool completely helps to eliminate any potential bacteria, making it safe to consume in the fudge.
- Can I use different types of chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
- Certainly! You can substitute white chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
- How can I prevent the fudge from becoming too soft?
- Make sure to chill the fudge in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm before slicing. This will help maintain its shape and texture.
- Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this fudge?
- Yes, you can customize your fudge by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even crushed cookies to enhance texture and flavor.
- What’s the best way to store leftover fudge?
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
- How should I serve Monster Cookie Dough Fudge?
- Serve chilled fudge straight from the refrigerator for the best texture. It pairs well with a glass of milk, coffee, or as a sweet treat after meals.
- Can I make this fudge without using a microwave?
- Yes, you can melt the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk using a double boiler method on the stovetop. Stir frequently until smooth and melted.
These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common queries about making and storing Monster Cookie Dough Fudge. Enjoy creating and indulging in this delightful treat!
This Monster Cookie Dough Fudge recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of cookie dough and fudge in one delightful treat. Whether shared at gatherings or enjoyed as a special dessert, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and treat yourself to a burst of sweet joy!