If you’re looking for a fun and festive candy to brighten up your holiday season, look no further than Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy! This delightful treat combines chewy nougat, colorful gumdrops, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer in every bite. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, and the bright gumdrops make it a show-stopping addition to your holiday candy table. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this candy will quickly become a favorite holiday tradition in your home!
What makes this gumdrop nougat so special is the chewy texture of the nougat paired with the sweetness and color of the gumdrops. The gumdrops add a chewy burst of fruity flavor and a festive touch that makes this candy look as good as it tastes. Whether you’re planning to give it as gifts, bring it to a holiday party, or enjoy it at home, it’s a treat everyone will love. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. In just a few steps, you’ll have a tray full of delicious homemade candy that’s sure to delight!
I first made this Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy one Christmas when I wanted to create a sweet treat to share with my family. The colorful gumdrops were a hit, and the candy was gone within hours. Ever since then, it’s become a holiday tradition at our house. It’s a fun, nostalgic candy that brings back fond memories of the holidays, and the kids love helping me make it. Whether it’s for a festive snack or a homemade gift, this candy is always a crowd-pleaser!
Why This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Is the Perfect Holiday Treat
- Festive and colorful: The bright gumdrops add a fun pop of color and flavor.
- Chewy and delicious: The nougat provides the perfect chewy texture that complements the gumdrops beautifully.
- Easy to make: This no-bake candy is quick to prepare, with minimal ingredients and effort.
- Perfect for gifting: It’s a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season.
How to Make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Melt the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sweetened condensed milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine with marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan, stirring until they are completely melted and incorporated with the butter and condensed milk.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
- Fold in gumdrops and peanuts: Remove the mixture from the heat and fold in the chopped gumdrops, peanuts, and coconut (if using). Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer and set: Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 2-3 hours, or until firm.
- Slice and enjoy: Once the candy has set, cut it into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy this colorful holiday treat!
Tips
- For a more festive look, use holiday-themed gumdrops (red, green, and white) or any other fun candy colors.
- Make sure to let the nougat cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- If you prefer a softer nougat, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts: If you prefer, you can omit the peanuts and use other nuts like cashews, almonds, or walnuts.
- Dried Fruit: Add a touch of holiday sweetness by replacing some of the gumdrops with dried cranberries or raisins.
- Non-Dairy: Use dairy-free butter and coconut milk to make this candy vegan-friendly.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free gumdrops and swap the sweetened condensed milk for a lighter alternative, like coconut condensed milk.
- Nut-Free: Omit the peanuts and replace with more gumdrops or other candy pieces if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that all ingredients, including gumdrops, are certified gluten-free for a completely gluten-free treat.
And there you have it! Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is the perfect treat to celebrate the holiday season. With its chewy nougat, sweet gumdrops, and festive colors, it’s a fun and delicious candy that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget to let us know how your candy turns out, and check out some of our other holiday recipes for even more festive ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of candy instead of gumdrops?
Yes! You can substitute gumdrops with jelly beans, colorful candy-coated chocolates, or other chewy candies. - How should I store the gumdrop nougat candy?
Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. - Can I make this candy ahead of time?
Yes! This candy can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. - Can I freeze this candy?
Yes! You can freeze the candy for up to a month. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. - How do I make this candy firmer?
If you want firmer candy, refrigerate it for 30 minutes after it sets at room temperature. - Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, just cut the large marshmallows into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly. - Is this candy gluten-free?
As long as your gumdrops are gluten-free, this candy is naturally gluten-free. - Can I use another type of condensed milk?
You can try using coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version. - Can I add more gumdrops?
Yes, feel free to add more gumdrops if you want a fruitier, sweeter candy. - How long does it take for the nougat to set?
It should take about 2-3 hours at room temperature to set. - Can I make this candy without coconut?
Yes, you can omit the coconut if you prefer a nut-free or coconut-free candy. - How do I make sure the nougat is evenly spread?
Use a spatula to gently press the nougat mixture into the pan and smooth it out evenly.
Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 gumdrops (cut into small pieces)
2 cups 2 mini marshmallows
1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter
1/2 cup 1/2 sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
2 cups 2 powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 roasted salted peanuts (optional)
1 cup 1 shredded coconut (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Melt the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sweetened condensed milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine with marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan, stirring until they are completely melted and incorporated with the butter and condensed milk.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
- Fold in gumdrops and peanuts: Remove the mixture from the heat and fold in the chopped gumdrops, peanuts, and coconut (if using). Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer and set: Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 2-3 hours, or until firm.
- Slice and enjoy: Once the candy has set, cut it into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy this colorful holiday treat!
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