Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and fuss-free this fudge comes together. There’s no need for a candy thermometer or stovetop stirring—everything melts beautifully in the microwave. The combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate gives a balanced richness, while the hot chocolate mix adds a familiar and comforting taste. And let’s be real, those gooey marshmallows on top make every bite irresistible.

Hot Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

semi sweet chocolate chips
milk chocolate chips
sweetened condensed milk
hot chocolate mix
salted butter
pure vanilla extract
miniature marshmallows
vegetable oil

For the drizzle:

semi sweet chocolate chips
vegetable oil

Directions

I start by lining an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so I can easily lift the fudge out later. I use small binder clips to hold the edges of the parchment in place and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
In a microwave-safe bowl, I add the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, hot chocolate mix, and sliced butter.
I heat the mixture on full power for 1 minute, stir well, then continue microwaving in 45-second intervals until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth—this usually takes about 2 ½ to 3 minutes.
I stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully combined, then mix in 2 cups of miniature marshmallows.
I microwave the mixture for another 20 to 30 seconds and give it a couple of good stirs.
I pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it out with an offset spatula.
I sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows over the top, pressing them gently so they stick.
I cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until it’s set.
Once set, I remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board.
For the drizzle, I melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir until smooth, and then drizzle it over the marshmallow-topped fudge.
I let the chocolate drizzle harden, then slice the fudge into 25 squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 25 squares of fudge. The hands-on prep takes about 10–15 minutes, and chilling requires at least 2 hours, so I usually plan for around 2 hours and 15 minutes total.

Variations

I like adding crushed peppermint or candy canes on top for a festive twist—especially during the holidays.
If I don’t have envelopes of hot chocolate mix, I use about ½ cup of canned mix instead.
I can swap out the hot cocoa mix brand depending on what’s in the pantry.
For a nuttier bite, I sometimes fold in chopped walnuts or pecans with the marshmallows.
To make it more indulgent, I’ve tried adding a caramel swirl before chilling—so good.

storage/reheating

I store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to a week. If I want to keep it longer, I freeze it in a single layer, then transfer the squares to a freezer bag—it holds up for about 2 months. There’s no need to reheat; I just let frozen pieces sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I prevent the marshmallows from falling off the top?

I gently press the marshmallows into the surface of the fudge before chilling to make sure they stick. The drizzle of chocolate over the top also helps keep them in place.

Can I make this fudge without a microwave?

Yes, I’ve melted the chocolate mixture on the stovetop using a double boiler. I just stir constantly until it’s smooth, then follow the recipe as usual.

What type of hot chocolate mix works best?

Any standard instant hot chocolate mix will do. I’ve used both name-brand and store-brand with great results.

Can I use all semi-sweet or all milk chocolate chips?

Absolutely. I like the blend of both for balance, but using just one kind of chocolate still makes delicious fudge.

How do I get clean, sharp slices?

I use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Sometimes I dip the knife in hot water and dry it off to make slicing easier.

Conclusion

This hot chocolate fudge is one of my favorite ways to bring a cozy treat to life with minimal effort. Whether I’m prepping a holiday tray or just craving something sweet and nostalgic, this recipe always hits the mark. It’s rich, chocolatey, and packed with that comforting cocoa flavor I can’t resist.

Julia