The holiday season is a time for indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than by making your own delightful Christmas candies? If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also adds a pop of festive color to your dessert table, then you’re in for a treat with our Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe.
This delightful confection is a modern twist on the classic nougat, infusing it with the vibrant hues and fruity flavors of gumdrops. Whether you’re an experienced candy maker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and perfect for gifting or enjoying with family and friends.
Choosing the Right Ingredients:
Gumdrops: The star of this candy show, gumdrops come in various colors and flavors. Choose high-quality gumdrops with vibrant colors and a mix of fruity flavors for a delightful taste experience.
Miniature Marshmallows: Opt for fresh and soft miniature marshmallows. They’ll melt smoothly into the nougat, giving it that irresistibly creamy texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best for this recipe as it allows you to control the salt content. It also adds a rich and buttery flavor to the nougat.
White Chocolate Chips: Use good-quality white chocolate chips or chunks. They provide a creamy sweetness that complements the chewy gumdrops.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.
Chopped Nuts (Optional): If you enjoy some crunch in your nougat, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans. They add a delightful contrast to the chewy texture.
Making the Candy:
Preparation is Key: Before starting, chop your gumdrops into small pieces. Dusting your knife with powdered sugar will make this task less sticky.
Melting the Marshmallows: When melting the butter and marshmallows, use low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning or sticking. A non-stick saucepan works wonders here.
Quick Work: Once you’ve removed the saucepan from heat, work quickly to mix in the gumdrops, white chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and nuts (if using). This ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Cooling and Setting: Allow the nougat to cool at room temperature for several hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate it for about an hour to speed up the setting process.
Cutting and Dusting: When cutting the nougat, a sharp knife dusted with powdered sugar will prevent sticking. Dust the top of the nougat with powdered sugar for a finished look.
Variations and Substitutions:
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different gumdrop flavors to create a unique candy. Citrus, berry, and tropical gumdrops offer exciting options.
Nut-Free: Skip the nuts if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.
Chocolate Coating: Dip the nougat squares in melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your gumdrops and white chocolate are gluten-free if you need to make this candy suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Festive Decorations: Consider adding edible glitter, colored sugar, or festive sprinkles to the powdered sugar dusting for a more holiday-themed appearance.
Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Ingredients:
- 1 package (10 ounces) of colored gumdrops
- 1 package (10 ounces) of miniature marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cups of white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
-Start by chopping up the gumdrops into small pieces. This can be a bit sticky, so you can coat your knife with a little powdered sugar to make it easier.
-In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
-Add the marshmallows to the saucepan and stir until they are completely melted and smooth.
-Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the chopped gumdrops, white chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. Mix until everything is well combined.
-Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
-Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
-Let the candy cool and set at room temperature for a few hours or you can speed up the process by placing it in the fridge for about an hour.
-Once it’s firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the candy out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and dust the top with powdered sugar.
-Cut the nougat into small squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. You can also dust the knife with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
-Your Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is ready to enjoy! Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
