If you’re looking to add a burst of festive color and chewy sweetness to your holiday treats, the Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe is an absolute must-try. This charming dessert effortlessly combines the soft, pillowy sweetness of marshmallows and white chocolate with the playful pop of fruity gumdrops, creating a candy that not only tastes delightful but looks like a holiday party on a plate. The process is surprisingly simple, yet the result feels special—perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging in the joyful spirit of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role in delivering that perfect texture and festive look, making this recipe both accessible and fun to prepare.
- 10 ounces gumdrops: These add vibrant colors and chewy bursts of fruity flavor that make this candy so joyful.
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows: Their meltable softness is essential for that classic nougat texture, providing a sweet and fluffy base.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter enriches the nougat with a smooth, creamy undertone and helps meld the ingredients flawlessly.
- 1 ¾ cups white chocolate chips: White chocolate adds sweetness and a luscious creaminess, tying everything together deliciously.
How to Make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First things first, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is key because it ensures the nougat candy won’t stick to the pan, making it much easier to remove and slice once set. Plus, it makes cleanup a breeze—always a bonus when candy-making!
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
Next, place your white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them on high for about two and a half minutes, stirring every thirty seconds. This method ensures even melting and prevents the chocolate from burning, resulting in a perfectly smooth base for your nougat.
Step 3: Melt Marshmallows and Butter Together
In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the mini marshmallows with unsalted butter. Microwave on high for two minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the marshmallows puff up and the butter melts completely. This warm mixture forms the fluffy and rich foundation of your nougat candy.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Stir the marshmallow and butter mixture to smooth it out, then promptly add the melted white chocolate. Stir them together quickly while both are warm so they blend into a seamless, creamy nougat base that’s luscious and ready to incorporate your gumdrops.
Step 5: Fold in the Gumdrops
Gently fold most of the gumdrops into your nougat mixture, distributing them evenly throughout. The gumdrops add delightful bursts of fruity flavor and bursts of color, making every bite a fun surprise. Reserve some gumdrops for the topping—it’s part of the recipe’s festive charm!
Step 6: Transfer and Press the Mixture
Pour the nougat mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Use greased hands or a piece of parchment paper to press it down gently but firmly. This helps compact the candy and create an even surface to show off those delicious gumdrops.
Step 7: Decorate the Top
Sprinkle the remaining gumdrops on top, pressing them lightly into the surface. This final touch adds an eye-catching decoration that screams holiday cheer, making this candy both scrumptious and instagram-worthy.
Step 8: Chill Until Set
Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight. Cooling the candy fully lets the nougat firm up to the perfect consistency for slicing, while allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 9: Slice and Enjoy
Once chilled and set, remove the nougat from the pan and slice it into pretty squares. Each piece offers a balance of soft, chewy, creamy, and fruity goodness that’s hard to resist. Now your Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe is ready to be enjoyed or gifted!
How to Serve Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe
Garnishes
While the gumdrops already provide a pop of color, you can enhance presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy canes on top for an extra festive crunch. Both options amp up the holiday vibe and add new textures.
Side Dishes
This nougat candy pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled wine, balancing its sweet richness. It also makes a lovely companion to sturdy holiday cookies or a cheese platter, where its chewy, fruity notes refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make your Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe even more enchanting. Try arranging the squares in a festive tin lined with wax paper or wrapping individual pieces in colorful cellophane tied with ribbons. You can even layer the nougat squares between sheets of parchment when gifting to prevent sticking and create a professional-looking treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your nougat candy tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep the middle soft and chewy while preserving its freshness for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy that holiday spirit long after making it.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. When frozen, the candy retains its texture well and can be stored for up to three months without losing flavor.
Reheating
There’s generally no need to reheat nougat candy, but if it feels too firm, allowing it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes softens it up mouth-wateringly. Avoid microwaving as it can change the chewy texture and melt the gumdrops.
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy instead of gumdrops?
Absolutely! While traditional gumdrops give this recipe its signature look and fruitiness, you can experiment with chopped dried fruit, jelly beans, or even colorful mini M&Ms for a different twist.
Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
No thermometer is required here. The microwave melting method for both white chocolate and marshmallows makes the process simple and approachable, so you get great results without special tools.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make it vegan, substitute with dairy-free butter and white chocolate alternatives, and use vegan marshmallows. Keep in mind texture and taste can vary slightly but it’s definitely possible to customize.
How chewy is the nougat candy? Will it be hard to bite?
The nougat sets with a soft, chewy texture that’s tender on teeth. Thanks to the marshmallows and white chocolate, it’s pleasantly soft rather than hard or sticky, making it enjoyable for all ages.
Is this recipe good for gifting during the holidays?
Yes! Its festive colors and easy slicing make it ideal for sharing. Wrapped in pretty packaging or placed in holiday tins, these nougat candies are sure to delight friends, family, or coworkers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making and sharing your own Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe. It captures the merry spirit of the holidays in every colorful cube, bringing smiles all around. Whether you’re gifting it or enjoying it yourself, this treat is a wonderful addition to any festive occasion. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and colorful Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe that combines chewy mini marshmallows, creamy white chocolate, and bright gumdrops for a delightful holiday treat. This no-bake candy is easy to prepare, sets in the refrigerator, and makes a perfect sweet gift or holiday party snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 ounces gumdrops (such as Dots candy)
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ¾ cups white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ease removal of the candy.
- Melt White Chocolate: Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 2 ½ minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Melt Marshmallows and Butter: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine mini marshmallows and unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 2 minutes until marshmallows puff up and butter melts completely.
- Combine Melted Mixtures: Stir the melted marshmallow and butter mixture until smooth, then quickly mix in the melted white chocolate. Continue stirring until fully combined into a homogenous nougat base.
- Fold in Gumdrops: Add the majority of the gumdrops into the nougat mixture, folding gently to distribute them evenly throughout.
- Transfer to Pan: Spoon the nougat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use greased hands or a sheet of parchment paper to press it down evenly, creating a uniform layer.
- Decorate with Gumdrops: Press the remaining gumdrops on top of the nougat layer for a festive and colorful presentation.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until the nougat is fully set and firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the nougat from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve as a delightful holiday candy.
Notes
- Use a good quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Ensure marshmallows are melted completely to avoid lumps in the nougat.
- You can substitute gumdrops with other colorful chewy candies if preferred.
- Store the nougat candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Allow the nougat to come to room temperature briefly before serving for a softer bite.
