Chewy Christmas gumdrop nougat candy is a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat that’s colorful, festive, and unbelievably easy to make. With just four ingredients and no candy thermometer needed, this creamy white nougat studded with red and green gumdrops is perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or snacking by the fire. Sweet, chewy, and full of holiday cheer—it’s a Christmas classic you’ll make year after year.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌈 Festive & Colorful – Bright red and green gumdrops make this a holiday showstopper
- 🍫 No Candy Thermometer – Just melt, mix, and chill—great for beginners
- 👩🍳 Only 4 Ingredients – No fancy tools or ingredients required
- 🎁 Great for Gifting – Keeps well and looks stunning in treat bags
- 🧑🍳 Kid-Friendly – Kids love to help pick and stir in the gumdrops
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably high quality, like Kerrygold)
- 2 bags (500g total) mini marshmallows
- 2 bags (450g total) white chocolate chips (avoid low-quality brands)
- 1½ cups chopped red and green gumdrops
Instructions
1. Prep the Pan and Candy
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cut gumdrops into small chunks. Set aside.
2. Melt the Nougat Base
- In a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water, add:
- Butter
- Marshmallows
- White chocolate chips
- Stir constantly over low to medium heat until fully melted and smooth.
- Don’t let it boil—just melt gently.
3. Add Gumdrops
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly (2 minutes).
- Stir in chopped gumdrops until evenly mixed.
4. Set and Chill
- Pour the nougat into your prepared pan.
- Use wax paper or greased spatula to press it evenly into the pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
5. Slice and Serve
- Lift the nougat from the pan.
- Use a buttered or sprayed knife to slice into 1-inch squares.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36–42 pieces
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per piece)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 16g
Nutrition varies based on candy brand and serving size.
Tips & Variations
- 🟢 Gumdrops: Use traditional gumdrops or spice drops—avoid sugared jellies.
- ❄️ Chop Quickly: Gumdrops can get sticky—dust lightly with powdered sugar if needed.
- 🍫 Avoid Seizing: Don’t overheat your chocolate; stir constantly.
- 🔪 Easy Cutting: Spray your knife with cooking spray or rub with butter.
- 🌟 For a Peppermint Twist: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract with the vanilla.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows?
Yes! Just chop or cut them into smaller pieces before melting. Use about 500g.
What’s the best white chocolate to use?
Avoid Chipits or candy melts. Use high-quality brands like Ghirardelli or Lindt for smooth results.
How should I store this nougat?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13 pan and extend the chilling time slightly.
Chewy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Equipment
- – 8×8 baking dish
- – Double boiler or heatproof bowl
- – Rubber spatula or wax paper
- – Sharp knife (greased)
Ingredients
- – 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- – 500g mini marshmallows about 2 bags
- – 450g white chocolate chips about 2 bags
- – 1½ cups red and green gumdrops chopped
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Chop gumdrops into small chunks and set aside.
- In a double boiler, melt butter, marshmallows, and white chocolate over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat. Let cool slightly (2 mins), then stir in gumdrops.
- Press mixture into the pan using wax paper or greased spatula.
- Refrigerate for 2+ hours or overnight until firm.
- Slice into squares using a greased knife and serve.
Notes
– Keep leftovers in an airtight container
– Freezes well up to 3 months
Conclusion
With its festive look and chewy vanilla-flavored base, this Chewy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a holiday must-make. Simple, nostalgic, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie trays or homemade gift baskets. Grab a bag of gumdrops and your favorite white chocolate, and make a batch today—you’ll be glad you did!