Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy: A festive, no-bake treat combining butter, white chocolate, mini marshmallows, and vibrant red and green gumdrops. Ideal for holiday gifting!
Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a candy workshop, and the star of the show is always the “Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy”. This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It started as a family tradition passed down from my grandmother, who believed that no Christmas was complete without her homemade nougat candy. Her original recipe was a bit complex, but over the years, I’ve tweaked it to this simpler, foolproof version. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a cherished holiday ritual that brings back fond memories of Christmas gatherings, laughter, and the sweet aroma of melting chocolate and marshmallows.
What makes this Gumdrop Nougat Candy truly exceptional?
- No-Bake Ease: Perfect for busy holiday seasons, this recipe requires no baking, making it a hassle-free delight.
- Festive Colors: The red and green gumdrops not only add a chewy texture but also bring festive Christmas colors to your dessert table.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: A great recipe for involving kids in the kitchen, as they love cutting the gumdrops and mixing them in.
- Perfect for Gifting: These nougat candies, wrapped in pretty packages, make heartfelt homemade gifts for friends and family.
- Versatility in Flavor: The recipe allows for easy substitution of ingredients to suit different taste preferences.
Ingredients Notes For This Gumdrop Nougat Candy:
The key to the perfect “Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy” lies in the quality and preparation of its ingredients:
- Butter: Use real butter for a rich flavor. Margarine won’t give the same results.
- White Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother, creamier texture. Avoid using Chipits as they don’t melt as well.
- Mini Marshmallows: These add sweetness and a fluffy texture. Ensure they’re fresh for easy melting.
- Red and Green Gumdrops: Chopped gumdrops add a festive touch and chewy texture. Feel free to experiment with other colors or flavors.
Step-By-Step To Make This Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Making “Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy” is a delightful and simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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- Preparation: Start by lining an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the candy once set.
- Chop the Gumdrops: Cut the gumdrops in half. This size is perfect for a balanced texture in each candy piece.
- Melting the Mixture: Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Melt the butter, white chocolate chips, and marshmallows together, stirring continuously. The key is to melt without cooking.
- Cooling: After removing from heat, let the mixture cool for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for the perfect consistency.
- Adding Gumdrops: Stir in the chopped gumdrops, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Shaping: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a greased piece of parchment paper to spread and pat down the sticky mixture.
- Setting: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Cutting: Slice into 60 bite-sized pieces, perfect for sharing.
- Storing: Store with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Storage Options:
To keep your “Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy” fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the candies in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Room Temperature: For short-term storage, keep them in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable:
- Chocolate Variations: Swap white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Marshmallow Alternatives: Use flavored marshmallows to add a twist to your nougat.
- Gumdrop Substitutes: Experiment with different candies like jelly beans or chopped dried fruits for a unique taste.
- Nut Addition: For a crunchy texture, add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans.
With these insights, you’re all set to create your own batch of “Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy”, a sweet treat that’s sure to bring joy and festivity to your holiday celebrations! 🎄🍬
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 450 grams of high-quality white chocolate chips avoid using Chipits
- 500 grams of mini marshmallows
- 1.5 cups of chopped red and green gumdrops
Instructions
- Preparation of Baking Dish: Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper to facilitate the removal of the candy after setting.
- Gumdrop Preparation: Halve the red and green gumdrops and set them aside for later use.
- Melting Process: Construct a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan containing simmering water. Ensure that the bowl fits snugly over the saucepan. In the bowl, combine the butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Melt these ingredients over indirect medium heat, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, unified mixture. Care must be taken to melt the ingredients without cooking or boiling them.
- Cooling: Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for approximately 2 minutes.
- Incorporation of Gumdrops: Add the chopped gumdrops to the mixture, ensuring they are well distributed throughout.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Due to the stickiness of the mixture, use a piece of lightly greased parchment paper or wax paper to assist in evenly spreading and pressing the mixture into the dish.
- Setting the Candy: Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 2 hours. For optimal results, an overnight refrigeration is recommended.
- Slicing: Once set, cut the candy into 60 equal bite-sized pieces.
- Storage: To store, layer the candies with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
