If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat this holiday season, then you’re in for a real treat with my Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe. It’s an easy no-bake delight packed with colorful gumdrops nestled in a creamy, white chocolate and marshmallow blend. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—it’s soft, chewy, and bursting with those bright, fruity flavors that scream Christmas. Stick with me and I’ll show you everything you need to know to get it spot on!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake and Quick: You don’t have to heat up your oven—just melt and mix, perfect for busy holiday prep.
- Fun Pops of Color: The red and green gumdrops make it look like Christmas on your plate.
- Perfect Gift Idea: It’s a great homemade treat that your friends and family will adore.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Unlike rock-hard candies, this nougat stays tender and melt-in-your-mouth chewy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The combo of white chocolate, marshmallows, and butter creates a smooth, creamy base that holds the gumdrops together without being overly sweet or sticky. Grab the freshest mini marshmallows you can find for the best melt and gooey texture.
- Butter: I use unsalted for more control over saltiness, and it helps everything melt smoothly.
- White chocolate chips: Be sure to avoid Chipits—they tend to be waxier and don’t melt as nicely as high-quality white chocolate chips.
- Mini marshmallows: These melt faster and create that classic soft nougat texture.
- Chopped red and green gumdrops: Shopping tip: look for these at your local candy store or online during the holidays—they give the candy its festive punch!
Variations
I like to make this Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe my own sometimes by switching up the gumdrops or adding a little something extra. Feel free to make it yours—this recipe is forgiving and invites creativity!
- Use Different Candies: I’ve swapped gumdrops for chopped peppermint candies for a minty twist, and my family goes wild for it.
- Add Nuts: Toasted slivered almonds or pistachios add a lovely crunch if you want texture contrast.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate and vegan marshmallows; just watch melting times carefully.
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 cleanup a breeze and helps you lift out the nougat easily when it’s set. Then, cut your red and green gumdrops in half. This step is my favorite because you get these cute, colorful bursts in every bite. Set them aside while you melt your base mixture.
Step 2: Melt Butter, Chocolate, and Marshmallows
This part needs a little gentle love: I use a double boiler to melt the butter, white chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water—make sure the bowl fits snug so no steam escapes and messes with melting. Stir constantly, and don’t rush this part; the mixture should just melt together smoothly without cooking or boiling. I discovered this trick prevents the nougat from getting grainy or tough.
Step 3: Mix in the Gumdrops
Once your mixture is smooth and glossy, take it off the heat and let it cool for about two minutes. This brief pause helps it thicken just enough so the gumdrops stay suspended instead of sinking to the bottom. Then, fold in the halved gumdrops and mix well to distribute their festive color evenly.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
The nougat will be sticky, so to spread it evenly in the pan, I lightly grease a piece of parchment paper or wax paper—this stops it from sticking to your hands and lets you pat it down gently. Pop it in the fridge for at least two hours, but I prefer overnight to get the cleanest cuts and perfect chew.
Step 5: Slice and Store
When it’s fully set, slice this festive candy into about 60 bite-sized pieces. To keep them from sticking together, layer the candies with parchment paper in an airtight container. Trust me, this tip saves you from a gooey mess—and your candies will stay fresh for gift-giving or sharing.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe
- Choose Quality White Chocolate: I learned the hard way—Chipits don’t melt well and can give a grainy texture; stick to good baking chips or bars chopped into chunks.
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Letting the mixture cool a bit before adding gumdrops prevents them from sinking to the bottom—trust me, it makes the candy look so much better.
- Use Parchment Paper to Spread: Sticky nougat can be tricky, but using lightly greased parchment helps you pat it evenly without getting messy or pressing too hard.
- Cut While Cold: Cutting when fully chilled produces clean edges and neat pieces—trying to slice it while warm? Disaster!
How to Serve Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe
Garnishes
I like to dust the top of the nougat with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before cutting; it adds a subtle festive sparkle. Another favorite is drizzling with a bit of melted dark chocolate for a beautiful contrast and extra richness. Simple, but it elevates the treat instantly.
Side Dishes
This candy is great on its own, but if you’re serving at a party, try pairing it with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese spreads. The creamy textures and subtle saltiness complement the sweet, fruity nougat flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, I like to line a pretty holiday tin with parchment paper, then alternate layers of nougat separated by parchment. Another fun idea is to wrap individual pieces in wax paper tied with festive twine for a charming homemade look. Just imagine the smiles when they open these thoughtful little bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking, stored in the fridge where it stays fresh for up to two weeks. Just remember, if it gets too cold, it might harden a bit, so a few minutes at room temp before eating helps bring back that perfect chew.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this nougat successfully! Just layer the pieces between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes so it softens gently before unwrapping.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake candy, reheating usually isn’t necessary, but if it’s become a little too firm in the fridge or freezer, just leave it out at room temperature for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can melt the sugar unevenly and ruin the texture.
FAQs
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Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but keep in mind they take longer to melt and may not create quite as smooth a texture. Tear or chop them into smaller pieces before melting to help them melt evenly with the white chocolate and butter.
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Where can I find red and green gumdrops?
During the holiday season, most grocery stores’ baking or seasonal candy aisles carry them. Specialty candy shops and online retailers like Amazon or candy-specific websites are also great places to source vibrant red and green gumdrops year-round.
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How do I prevent the nougat from sticking together?
When storing, always separate layers of candy with parchment paper or wax paper in an airtight container. This prevents the sticky surface from bonding and keeps each piece clean and easy to grab.
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Can I make this candy gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in the Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but double-check gumdrops and marshmallows labels if you have a severe gluten sensitivity or allergy.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe has been a holiday staple in my kitchen for years, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. What I love most is how easy and adaptable it is—yet it tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen all day. Whether you’re gifting it, taking it to a cookie swap, or just sneaking bites after the kids go to bed (no judgment here!), I promise this candy will bring a bit of extra sweet joy to your holidays. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why my family goes crazy for it every year!
Print
Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 60 bite-sized pieces
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a delightful no-bake holiday treat made with melted white chocolate, marshmallows, and festive red and green gumdrops. This sticky, sweet nougat is perfect for gifting or enjoying at holiday gatherings, featuring a soft texture and bursts of fruity gumdrop flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 bags (225 grams each) white chocolate chips (DO NOT USE Chipits)
- 2 bags (250 grams each) mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups chopped red and green gumdrops
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the sides for easy removal later.
- Prep the gumdrops: Cut the red and green gumdrops into halves and set aside for later mixing.
- Melt the butter, white chocolate, and marshmallows: Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl snugly over a saucepan with gently simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows into the bowl. Stir continuously over indirect medium heat until everything is smooth and melted together, being careful not to overcook or boil the mixture.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly: Take the bowl off the heat and let the mixture cool for about 2 minutes to slightly thicken before adding other ingredients.
- Mix in gumdrops: Stir the chopped gumdrops into the warm nougat mixture until evenly distributed.
- Pour and spread: Pour the sticky mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a lightly greased piece of parchment paper or wax paper to help spread and press the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours until firm; overnight chilling is best for easy slicing.
- Slice and serve: Remove the chilled nougat from the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into about 60 bite-sized pieces.
- Store properly: Store candies with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy this festive, homemade Christmas treat!
Notes
- This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a simple no-bake recipe, ideal for holiday gifting or party treats.
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips (not Chipits) for the best texture and flavor.
- Gumdrops can be found seasonally in many grocery stores or online during the holiday season.
- Chilling overnight improves the texture and makes cutting easier.
- Ensure continual stirring during melting to prevent scorching or burning the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite-sized piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
