Homemade Christmas Gumdrops: An Easy & Festive Holiday Candy Recipe
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, joy, and the irresistible aroma of homemade treats. Among the many beloved Christmas candy recipes, these homemade Christmas gumdrops stand out as a wonderfully fun and easy confection to create. Made with just a few simple ingredients like Jello, applesauce, gelatin, and sugar, these vibrant candies are a perfect treat for Christmas parties, thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply for snacking on at home throughout the festive period.
Embracing the tradition of homemade holiday sweets is a cherished activity in our home this time of year. Classics like Martha Washington candy and playful melted snowman bark are always on our baking list, and these delightful homemade gumdrops have quickly become a new family favorite. There’s something truly special about crafting sweet treats from scratch, and these chewy, sugary bites bring an extra layer of festivity to our holiday spread.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Gumdrop Candy Recipe
This homemade gumdrops recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just four core ingredients and offering a fantastic opportunity for family fun in the kitchen. The magic truly happens when the vibrant Jello mixture sets into a firm, jiggly sheet, ready to be transformed into festive shapes. Kids especially adore using mini cookie cutters to create adorable little stars, trees, and candy canes, adding their personal touch to each sweet piece. Once cut, the final step of rolling each gumdrop in a generous coating of granulated sugar makes them sparkle and gives them that iconic, irresistible crunch.
The brilliant red and green colors of these festive gumdrops are a guaranteed way to infuse a dash of holiday cheer and color into your seasonal decor and dessert platters. Imagine a bowl of these glittering candies as a centerpiece, or tucked into gift boxes for friends and neighbors. If your family already has a soft spot for gumdrops, you might also want to give our delicious gumdrop fudge recipe a try. Trust me, once you experience the delightful chewiness and sugary sweetness of these homemade treats, they’re sure to become a beloved Christmas tradition in your household for years to come!
Simple Ingredients for Homemade Gumdrops
This section provides detailed notes on the ingredients and potential substitution options to help you achieve the best results. All precise measurements, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Granulated Sugar: This is a dual-purpose ingredient. It provides the essential sweetness within the chewy gumdrops themselves and forms that characteristic sparkling outer coating. While you could experiment with superfine sugar for coating, standard granulated sugar works perfectly and provides a delightful texture contrast.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Crucial for adding moisture and a subtle, natural fruitiness to the gumdrops. Using unsweetened applesauce allows the Jello flavor to shine without being overly sweet. Avoid sweetened varieties, as they can make the gumdrops too cloying. You could potentially experiment with other fruit purees, but applesauce offers a neutral base that pairs well with various Jello flavors.
- Jello (Gelatin Dessert): This is where the magic of color and flavor truly comes alive! For a classic Christmas theme, we highly recommend using red Jello (such as cherry or strawberry) and green Jello (like lime or green apple). However, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to unleash your creativity and experiment with any other Jello flavors or colors to suit different holidays, party themes, or personal preferences. Imagine orange for Halloween, purple for Easter, or even blue for a winter wonderland theme!
- Unflavored Gelatin: Absolutely necessary for ensuring the gumdrops set properly and achieve their signature chewy, firm texture. We used Knox Gelatin, a widely available and reliable brand. Do not skip this ingredient, as it provides the structural integrity that holds the gumdrops together. The unflavored variety allows the Jello flavor to dominate without any interference.
Essential Supplies for Gumdrop Making
Having the right tools on hand will make the gumdrop-making process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Saucepan: A medium to large saucepan is required for combining and heating the ingredients on the stovetop. Choose one with a heavy bottom to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
- Baking Dish: You’ll need either a 9×13 inch or 7×11 inch baking dish. The choice depends on how thick you prefer your gumdrops. A smaller dish will yield thicker gumdrops, while a larger one will produce thinner ones. Make sure to grease it well!
- Metal Spatula: This is an invaluable tool for loosening the sticky gelatin mixture from the sides and bottom of the baking dish. Its thin, firm edge allows you to carefully lift the entire sheet or smaller pieces without tearing.
- Mini Metal Cookie Cutters: For truly festive Christmas gumdrops, a set of mini metal cookie cutters is a must-have. Look for shapes like Christmas trees, candy canes, stars, snowflakes, or gingerbread men. These tiny cutters make the candies even more appealing, especially for gifting.
- Parchment Paper: Essential for lining your cutting board and ensuring the gumdrops don’t stick during the cutting and drying process. It also makes cleanup much easier.
- Cutting Board: A large, clean cutting board will provide a stable surface for cutting your gumdrop shapes. Line it with parchment paper for easy handling.
How to Make Homemade Christmas Gumdrops: Step-by-Step
This section provides detailed step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the process. For the full printable recipe, including exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Prepare Your Dish: Begin by lightly spraying your chosen 11×7 or 9×13 inch baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the sticky gelatin mixture from adhering to the pan. Set it aside, ready for the mixture.
