Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious homemade treats. One of the quintessential favorites during this festive season has to be the Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy. This delightful nougat is a fun, flavorful addition to your holiday dessert table, bringing the perfect blend of gooey, chewy goodness wrapped in a vibrant medley of fruity gumdrops. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as you whip up this nostalgic candy that not only ticks boxes for indulgence but also offers an interactive cooking experience that you can share with family and friends.

What sets this Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients—mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and the colorful gumdrops—this recipe is incredibly approachable, making it a fantastic way to involve kids or beginners in candy-making. The result is a festive treat that not only looks stunning but is also uniquely satisfying, providing burst after burst of flavor with every bite. This candy also makes a wonderful homemade gift or a sweet addition to holiday cookie platters, helping to spread cheer in every corner of your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Festive Flavor: The blend of vanilla, chocolate, and gumdrops creates a truly festive taste.
Simple Ingredients: Made with common kitchen staples that you probably already have on hand.
Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in under an hour.
Ideal for Sharing: Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun gift.
Customizable: Easily substitute gumdrops with your favorite candies for a unique twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing your kitchen workspace is the first step towards success with your Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy. Before you start mixing, make sure you have an 8×8-inch baking pan on hand, lined with parchment paper. This lining is important as it allows for easier removal of your nougat once it has set. Have a large saucepan ready, as most of your ingredients will be combined in it. A spatula will also come in handy, as you’ll need it to evenly spread the nougat mixture into the pan.

As you gather your ingredients, ensure that you have a clean, clutter-free workspace. This not only allows for a smoother cooking experience but also helps you enjoy the process. Remember, cooking is about having fun and creating beautiful memories with your loved ones. Prepare your gumdrops by cutting them in half, as this not only enhances their appearance but also helps distribute the flavors throughout the nougat more effectively.

Ingredients

2 cups mini marshmallows
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups gumdrops, cut in halves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by taking an 8×8-inch baking pan and lining it with parchment paper. This important step not only helps for easy removal later but also keeps your nougat from sticking to the pan. Make sure to leave an overhang on the sides; this will provide you with the handles needed to lift the nougat out when it’s set.

Step 2: Melt the Base Ingredients

In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until everything has melted together and the mixture is smooth and creamy. It’s important to keep the heat low; otherwise, you risk burning the chocolate or marshmallows. Once the mixture is completely smooth, remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

After removing the saucepan from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract. This step is crucial as it adds depth to the flavor profile of your nougat. Let the mixture cool for about two minutes. Cooling it slightly will help prevent the gumdrops from melting once added.

Step 4: Fold in Gumdrops

Now, it’s time to fold in the halved gumdrops. Handle this step gently, ensuring that the gumdrops are evenly distributed throughout the nougat mixture. This ensures every bite is filled with that fruity burst. Gently fold with a spatula to incorporate them without overly mixing, which might break them down too much.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Pan

Once the gumdrops are evenly mixed in, pour the nougat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to smooth the top, spreading it out evenly across the pan. This helps ensure uniformity in thickness, resulting in beautifully shaped squares once set.

Step 6: Let It Set

Your nougat will now need some time to set. You can either allow it to cool at room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours or pop it in the refrigerator for about an hour to speed things up. Both methods will work fine, so choose what suits your timeline best!

Step 7: Cut into Squares

Once the nougat has set, you can easily lift it out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized squares with a sharp knife. These squares are now ready to be enjoyed, shared, or stored away for your holiday festivities.

Variations

Protein: Try adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
Vegetables: Consider using dried fruits like cranberries or apricots as a substitute for gumdrops to create a more traditional nougat.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the melted mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

Cooking Notes

Ensure that the butter and chocolate are combined over low heat to prevent burning.
If using dairy-free chocolate, this recipe can easily be made vegan-friendly.
Experiment with different varieties of gumdrops or chewy candies for diverse flavors.
Keep the nougat stored in an airtight container to prolong freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the nougat in a decorative dish for a festive touch during your holiday gathering.
Pack the nougat in colorful cellophane bags as homemade gifts for friends and family.

Tips

For cleaner cuts, warm your knife slightly under hot water and dry it before slicing.
Cheer up your nougat by using gumdrops in various colors for visual appeal.
Make a double batch and freeze half for later—these candies freeze beautifully!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2-3 hours (including setting time)

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 180 per piece (depends on size)
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 20mg

FAQs

Can I substitute other candies for gumdrops?

Absolutely! You can use any chewy candy that you enjoy, such as gummy bears or jelly beans, for a different flavor profile.

How long can I store these nougat squares?

When stored in an airtight container, the nougat can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature or even longer in the refrigerator.

Can I make this nougat ahead of time?

Yes! This nougat is perfect for make-ahead treats, and it’s even better as a gift since it stays fresh for several days.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

If you use dairy-free white chocolate chips and ensure all ingredients are vegan, this recipe can be adapted for a vegan diet.

Conclusion

The Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas. With its lovely combination of chewy gumdrops and smooth nougat, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. The best part? The recipe allows for creativity and personalization, so feel free to experiment with different candies and flavors. We hope you try this festive recipe and enjoy every bite of this delicious nougat. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and happy holidays!