ByJaclyn Shimmel On
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Christmas gumdropsare fun and easy to make with jello, applesauce, gelatin, and sugar. They make aperfect treatfor Christmas parties, gifting, or snacking on at home throughout the holiday season.
Homemade Christmas candy recipes are aholiday traditionin our home thistime of year. Martha Washington candy, melted snowman bark, and these homemade gumdrops are a few of our favorites.
Christmas Gumdrop Candy
Made with just 5 simple ingredients, thishomemade gumdrops recipeis afun treatto whip up with the family. The kids can help cut the little shapes out with cookie cutters and then roll each candy to give it asugar coating.
The vibrant red andgreen gumdropsare afun wayto add a dash of color to your holiday spread.If your family is afan of gumdropsgive this gumdrop fudge recipe a try as well.
Trust me, once you try these homemade, sugary delights, they will become aChristmas favoritein your house, too!
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Sugar — Gives the chewy gumdrops their classic sweetness and forms the candy’s outer coating.
- Unsweetened Applesauce — Adds moisture and a subtle fruitiness.
- Jello — We made one batch with red Jello (cherry) and another with green Jello (lime) for festive colors. Feel free to experiment with other flavors or colors to suit different themes or preferences.
- Unflavored Gelatin — Necessary for getting the gumdrops to set properly. We used Knox Gelatin.
Supplies
- saucepan
- baking dish – either a 9 x 13 or 7 x 11 will work.
- metal spatula
- minimetal cookie cutters– this set has a christmas tree, candy cane, star, snowflake, snowman, gingerbread man, and more.
- parchment paper
- cutting board
How to MakeHomemade Gumdrops
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
- Prepare the gelatin mixture on the stovetop as per the directions below.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and refrigerate until firm.
- Cut shapes with mini cookie cutters; allow cut gumdrops to sit at room temperature overnight.
- Coat gumdrops in sugar and enjoy!
Storage
Store gumdrops in anairtight containerorfreezer bag at room temperaturefor up to 7 days.
Homemade Gumdrop Recipe Tips and Tricks
- To make red and green gumdrops prepare the recipe twice, once using a box of lime jello and once with a box of cherry jello.
- Heat cookie cutters in hot water before cutting to easily cut into the chewy gumdrops without sticking.
- No cookie cutters? Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to neatly slice gumdrops into small pieces.
- Try experimenting with different jello flavors and cookie cutters for various holidays.
Christmas Gummy Candy FAQ
Can I make these gumdrops in different flavors?
Absolutely! You can use different flavored extracts, lemon juice, or fruit juices to create a variety of gumdrop flavors. Just ensure the liquid ratio remains the same.
Is it necessary to let the gumdrops sit overnight?
Yes, allowing them to sit overnight helps them set properly and develop the right texture. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 8 hours is essential.
Can I make gumdrops without using cookie cutters?
Yes, you can simply cut them into squares or diamonds with a knife if you don’t have mini cookie cutters.
Help! My gumdrops are stuck to the dish!
These bad boys are sticky as can be but you got this! Slide your metal spatula under them and keep pulling… they will come out!
More Holiday Treat Recipes
- Christmas popcorn balls
- Crockpot Candy
- Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls
- Rocky road candy
- Candy grapes
Recipe
Recipe
5 from 3 votes
Homemade Gumdrops
Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 25 minutes mins
Cook: 5 minutes mins
Set Time 11 hours hrs
Total: 11 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
You will love these homemade Christmas gumdrops! Made with just 4 simple ingredients, their simple to make and easy to customize with your choice of Jello flavors. Perfect for the holiday season or anyti me of the year!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar divided
- 1 ⅓ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 6 ounces jello such as lime or cherry
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin such as Knox
Instructions
Spray an 11×7 or 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
In a large saucepan, stir to combine 2 cups sugar and the remaining ingredients; let stand 1 minute.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Allow the gelatin mixture to boil for 1 minute then pour immediately into the greased dish.
Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes and then refrigerate 3 hours, or until firm.
Line a large cutting board with parchment paper and sprinkle generously with sugar.
Use a metal spatula to loosen the gumdrop mixture from the sides and bottom of the dish. Transfer to the lined baking dish. Note: You can transfer the whole sheet at once or slice the gelatin into 6-8 large pieces and transfer one piece at a time.
Cut out shapes with mini cookie cutters; return to lined baking sheet.
Let gumdrops sit at room temperature overnight (or at least 8 hours)
Add remaining granualted sugar to a shallow bowl and roll each gumdrop in it until coated.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To make red and green gumdrops prepare the recipe twice, once using a box of lime jello and once with a box of cherry jello.
- Heat cookie cutters in hot water before cutting to easily cut into the chewy gumdrops without sticking.
- No cookie cutters? Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to neatly slice gumdrops into small pieces.
- The gelatin mixture will be very sticky but keep sliding a metal spatula under it and keep pulling… it will come out!
Nutrition
Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.03g | Saturated Fat: 0.001g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.02mg
Did You Make This Recipe?
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