Makes 16 pieces • Prep Time: 5 to 7 minutes, plus 4 hours chilling time • Cook Time: 4 minutes

You don’t need to spend hours decorating cutout cookies to impress friends and families. This fudge comes together quickly in the microwave and makes a beautiful gift when wrapped in clear cellophane bags and tied with festive ribbon.

Make It Your Own: Re-create one of our childhood favorites, Chunky Candy Bar, by omitting the walnuts and swapping in 1⁄2 cup chopped peanuts and 1⁄2 cup raisins.

8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup walnuts, chopped
16 maraschino cherries with stems

1. Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on 2 sides.

2. Add chocolate and condensed milk to a large microwave-safe bowl and cook on medium-high 4 minutes, until the chocolate is melted (checking at regular intervals). Stir vigorously to combine. Stir in nuts.

3. Pour the fudge into the pan and spread into an even layer. Lightly score the top with a knife to create squares, first in half, then quarters, eighths and finally sixteenths. Gently press a cherry into the center of each square. Refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.

4. Remove the fudge from the pan by lifting it out with the paper overhang and place on a cutting board. Cut along the lines to serve.