Name: Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 2 1/2 cups (425 g) semisweet chocolate chips; 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts; 3/4 cup mini peanut butter cups; 2 tablespoons mini peanut butter M&M’s (preferably red)

If you’re craving a holiday treat that’s rich, creamy, and packed with fun surprises in every bite, I absolutely love sharing this Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge Recipe with friends and family. It’s like a chocolate party with marshmallows, peanuts, peanut butter cups, and those festive mini peanut butter M&Ms all rolled into one irresistible fudge. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to gift or cozy night-in snack – it’s fan-freaking-tastic!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with Delicious Mix-Ins: Every bite surprises you with mini marshmallows, peanuts, peanut butter cups, and festive M&Ms that add fun texture and flavor.
No Candy Thermometer Needed: This fudge is smooth and creamy thanks to the sweetened condensed milk technique — no stress about candy temps here.
Perfect for Gifts and Parties: I love making this ahead for the holidays because it stores beautifully and always impresses guests.
Simple Prep and Quick Set Time: You can whip this up in about 10 minutes plus chill time, so it’s easy enough for last-minute festive cravings.

A close-up of a chocolate brownie cut into small squares, showing a thick, rich brown base with a soft texture. The top layer is decorated with scattered red candy-coated chocolates, white marshmallows, whole light brown peanuts, and pieces of milk chocolate with ridges. The brownies are arranged tightly next to each other, making a grid-like pattern. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge, holiday fudge recipes, festive chocolate fudge, easy Christmas fudge, no-bake holiday treats

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to give the fudge that classic smoothness with a playful twist of textures. I always recommend using good-quality semisweet chocolate chips for that perfect balance of rich chocolate without being too sweet.

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy semisweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick sweetened condensed milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine unsweetened cocoa powder, a few coarse kosher salt crystals scattered artfully, a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with soft mini marshmallows, a small white ceramic bowl with golden roasted salted peanuts, a small white ceramic bowl containing several mini peanut butter cups, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red and orange mini peanut butter M&M’s, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge, holiday fudge recipes, festive chocolate fudge, easy Christmas fudge, no-bake holiday treats

Cooking spray: Helps keep your pan ready for the fudge without sticking, making removal super easy.
Semisweet chocolate chips: I use the classic brand because they melt beautifully and give a nice depth of flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is the magic ingredient that creates creamy, no-fail fudge every time.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds an extra chocolate punch and balances the sweetness.
Kosher salt: Just a touch to enhance the chocolate flavor and cut through the sweetness.
Mini marshmallows: They melt slightly into the fudge while still giving a chewy contrast.
Roasted, salted peanuts: The saltiness and crunch complement the sweet fudge perfectly.
Mini peanut butter cups: These are my secret weapon — when stirred in gently, they add pockets of peanut butter goodness.
Mini peanut butter M&M’s (preferably red): These festive candies add color and a bit of candy shell crunch on top, making the fudge pop.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge Recipe feels like a canvas for fun additions. You can easily switch up the nuts or candies to fit your family’s favorites or even dietary needs — I encourage you to make it your own!

Nut-Free Version: I once made this for a school bake sale and swapped peanuts for extra mini marshmallows and crushed pretzels to keep the texture without peanuts.
White Chocolate Twist: Feel free to mix half semisweet and half white chocolate chips for a swirled look and mellow flavor if you want something a little less intense.
Dark Chocolate Boost: Swap in dark chocolate chips if you like a richer, slightly less sweet fudge that balances well with the sweet toppings.
Seasonal Candy Substitutes: Try peppermint M&Ms in winter or mini peanut butter cups in fall for festive flavor shifts I’ve enjoyed making year-round.

How to Make Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides—that way, lifting out the fudge later is a breeze. Lightly spray with cooking spray so nothing sticks. I used to fuss with greasing without parchment, but this method made my life so much easier!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture Gently

Over medium-low heat, combine semisweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and kosher salt in a large pot. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom and sides to prevent burning. This usually takes 3 to 5 minutes until silky smooth. I discovered this trick after burning a batch once — patience and gentle heat are key here.