- Combine and Heat Ingredients: In a large, sturdy saucepan, combine 2 cups of the granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, flavored Jello, and unflavored gelatin. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Let the mixture stand for about 1 minute. This brief resting period helps the gelatin to “bloom,” meaning it absorbs some liquid, which aids in a smoother dissolving process later.
- Boil and Pour: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent scorching and ensure the sugar and gelatin dissolve completely. Bring the mixture to a full boil, then continue boiling for exactly 1 minute. This boiling phase is essential for activating the gelatin and achieving the correct setting consistency. Immediately after boiling, carefully pour the hot gelatin mixture into your prepared greased baking dish.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the dish to cool at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes. This initial cooling helps prevent condensation when transferred to the refrigerator. After cooling, transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or until the gelatin mixture is completely firm and set. It should be solid enough to handle without losing its shape.
- Prepare for Cutting: Once firm, line a large cutting board with parchment paper. Generously sprinkle this parchment-lined surface with some of the remaining granulated sugar. This sugary bed will prevent your gumdrops from sticking as you cut them out and allow them to dry.
- Release and Transfer: Use a metal spatula to carefully loosen the edges of the gumdrop mixture from the sides of the baking dish. Gently slide the spatula underneath the entire gelatin sheet to release it from the bottom. You can either transfer the whole sheet to your prepared cutting board at once, or, if it’s too large or unwieldy, slice the gelatin into 6-8 large pieces with a knife and transfer them one by one. The mixture will be very sticky, so take your time and be persistent!
- Cut and Arrange: Now for the fun part! Take your mini cookie cutters and press them firmly into the gelatin sheet to cut out your desired shapes. For easier cutting and to prevent sticking, you can briefly dip your cookie cutters in hot water before each cut. Arrange the cut gumdrops back onto the sugar-sprinkled parchment paper on the baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between them.
- Dry Overnight: This is a crucial step for achieving the perfect gumdrop texture. Allow the cut gumdrops to sit at room temperature overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours. This drying period allows the surface to firm up and become less sticky, which is essential for the final sugar coating.
- Coat and Enjoy: Once the gumdrops have dried sufficiently, add the remaining granulated sugar to a shallow bowl. Roll each gumdrop individually in the sugar until it is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess sugar. Your beautiful homemade Christmas gumdrops are now ready to be enjoyed!
Storage Guidelines for Homemade Gumdrops
To keep your delicious homemade gumdrops fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag at room temperature. They will maintain their quality and delightful texture for up to 7 days. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture can cause the sugar coating to dissolve and make the gumdrops excessively sticky. If you live in a very humid environment, you might find they keep best in a cool, dry pantry.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Gumdrops
- Vibrant Red and Green: To create a truly festive batch of red and green gumdrops, simply prepare the recipe twice. Dedicate one batch to a box of lime Jello for green and another batch to a box of cherry or strawberry Jello for red. This ensures distinct, vibrant colors that pop on your holiday platter.
- Non-Stick Cutting: Gumdrops can be quite sticky! To ensure your cookie cutters glide through the gelatin mixture without sticking, heat them in a bowl of hot water before cutting. Dry them quickly, then press firmly. Re-dip and dry as needed. This simple trick makes cutting a breeze and results in clean, sharp shapes.
- No Cookie Cutters? No Problem!: Don’t have a set of mini cookie cutters on hand? You can still make beautiful gumdrops! Simply use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to neatly slice the set gelatin into small squares, rectangles, or even diamonds. They’ll be just as delicious, even if they’re not in festive shapes.
- Experiment with Flavors and Shapes: Beyond Christmas, these gumdrops can be customized for any occasion! Try different Jello flavors like orange for Halloween, blue for a baby shower, or various pastel colors for Easter. Pair them with themed cookie cutters to match any celebration.
- Troubleshooting Sticky Gumdrops: If your gumdrops are excessively sticky after sitting overnight, it might be due to high humidity or not enough drying time. You can try letting them air dry for a few more hours, or even place them in a dehydrator on a very low setting (around 100°F/38°C) for 1-2 hours to firm up the surface. Ensure they are fully coated in sugar.
- Achieving Perfect Chewiness: The boiling time is crucial. Boiling for exactly one minute after it comes to a boil helps to evaporate just enough water to give the gumdrops their characteristic chewy texture. Boiling too long can make them too hard, and too short can make them too soft.
- Even Sugar Coating: For the best results, roll each gumdrop individually in the granulated sugar. Don’t just toss them all together, as this can lead to uneven coating. A thorough coating not only adds sweetness but also prevents sticking.
