Description

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

Instructions

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

Notes

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!