Bright, sugary, and full of festive color, these Christmas Gumdrops are a fun homemade candy for holiday trays and gift boxes. Making your own gumdrops not only brings joy to the kitchen but also adds a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends, this recipe is perfect! You may also find Sweet Treats Await 7 Deals For National Ice Cream Day 2026 useful.
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Christmas Gumdrops are not only delicious but also allow you to customize flavors and colors as you wish. They are a great activity to involve kids too, making it a fun family project. Plus, these treats make for great gifts and can be included in festive baskets. For those looking for more sweet recipes, consider creating a cotton candy cheesecake to accompany these colorful candies.
How to Make Christmas Gumdrops
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (various colors)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- Cornstarch (for dusting)
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Add corn syrup and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and desired food coloring.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish and let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours to set.
- Once set, cut into small squares.
- Toss the squares in granulated sugar and cornstarch to coat and prevent sticking.
- Allow to dry for a few hours before storing in an airtight container.
How to Serve Christmas Gumdrops
These colorful gumdrops can be served on a festive platter or used as decorations on cakes and cupcakes. They make great edible gifts during the holiday season and can be enjoyed throughout the year. To help round out your holiday menu, you might consider incorporating a comforting one-pot meal that pairs well with your sweet treats.
How to Store Christmas Gumdrops
To ensure your gumdrops stay fresh, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to make them ahead of time, they can last for several weeks when stored properly. Avoid exposing them to moisture, as this can cause them to become sticky.
Tips to Make Christmas Gumdrops
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different food coloring to create a colorful array.
- Make sure to dust the gumdrops well with sugar and cornstarch to prevent them from sticking together.
Variation
Feel free to add different flavors or spices to the mix, like cinnamon or peppermint, for a unique twist on the classic gumdrop. You could also try dipping them in chocolate for a fun variation.
FAQs
1. How long do Christmas Gumdrops last?
When stored in an airtight container, they can last several weeks at room temperature.
2. Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
Yes, using flavored gelatin can add a fun twist to your gumdrops.
3. What can I do if my gumdrops are too sticky?
Make sure they are well-coated with sugar and cornstarch, and allow them to dry longer in the air.
Conclusion
Making homemade Christmas Gumdrops is a delightful way to bring some festive fun into your kitchen. Not only can you customize them to your liking, but they also make perfect gifts! If you’re looking for more candy ideas, check out this guide on How to Make Homemade Fruity Gumdrops. For even more sweet options, you might enjoy exploring 52 Christmas Candy Recipes for a Sweet Holiday, or try making Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy. Enjoy your holiday treats!
Christmas Gumdrops
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Add corn syrup and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and desired food coloring.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish and let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours to set.
- Once set, cut into small squares.
- Toss the squares in granulated sugar and cornstarch to coat and prevent sticking.
- Allow to dry for a few hours before storing in an airtight container.
