Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

Looking for a sweet and festive treat to bring holiday cheer to your table? Let me introduce you to Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy—a candy that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! With its chewy nougat base, colorful gumdrops, and that perfect holiday flavor, this candy is the ultimate giftable, shareable, and completely irresistible holiday snack. Trust me, you’ll be the star of your holiday gatherings when you bring this little sweet gem to the table!

Why You’ll Love Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Here’s why this gumdrop nougat candy will become a holiday staple in your house:

Holiday Vibes: With its bright colors and festive look, this candy is a total showstopper. It’s got all the classic holiday feels, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Christmas movie just making it!

No-Bake: That’s right, no oven required! You just need to mix, chill, and slice—it’s the kind of recipe that’s quick, easy, and super satisfying to make.

Kid-Friendly: If you’ve got little helpers at home, this is a fun and simple candy-making project that they can easily join in on. Plus, they’ll love the chewy gumdrops inside!

Perfect for Gifting: Pack this candy into cute tins or jars, tie a festive ribbon around it, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for friends, family, and coworkers. It’s thoughtful, homemade, and oh-so-sweet.

Customizable: You can get creative with the gumdrops! Try different colors, or even add some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the nougat base for extra texture. It’s a great recipe to personalize based on your tastes.

Ingredients

Making this delightful Christmas gumdrop nougat candy requires just a handful of ingredients, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

Gumdrops: The star of the show! You’ll want some colorful gumdrops, either traditional or the holiday-themed ones that come in red, green, and white.

Marshmallow Cream: This gives the nougat its soft, chewy texture and helps bind everything together. You’ll love how easy it is to work with!

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds richness and sweetness to the candy. It’s the secret ingredient that makes the nougat melt in your mouth.

Butter: A bit of butter adds a smoothness and depth of flavor to the nougat.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile and gives the nougat that delicious, comforting aroma.

Powdered Sugar: This helps set the nougat and gives it that nice, firm texture once it’s chilled.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candies is as fun as it sounds, and you’ll have them ready to share in no time! Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops

Start by chopping the gumdrops into small pieces. This is a great way to get the kids involved—they’ll love cutting up these colorful candies. Set them aside.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Condensed Milk

In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and sweetened condensed milk together. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat.

Step 3: Add Marshmallow Cream and Vanilla

Stir in the marshmallow cream and vanilla extract into the melted butter and condensed milk mixture. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Mix in Powdered Sugar

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, stirring until it’s fully incorporated. You’ll have a thick, sticky nougat mixture that holds its shape.

Step 5: Fold in the Gumdrops

Now, gently fold the chopped gumdrops into the nougat mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just a few stirs to make sure the gumdrops are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Transfer and Chill

Line a baking dish or pan with parchment paper and transfer the nougat mixture into the dish. Press it down into an even layer with a spatula or your hands. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the nougat is firm and set.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the nougat is set, remove it from the fridge and cut it into small squares or rectangles. These make the perfect bite-sized candies to enjoy or gift. You’ll love how chewy and sweet they are, with a burst of gumdrop goodness in every bite!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

This candy is perfect for serving at your holiday parties, giving as gifts, or simply enjoying with your family as a festive treat. Here’s how you can make the most of your gumdrop nougat candy:

Holiday Platters: Place these candies on a colorful holiday platter along with other treats like homemade cookies, fudge, and chocolates. It’ll be the highlight of the dessert table!

Gift-Giving: Pack the nougat candy into clear bags or jars and tie them with a ribbon for a cute, homemade holiday gift that anyone will appreciate. You can even add a little tag with a personal message.

Party Favors: If you’re hosting a holiday party, these candies are perfect as take-home favors. Guests will love receiving a little sweet treat to remember the occasion.

As a Snack: Enjoy these candies with a cup of hot cocoa or a mug of eggnog for the ultimate cozy Christmas snack!

Additional Tips

Chop Gumdrops Small: Make sure to chop the gumdrops into small, bite-sized pieces. If they’re too large, they might not mix well with the nougat, and you’ll miss that chewy, candy-filled texture in every bite.

Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to let the nougat chill for at least 2 hours to ensure it’s set and easy to slice. If you’re in a hurry, you can even chill it in the freezer for about 30 minutes, but make sure not to freeze it for too long.

Storage: Store leftover gumdrop nougat candy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s a great make-ahead treat, and it stays fresh for several days, making it perfect for holiday prep.

Customize the Gumdrops: If you want to get extra festive, try using red and green gumdrops for a Christmas-themed look. You can also try using different colored gumdrops based on the holiday or season.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of candy instead of gumdrops?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap out the gumdrops for chopped jelly beans, dried fruit, or even mini marshmallows if you prefer. It’s a great way to make this recipe your own.

Q2: Can I make this candy ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make this gumdrop nougat candy up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Do I need to use marshmallow cream?
A3: Marshmallow cream is key to giving this candy its chewy texture. If you don’t have any, you can try using melted marshmallows, though it may slightly change the texture and consistency.

Q4: How long does this candy keep?
A4: This candy will last for about a week in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just be sure to let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q5: Can I make this without butter?
A5: The butter adds richness, but if you need to make this recipe dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil.

Enjoy!

This Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is bound to be a hit this holiday season. Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it to loved ones, or serving it at your next holiday party, it’s sure to add a little extra sweetness and cheer to your festivities. So, grab those gumdrops, mix up the nougat, and enjoy a treat that’s as fun as it is delicious!

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