Pin it
Mixing candy-loaded cookie dough with creamy fudge creates this mouthwatering no-bake delight. The blend of peanut butter, chocolate, and colorful candy chunks delivers an amazing two-in-one dessert experience. It's the perfect sweet treat for giving as gifts, adding to holiday platters, or just when you're craving something special.
I came up with this treat when my children wanted cookies but turning on the oven wasn't an option in the summer heat. The bright candies made them think of tiny monsters, and that's where the fun name came from. These days, my family asks for it at every gathering we have.
What You'll Need
- All purpose flour: Builds the base and gives that real cookie dough flavor. We'll heat it up first so it's totally safe in this no-bake treat
- White chocolate chips: They form our silky fudge foundation. Go for brands like Ghirardelli for the best melting results
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates that thick, dreamy fudge consistency
- Regular and mini M&Ms: Add pops of color and chocolatey bits throughout
- Butter: Brings that homemade cookie richness
- Brown sugar: Gives that distinctive cookie dough taste we all love
- Granulated sugar: Works with the brown sugar for just the right sweetness
- Half and half: Makes everything extra smooth without being too runny
- Vanilla extract: Ties all the flavors together with a cozy touch
Simple Preparation Steps
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Put parchment paper in an 8x8 inch pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray. The paper works as handles to pull out your finished fudge, while the spray keeps it from sticking.
- Make the Flour Safe:
- Put your flour in a microwave-safe bowl and zap it for one minute flat. This kills any harmful bacteria without changing how it tastes. Let it cool completely, then sift it to get rid of any lumps.
- Chill the Candy:
- Stick 1 cup regular M&Ms and 1/2 cup mini M&Ms in separate freezer bags and pop them in the freezer while you work. Cold candy won't leak colors into your fudge mixture.
- Mix the Cookie Part:
- Beat the butter, both sugars, half and half, vanilla, and salt together for about 2 minutes until it looks light and fluffy. Mix in the cooled flour just until it's combined. This is your cookie dough foundation.
- Make the Fudgy Part:
- Melt your white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Go slow – 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring between each blast until it's perfectly smooth. Don't rush or the white chocolate might clump up.
- Bring Everything Together:
- First fold those frozen candy pieces into your cookie dough mix. Then carefully stir in the white chocolate mixture just until combined. Don't mix too much or the colors will start to run.
- Let it Firm Up:
- Spread everything evenly in your pan. Sprinkle the remaining candy on top and press it in gently. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or leave it overnight.
- Cut and Enjoy:
- Divide into 25 squares for perfect snack-sized pieces. For really neat cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between slices.
Pin it
Those bright M&Ms really make this dessert mean something special to me. My grandma always had a jar full of them on her kitchen counter, and making this brings back memories of visiting her house as a kid when she'd let us grab a handful for a special treat.
Prep Ahead Options
The flavor of this fudge actually gets better over time as everything melds together. You can make it three days before you plan to serve it for the most amazing taste. Keep cut squares in a sealed container in your fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to save it longer, wrap individual pieces in plastic, put them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you're ready to eat them.
Switch It Up
You can really play around with this recipe to make it your own. Swap out M&Ms for Reese's Pieces, chocolate chips, or chunks of your favorite candy bars. For Christmas or other holidays, try using candies in seasonal colors. Need a gluten-free version? Just use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour mix instead. Don't have half and half? Any milk or non-dairy alternative will work fine too.
Ways To Enjoy It
Add these squares to a dessert platter with fresh fruit and other small sweets. For parties, try putting each piece in a tiny cupcake wrapper so guests can grab them easily. They taste amazing with coffee, hot chocolate, or a big glass of cold milk. Want to go all out? Warm a piece slightly and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Pin it
One bite of this sweet treat will bring joy to anyone lucky enough to try it—making memories has never been so delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the M&M’s for another kind?
Absolutely! Try peanut butter M&M’s, dark chocolate ones, or whatever you love for a fresh twist.
- → Why do I need to heat the flour first?
Warming up the flour helps make it safe to eat by zapping any bacteria that could be in raw flour.
- → Can I use other kinds of chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Sure! Substitute with dark chocolate or milk chocolate, but it’ll change the overall taste a bit.
- → What’s the best way to keep this fudge fresh?
Pop it into a sealed container and store it in the fridge—keeps it good for about a week.
- → Can I freeze leftovers to enjoy later?
Yep, just place it in a freezer-safe airtight container, and it’ll last for 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before you eat it.