35-Minute Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

There’s something magical about holiday baking that brings back all those warm, fuzzy childhood memories, isn’t there? For me, Christmas isn’t complete without a batch of this old-fashioned gumdrop nougat candy sitting pretty on the dessert table. My grandma used to make it every December, and the moment that sweet, chewy texture hits my tongue, I’m instantly transported back to her cozy kitchen. Those red and green gumdrops peeking through the creamy white chocolate nougat? Pure holiday joy in every bite. Trust me, once you try this festive treat, it’ll become your new must-make Christmas tradition too!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Let me tell you why this candy has been my holiday obsession for years:

• Those cheerful red and green gumdrops make it the most festive-looking treat on your dessert table
• It’s surprisingly simple to make – no fancy skills needed, just good old-fashioned stirring
• Packaged in cute holiday tins, it makes the sweetest homemade gift that everyone actually wants
• The combination of chewy gumdrops and smooth nougat gives you that perfect nostalgic holiday flavor
• Kids go crazy for the colorful candy pieces, while adults love the sophisticated white chocolate base

Ingredients for Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when they all come together:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (trust me, it makes all the difference in flavor)
• 2 bags (11 oz. each) white chocolate chips (I always use the good quality ones)
• 2 bags (10 oz. each) mini marshmallows (fresh ones melt the best)
• 1-1/2 cups halved red and green Christmas gumdrops (the star of the show!)

That’s it! Just four main ingredients create this holiday magic. Pro tip: measure everything before you start – this recipe moves fast once the chocolate starts melting!

How to Make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this holiday magic happen! Don’t let the fancy name fool you; this Christmas gumdrop nougat candy is actually super simple to make. Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a batch that’ll make Santa jealous.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

First things first – grab that 8″ x 8″ baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Here’s my trick: leave some extra hanging over the sides so you can easily lift the whole slab out later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to cut! Smooth out any wrinkles – a quick spritz of cooking spray helps the paper stay put.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Now for the good stuff! Set up your double boiler (or make a DIY one with a heatproof bowl over simmering water). Melt the butter first, then add the white chocolate chips one bag at a time. This is where patience pays off – keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly. You want it smooth and creamy, not scorched! I usually sing a Christmas carol or two while stirring – takes about 3-4 minutes per bag.

Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallows and Gumdrops

Once your chocolate is almost melted, start adding the mini marshmallows one bag at a time. Warning: it’ll get thick and sticky fast! Keep stirring until everything’s melted together into this glorious gooey mass. Now here’s the important part – remove from heat and let it cool for 3-4 minutes before adding those gorgeous gumdrops. If you add them too soon, they’ll melt into colorful puddles (been there, done that!).

Step 4: Chill and Cut

Pour your Christmas gumdrop nougat mixture into the prepared pan. Use another piece of parchment to press it down evenly – your hands will thank you for not touching that hot sticky mess! Now comes the hardest part: refrigerate overnight. I know, the wait is torture! But it’s worth it – the next morning, lift out the slab and use a sharp knife to cut into 48 perfect little squares. Pro tip: wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

After making this holiday treat more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference:

• Fresh marshmallows are key – stale ones won’t melt properly and leave weird lumps in your nougat
• Let the candy come to room temperature before serving – the texture gets perfectly chewy instead of rock-hard
• Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper – they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long!)
• For gift-giving, wrap individual pieces in festive cellophane – makes them look extra special
• If your kitchen’s warm, keep the candy refrigerated until right before serving – the gumdrops can get sticky

Oh, and one more thing – always make a double batch! These disappear faster than Santa’s cookies.

Variations for Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Want to mix things up? This recipe is super flexible! Try swapping the gumdrops for chopped peppermint sticks during December – that cool minty twist is divine. For nut lovers, stir in 1/2 cup toasted pecans or almonds with the gumdrops. Feeling adventurous? Rainbow sprinkles make it extra festive for kids’ parties. The possibilities are endless!

Serving and Storing Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Here’s the thing about this holiday treat – it’s best served at room temperature! I always take mine out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. That way, the texture gets perfectly chewy instead of being too hard. For storage, keep them in an airtight container with parchment between layers – they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge (if they last that long!). Just resist the urge to sneak too many pieces!

Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time when I make this holiday treat – here’s everything you need to know!

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives a richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet gumdrops. Just be aware it’ll make the candy look less “snowy” – more like a chocolate bark with colorful bits.

How long does this candy last?
Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for about 2 weeks. But let’s be real – mine never lasts more than a few days before disappearing!

Can I freeze Christmas gumdrop nougat?
You sure can! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

What if I can’t find mini marshmallows?
No worries! Just chop regular marshmallows into quarters – they’ll melt just fine. The mini ones just make mixing easier.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Go wild! Toasted pecans or almonds add wonderful crunch. Just keep total add-ins to about 2 cups so the nougat holds together.

Nutritional Information for Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Here’s the scoop on nutrition per piece (but remember, these are just estimates – your exact values may vary slightly depending on brands and exact measurements): Each festive square packs about 120 calories, with 5g fat and 15g sugar. Perfect for savoring slowly with your favorite holiday movie!

Share Your Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Creations

I’d love to see your holiday masterpieces! Snap a photo of your gumdrop nougat candy and tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your festive creations. Did you try any fun variations? Drop a comment below and share your tips with fellow bakers!

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