Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy: A festive, no-bake treat with white chocolate, marshmallows, and colorful gumdrops. Sweet, chewy, and holiday-perfect!
You know how some treats just scream holiday season the moment you see them? For me, that’s Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy. I remember the first time I saw these colorful little squares. It was at my aunt’s house during our annual Christmas get-together—one of those chaotic but heartwarming family gatherings where there’s always too much food and someone inevitably burns the rolls.
Among all the pies and cookies, this candy stood out. Those red and green gumdrops shining like little ornaments, tucked into creamy white nougat… it was love at first bite. And the best part? My aunt shared the recipe, claiming it was so easy even her husband could make it. (No offense to Uncle Joe, but let’s just say his kitchen skills are… limited.)
Fast forward to now, and this candy has become my go-to for holiday gifting. It’s ridiculously simple—no oven required, which is a lifesaver during the busiest baking season. Plus, it’s the kind of treat that makes people smile. Whether I’m adding it to a cookie platter or packing it into festive tins, it never fails to bring a little extra cheer.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe?
Here’s why Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is about to become your new holiday favorite:
- No-Bake Simplicity: Perfect for when your oven is already working overtime.
- Vibrant and Festive: Those gumdrops make every bite look like a little piece of Christmas.
- Kid-Approved: Sweet, chewy, and colorful—what’s not to love?
- Giftable: Wrap it up in cellophane bags or pop it in a cute tin, and you’ve got an instant homemade gift.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this candy so special:
- White Chocolate Chips: Go for a good-quality brand. Trust me, the cheaper ones don’t melt as smoothly and can mess up the texture.
- Mini Marshmallows: These give the candy its signature chewy texture. They’re also way easier to melt evenly than the big ones.
- Butter: Just a little, but it adds richness and helps everything come together.
- Gumdrops: The stars of the show! Red and green are classic for Christmas, but you could mix it up for other holidays.
Pro Tip: Coat your knife with a bit of oil before chopping the gumdrops. It keeps things from getting sticky—and saves your sanity.
How To Make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy?
Making this candy is easier than decking the halls. Here’s how:
- Prep Your Dish
Start by lining an 8×8-inch square dish with parchment paper. This step is non-negotiable—it makes removing the candy a breeze later. - Chop the Gumdrops
Slice your red and green gumdrops in half. Yes, it’s sticky work, but those vibrant colors make it worth the effort. Plus, you can sneak a few while you’re chopping. - Melt the Base Ingredients
Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Add the butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until everything melts into a smooth, creamy mixture. Patience is key here—low and slow wins the race. - Cool Slightly
Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool for about 2 minutes. This little pause helps the gumdrops keep their shape when you mix them in. - Fold in the Gumdrops
Gently stir the chopped gumdrops into the melted mixture. Make sure they’re evenly distributed—you want every piece to be a festive bite. - Transfer and Flatten
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. It’s super sticky, so use a piece of greased parchment or wax paper to press it down evenly. - Chill and Set
Pop the dish into the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours. If you can leave it overnight, even better. The flavors and texture will be spot-on. - Slice and Enjoy
Once it’s set, lift the candy out using the parchment paper and slice it into bite-sized pieces. You’ll get about 60—plenty to share… or not.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
Here’s how to keep your nougat fresh and ready for snacking:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Refrigerate: Extend its life by keeping it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap individual pieces in wax paper, then freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw as needed!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on this festive favorite? Here are some ideas:
- Change the Colors: Use pastel gumdrops for spring or multicolored ones for a year-round treat.
- Add Extracts: A splash of vanilla or almond extract can add a nice depth of flavor.
- Include Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or almonds for a bit of crunch.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the white chocolate and marshmallows for dairy-free options.
What to Serve with Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy?
This candy is delightful on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas:
- Hot Chocolate: Because nothing says Christmas like a steaming mug of cocoa and a sweet treat.
- Holiday Dessert Platters: Add it to a tray with cookies, fudge, and other candies for a festive display.
- Cheese Boards: The sweetness of the nougat pairs surprisingly well with salty cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows?
Totally! Just chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly.
My candy didn’t set properly—what went wrong?
Make sure you melted the ingredients slowly and gave it enough time to chill. Patience is key!
How far in advance can I make this?
You can make it up to two weeks ahead if you store it in the fridge. Perfect for planning ahead during the holiday chaos!
So, are you ready to make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy part of your holiday tradition? It’s colorful, delicious, and so easy to make. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—drop a comment or share a photo of your festive creations. Happy holidays!
<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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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!
4 Responses
I love this candy..I will always remember having this candy except having to go to the bins that Brachs had..Thankfully finally a recipe to make them whenever I want it now
I’m going to have to make these next week oh I used to love going to the grocery store and buying the Brachs PIc a mix
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Can you make this with avocado oil instead of butter? We do not use butter substitutes. Dairy and gluten free cooking.
Sure thing! You can definitely use avocado oil instead of butter in this recipe. Avocado oil is a great substitute since it’s neutral in flavor and will still keep the candy nice and moist. Just know that it won’t give the same rich buttery flavor, but it’ll still be tasty and perfect for your dairy-free needs!