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Tootsie Roll Fudge

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Enjoy a rich and chocolaty treat with this Tootsie Roll Fudge recipe. It’s an easy-to-make fudge that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and have you coming back for more.

 

Main image for Tootsie Roll Fudge

 

Made with Tootsie Roll Midgees, peanut butter, and confectioners’ sugar, this fudge has a unique chewy texture and delicious chocolate flavor! You’re going to love it! 

This quirky recipe is a fun twist on traditional fudge with a unique flavor and a fun festive flair.

The addition of Tootsie Rolls gives the fudge a nice chewy texture, almost like a chewier version of a tootsie roll.

You can customize it with different mix-ins like pecans or M&M’s.

This Tootsie Roll recipe is a great treat for Halloween or any candy-themed party.

It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special equipment.

 

Tootsie Roll Midgees, butter and peanut butter in a pot, uncooked

 

What is a Tootsie Roll?

A Tootsie Roll is a candy that was first introduced in 1896. 

It’s a chewy, chocolate-flavored candy that’s made from a mixture of cocoa powder, sugar, and corn syrup. 

This candy is known for their unique texture and have become a popular candy around the world.

They especially popular at Halloween and other holidays or parties where they can be easily passed out since they are individually wrapped.

 

vanilla extract added to melted tootsie rolls

 

Who Invented Tootsie Rolls?

Tootsie Rolls were invented by a man named Leo Hirshfield in 1896. 

Hirshfield named the candy after his daughter, whose nickname was Tootsie (what a cute nickname!). 

This candy has since become a beloved candy and are still made today by the Tootsie Roll Company.

And midgees are what you’ll need for this recipe. That’s the smaller version of the large Tootsie.

 

powdered sugar added to melted tootsie rolls

 

What Ingredients are in Tootsie Roll Fudge?

This sweet treat is made with just a few simple ingredients (all of which you can get from the dollar store):

  • Tootsie Roll Midgees: These are the main ingredient in the fudge and give it a unique chewy texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds flavor and helps to melt the Tootsie Rolls smoothly.
  • Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar this sweetens the fudge and helps to thicken the mixture.
  • Milk: Helps to thin out the mixture and make it easier to stir.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor and enhances the chocolate flavor of the Tootsie Rolls.
  • Chopped Pecans (Optional): Adds crunch and flavor to the fudge. You can use other nuts in place of the pecans if desired.
  • Plain M&M’s (Optional): Adds color and flavor to the fudge. 

 

milk added to melted tootsie rolls

 

How to make Tootsie Roll Fudge

This is such a great way to use up leftover Halloween candy! And good news! It’s easy to make too!

This sweet twist is perfect for party favors and is a classic candy favorite!

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Melt Tootsie Rolls, peanut butter, and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Stir in vanilla and alternately stir in confectioners’ sugar and milk.
  3. Fold in pecans, if desired.
  4. Spread mixture into a square pan and score into small squares using sharp knife.
  5. Press M&M’s candies into the center of each square while the mixture is still warm.

Pro tips:

  • For best results, line your pan with nonstick foil or wax paper for easy removal and clean-up.
  • If the mixture is too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Store fudge in a covered airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one week.

 

thick fudge like tootsie rolls ready for the pan

 

Can You Melt Tootsie Rolls?

Do Tootsie Rolls melt? Yes, you can actually melt them!

In fact, melting Tootsie Rolls is a key step in making this Fudge. 

Here’s how to melt Tootsies. First you’ll need to heat them up over low heat in a heavy saucepan until they become soft and pliable. 

And that’s it! Super simple!

If you are using the microwave, heat in small 10-15-second increments. Don’t heat them too quickly or they’ll burn.

Adding a little bit of butter (teaspoon butter) can help to make the melting process easier.

 

Fudge pressed into pan, cut and an M&M pressed into each piece

 

How to Soften Tootsie Rolls to Shape into Objects

To soften Tootsie Rolls for shaping into objects, simply microwave them for a few seconds or knead them with your hands until they become pliable. 

This actually doesn’t take very long if you use your hands. But if you’re trying to soften a lot of them, I recommend the microwave.

You can then shape them into whatever you like, such as animals or flowers, and they will harden again as they cool.

 

zoomed out image of tootsie roll fudge pieces laid out on counter

 

What to do With Tootsie Rolls

Tootsie Rolls are a classic candy that can be enjoyed on their own or used in a variety of recipes. 

You can make this Tootsie Roll dessert, use them as a topping for ice cream, or even melt them down to use as a chocolate coating for other candies.

I also have a super yummy recipe for Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn! Perfect for using up leftover Halloween candy.

 

 

Cut fudge bites removed from the pan and on the counter.

 

Are Tootsie Rolls Vegan?

Tootsie Rolls are not considered vegan as they contain gelatin, which is derived from animal products. 

They also contain milk products, so definitely not vegan.

However, there are vegan versions of Tootsie Rolls available that are made with plant-based ingredients.

Or find a recipe online and make your own Tootsie Rolls! They can be fun to make and probably save you some money too!

 

zoomed in image of two pieces of fudge with the remaining in the background

 

Are Tootsie Rolls Gluten Free?

Tootsie Rolls are not considered gluten-free as they contain wheat products! So that’s another no! 

However, there are gluten-free alternatives to Tootsie Rolls available, such as Unreal Candy’s Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars.

And if you want to make your own recipe of Tootsie Rolls at home, just find a recipe that doesn’t call for any gluten ingredients.

Can Dogs Eat Tootsie Rolls?

Tootsie Rolls are not recommended for dogs as they contain chocolate, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. 

Even small amounts of chocolate can be toxic to certain dogs! So be very careful!

It’s best to stick to dog-friendly treats when giving your furry friend a snack.

And that goes for everything else on Halloween too! Candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, and all other candies should be kept away from your pet!

 

hand holding a piece of tootsie roll fudge

 

Additional Recipes that use Halloween Candy…

Tootsie Roll Fudge is a quick and easy dessert that is kid friendly and a blast to make! Enjoy during the holidays or all year long.

 

Yield: 49 squares

Tootsie Roll Fudge

zoomed in image of two pieces of fudge with the remaining in the background

Enjoy a chocolaty treat with this Tootsie Roll Fudge recipe. It’s an easy-to-make fudge that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Line a 9-in. square pan with nonstick foil.
  2. In a heavy saucepan, melt the Tootsie Rolls, peanut butter and butter over low heat, stirring constantly until Tootsie Rolls are melted and mixture is smooth.
  3. Stir in the vanilla.
  4. Alternately stir in the confectioners' sugar (1/4 cup at a time) and milk. The mixture will be VERY thick.
  5. Spread into prepared pan.
  6. Using a sharp knife, score the surface into 1-in. squares. Press a M&M's candy into the center of each square while warm (not hot).
  7. Allow to cool.
  8. Using foil, remove fudge from pan; cut into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

49

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 69Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g
Originally Posted: October 16, 2014

Photo & Text Updated: September 22, 2023

Recipe Adapted From: Taste of Home

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Susan

Tuesday 17th of August 2021

I so want to make this! But I have a question?? Can anyone give me a good substitute for the peanut butter??? I have to people that can not have nuts

Janelle

Monday 11th of October 2021

You could try another nut butter. I've never tried a different nut butter but if you do, let me know how it turns out.

EMily

Thursday 16th of October 2014

wow!! this looks amazing! I love tootsie rolls ;o)

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