Step 3: Fold in the Fun Mix-Ins

Remove the pot from heat, then stir in mini marshmallows and roasted, salted peanuts. Next, gently fold in the mini peanut butter cups — be careful not to crush them because those pockets of peanut butter are pure magic. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, spreading evenly and pressing down lightly to remove air pockets.

Step 4: Top It Off and Chill

Sprinkle the mini peanut butter M&Ms on top and gently press them into the fudge surface so they stick. Pop the pan into the fridge for at least 2 hours until set. I find chilling overnight gives the best texture and makes cutting cleaner.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge slab out onto a cutting board, then slice into squares. I recommend a sharp knife warmed in hot water for smooth cuts. This fudge is rich, so smaller squares are perfect for sharing and savoring.

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Pro Tips for Making Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Gentle Heat is Your Friend: Low and slow melting avoids seizing your chocolate and keeps it silky smooth.
Use a Silicon Spatula: I find it perfect for scraping the pot’s edges without scratching and mixing thoroughly.
Don’t Crush Your Mix-Ins: Add peanut butter cups last and fold gently for those delightful chocolate-peanut pockets.
Patience When Cutting: Chill fudge well and use a warmed sharp knife for clean squares that impress every time.

How to Serve Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge Recipe

A pile of thick square chocolate fudge pieces filled with whole and halved nuts, white marshmallow chunks, and red candy-coated chocolates. Each piece has a rich dark brown color with visible textures from the nuts and marshmallows embedded inside. Some squares show a swirl of creamy peanut butter mixed with the chocolate. The fudge pieces are stacked in layers and arranged on a smooth white plate, placed on a white marbled texture surface with some nuts and red candies scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge, holiday fudge recipes, festive chocolate fudge, easy Christmas fudge, no-bake holiday treats

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra mini peanut butter M&Ms or chopped roasted peanuts on top right before chilling — it adds a colorful, festive touch and a little extra crunch that’s just so satisfying. For holiday parties, a light dusting of cocoa powder around the serving plate adds a nice finish.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich hot chocolate or a simple glass of cold milk to balance all the sweetness. I also like serving it with salted caramel popcorn for a fun sweet-and-salty dessert spread during family get-togethers.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I package squares in clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons, or stack them in a decorative tin lined with parchment. For parties, I cut the fudge into bite-size cubes and serve on a holiday-themed wooden board with little forks so guests can nibble happily without sticky fingers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My family rarely has leftovers, but when they do, I keep the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. It stays perfectly soft and tasty for up to two weeks. I find room temp keeps it chewy, but the fridge extends shelf life without drying it out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this fudge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight—surprisingly, the texture stays lovely and creamy.

Reheating

You don’t really need to reheat fudge, but if you like it softer, I gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 5-7 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or the chocolate might get grainy. I usually prefer letting it come to room temp naturally—it melts in your mouth beautifully that way.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for the Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge Recipe?

Absolutely! Swapping semisweet for dark chocolate gives the fudge a richer, slightly more bitter flavor that balances well with the sweet mix-ins. Just choose a good quality dark chocolate chip and melt it gently to keep the texture smooth.
What’s the best way to cut Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge without it cracking?

For neat cuts, chill the fudge until completely set, then use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, wiping it dry before slicing. This method helps make clean cuts without cracking or crumbling.
Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on sweetened condensed milk and milk-based chocolate for its creamy texture, so it’s tricky to substitute directly. However, you can experiment with vegan chocolate chips and condensed coconut milk, though results may vary. I’ve had the most success using a specialized vegan fudge recipe for dairy-free needs.
How long does the Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated, the fudge stays fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Reindeer Tracks Chocolate Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart – it’s one of those recipes that instantly brings people together over shared smiles and second (okay, third) helpings. I love how approachable it is, yet packed with festive, nostalgic flavors that feel like a warm holiday hug. If you want to wow your friends, family, or even just treat yourself, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this fudge a try. You’ll find it’s delicious, fun to make, and a surefire crowd favorite. Happy fudge making!