Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to wow your friends and family, let me introduce you to my Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe. This recipe is a no-bake delight packed with sweet, chewy marshmallows, white chocolate, and colorful gumdrops that scream holiday cheer. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to Christmas candy tradition!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing sweetness, texture, and that melt-in-your-mouth nougat consistency. I always recommend sourcing good-quality white chocolate chips and fresh mini marshmallows — trust me, it makes all the difference!

• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together perfectly.
• White chocolate chips: Be sure to skip Chipits and go for a classic brand—they melt smoother and creamier.
• Mini marshmallows: The key to that chewy nougat texture we all love.
• Red and green gumdrops: These festive bites add color, a burst of fruity flavor, and holiday vibes—you can find them at specialty candy stores or online.

Variations

I love how flexible this Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe is! Feel free to tweak it to suit your own flavor preferences or dietary needs—you’ll find it’s easy to make it your own.

• Use different candy mix-ins: I once swapped gumdrops for chopped dried cranberries and pistachios, giving it a festive red-and-green twist with a crunch.
• Dairy-free version: Try swapping butter for coconut oil and white chocolate for a dairy-free alternative; it still tastes fantastic!
• Add a hint of peppermint: A few drops of peppermint extract can turn this into a refreshing holiday treat.

How to Make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Gumdrops

Start by lining an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper—this makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your nougat from sticking. While you prep the pan, slice your red and green gumdrops in half. I find that halving them helps distribute their fruity bursts more evenly throughout the candy.

Step 2: Melt the Butter, White Chocolate, and Marshmallows

This step is the heart of the process—and I learned early on that patience here is key. Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl snugly over a saucepan with gently simmering water. Add your butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows to the bowl, and stir continuously. Keep the heat gentle to just melt everything; don’t let it boil or cook, or you risk ending with a grainy texture. The mixture should look glossy and smooth.

Step 3: Remove from Heat and Mix in Gumdrops

Once smooth and fully melted, take the bowl off the heat and let it rest for about 2 minutes. This little cooldown helps prevent the gumdrops from melting when you stir them in. Fold the halved gumdrops evenly into the nougat mixture, making sure every colorful piece is coated. This is the moment you’ll know the magic of the Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe is coming together.

Step 4: Spread and Chill

Transfer your sticky mixture into the prepared pan. Because it’s so gooey, use a lightly greased sheet of parchment or wax paper to press and spread it evenly—this keeps your hands clean and gives a smooth surface. Pop it in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal to get the best sliceability and texture.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

When it’s firm, lift the nougat from the pan using the parchment. Slice into 60 bite-sized pieces—you’ll find these little candies melt in your mouth every time. To keep them fresh, layer with parchment paper in an airtight container so they don’t stick together. Now, share and watch everyone go crazy for your homemade holiday treat!

How to Serve Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

Garnishes

I actually like to sprinkle a few extra finely chopped gumdrops on top right before chilling for an extra pop of color and texture. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy effect that makes these candies feel even more special on a holiday platter.

Side Dishes

These sweet bites pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine during Christmas parties. I often serve them alongside simple sugar cookies or spiced nuts to round out a festive dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting, wrap small stacks of nougat squares in wax paper tied with twine or festive ribbon. I’ve also arranged them in mason jars layered with poppyseed candies for a colorful homemade gift jar that friends adore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container layered with parchment paper at room temperature or in the fridge if my house is warm. They tend to keep their chewy texture for about a week this way.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside a freezer bag. They thaw quickly on the counter without losing softness or flavor, which is a total lifesaver for busy holiday prep.

Reheating

If your nougat gets too firm in the fridge or freezer, just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the candies unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe has become a cherished part of my holiday celebrations, and I honestly can’t wait for you to try it. It’s that perfect combination of sweet, chewy, and colorful that brings out the festive spirit. Whether you’re gifting it or indulging yourself, this treat is sure to spread holiday joy with every bite. So grab your ingredients, team up with loved ones, and make some delicious memories with this easy and delightful candy!

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