- Presentation Matters: Once coated, arrange your gumdrops on a festive platter, in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifts, or in small decorative jars. Their vibrant colors make them a beautiful addition to any holiday spread.
Christmas Gummy Candy FAQ
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily use any flavor of Jello you prefer to create a wide variety of gumdrop flavors. For an extra boost of flavor or to create unique combinations, you can also experiment with different flavored extracts (a few drops go a long way), or even replace a small portion of the applesauce with a concentrated fruit juice like lemon or cranberry. Just ensure the overall liquid ratio remains consistent to achieve the correct setting consistency.
Yes, this step is quite essential for the best results. Allowing the gumdrops to sit at room temperature overnight or for at least 8 hours helps them to properly “cure” or dry out slightly on the surface. This process significantly reduces their stickiness and allows them to develop the ideal chewy texture. If you skip this step or cut it short, your gumdrops will likely remain too sticky and the sugar coating won’t adhere properly, resulting in a less pleasant eating experience.
Absolutely! While cookie cutters add a fun, festive touch, they are not strictly necessary. You can easily make beautiful gumdrops by using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to simply cut the set gelatin into uniform squares, rectangles, or even diamond shapes. Just ensure your cuts are clean and precise for a professional-looking finish. The taste and texture will be exactly the same, regardless of the shape!
Don’t panic! This is a very common issue because the gelatin mixture is indeed very sticky. The key is patience and the right tool. Make sure you used a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray on your baking dish before pouring in the mixture. To release them, gently slide your metal spatula (a thin, sturdy one works best) all the way under the gelatin sheet, working your way around the edges. Keep pulling and gently prying; they will eventually come out! Sometimes it helps to cut the sheet into larger sections before attempting to lift them.
While you can experiment with sugar-free Jello, be aware that it might slightly alter the texture and overall sweetness of the gumdrops. Since a significant amount of sugar is also added separately to the mixture and for coating, using sugar-free Jello might not drastically reduce the sugar content, but it can be an option if you’re trying to manage specific dietary needs. Always check the ingredient list of your sugar-free Jello to ensure it works well in boiled gelatin recipes.
There are a few reasons why your gumdrops might not have set firmly. The most common culprits are: 1) Not boiling the mixture long enough (it needs a full minute of rolling boil to activate the gelatin and reduce moisture). 2) Not using enough unflavored gelatin (make sure you use the recommended two envelopes). 3) Not chilling long enough – ensure it’s in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until completely firm. High humidity can also affect setting, so ensure your kitchen is not overly warm or humid during the drying process.
More Delicious Holiday Treat Recipes to Try
If you’re looking for more ways to sweeten your holiday season, explore some of our other festive and fun recipes:
- Festive Christmas Popcorn Balls
- Easy Crockpot Candy
- Delightful Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls
- Classic Rocky Road Candy
- Sparkling Candied Grapes
Homemade Gumdrops
Author: Jaclyn
25 minutes
5 minutes
11 hours
11 hours
30 minutes
60
Saved!
Equipment
-
mini metal cookie cutters
Ingredients
-
2 ½
cups
granulated sugar
divided -
1 ⅓
cups
unsweetened applesauce -
6
ounces
jello
such as lime or cherry -
2
envelopes
unflavored gelatin
such as Knox
Instructions
-
Spray an 11×7 or 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
-
In a large saucepan, stir to combine 2 cups sugar and the remaining ingredients; let stand 1 minute.
-
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Allow the gelatin mixture to boil for 1 minute then pour immediately into the greased dish.
-
Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes and then refrigerate 3 hours, or until firm.
-
Line a large cutting board with parchment paper and sprinkle generously with sugar.
-
Use a metal spatula to loosen the gumdrop mixture from the sides and bottom of the dish. Transfer to the lined baking dish. Note: You can transfer the whole sheet at once or slice the gelatin into 6-8 large pieces and transfer one piece at a time.
-
Cut out shapes with mini cookie cutters; return to lined baking sheet.
-
Let gumdrops sit at room temperature overnight (or at least 8 hours)
-
Add remaining granualted sugar to a shallow bowl and roll each gumdrop in it until coated.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To make red and green gumdrops prepare the recipe twice, once using a box of lime jello and once with a box of cherry jello.
- Heat cookie cutters in hot water before cutting to easily cut into the chewy gumdrops without sticking.
- No cookie cutters? Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to neatly slice gumdrops into small pieces.
- The gelatin mixture will be very sticky but keep sliding a metal spatula under it and keep pulling… it will come out!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 11g |
Protein: 0.4g |
Fat: 0.03g |
Saturated Fat: 0.001g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.001g |
Sodium: 14mg |
Potassium: 4mg |
Fiber: 0.1g |
Sugar: 11g |
Vitamin A: 2IU |
Vitamin C: 0.1mg |
Calcium: 1mg |
Iron: 0.02mg
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