Christmas Gumdrops

Introduction

If you’re looking to add a little extra color and cheer to your holiday table, look no further than these homemade Christmas Gumdrops! There’s something so magical about them—those tiny, jewel-toned candies with their sweet, fruity, and just-a-hint-of-spicy flavors. Every bite feels like a taste of the holidays, and they’re perfect for everything from decorating your holiday spread to gifting to loved ones.

I’ll be honest, making candy at home might sound a little intimidating, but trust me—these gumdrops are way easier than they seem. I remember the first time I made them; I thought I’d end up with a sticky mess and a failed batch, but they turned out great! And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just some simple kitchen staples, a little patience, and a lot of holiday spirit. Plus, it’s a perfect activity to do with the kids or grandkids—there’s something so fun about rolling the candy into sugar and watching them turn into those colorful, festive bites.

I love making these every year, and they’ve become a tradition in my house. The fruity and spicy notes remind me of cozy winter nights, while the bright colors always add that pop of cheer we need when the weather outside is cold and gray. I can already imagine these gumdrops being shared at family gatherings, with everyone reaching for just one more… then another. You’ve got this—let’s get started on creating these irresistible little treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why Christmas Gumdrops will become your new holiday favorite:

• Festive and Fun: These colorful treats are perfect for adding holiday cheer to any gathering.
• Customizable Flavors: Experiment with different fruit juices and spices to make these gumdrops your own.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a quick process make this a fun holiday treat to whip up.
• Great for Gifting: Package these gumdrops in a festive box or jar for a homemade gift that everyone will love.
• Perfect for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these sweet, chewy candies.
• No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a saucepan, a few bowls, and a candy thermometer.
• Vibrant Colors: These gumdrops are as pretty as they are tasty, with their bright, candy-colored exterior.
• Holiday Tradition: Making gumdrops can be a fun family activity, and they’ll quickly become a holiday tradition.
• Great for Snack Platters: Add them to your dessert or snack table for a festive touch.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: About 30 gumdrops
• Calories per gumdrop: Approximately 50 calories
• Key Nutrients: Sugar: 12g, Fat: 0g, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 0g

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Christmas Gumdrops:

For the Gumdrops:

• 2 cups fruit juice (such as orange, cranberry, or pomegranate)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegetarian version)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for a tart kick)

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the gumdrops)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fruit Juice: Adds natural flavor to the gumdrops, and you can choose your favorite juices for variety.
• Gelatin: The key to giving these gumdrops their chewy texture.
• Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and ginger give these gumdrops their warm, festive flavor.
• Citric Acid: Optional, but it adds a zesty, tart note that balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Christmas Gumdrops:

Prepare the Gumdrop Mixture

1. Mix the Juices: In a medium saucepan, combine the fruit juice and lemon juice. Stir in the gelatin and let it sit for a minute to bloom.
2. Heat the Mixture: Turn on the stove to medium heat. Stir the mixture until the gelatin dissolves completely, and then add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, making sure it’s well mixed and heated through.

Set the Gumdrops

1. Pour Into Molds: Pour the hot gumdrop mixture into silicone molds, candy molds, or a greased baking dish. Let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge.
2. Chill: Let the gumdrops chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until firm and set.

Coat the Gumdrops

1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Once the gumdrops have set, pop them out of the molds and roll each one in the sugar to coat it evenly.

How to Serve

Here are some fun ways to serve your Christmas Gumdrops:

1. Holiday Gift Boxes: Package gumdrops in festive gift boxes or jars for a thoughtful and homemade gift.
2. Snack Tray: Add the gumdrops to your dessert or snack tray alongside cookies and candies.
3. Holiday Parties: Serve them at your holiday party as a colorful, sweet treat for your guests.
4. Dessert Table: Create a beautiful dessert display with gumdrops, cookies, and other homemade sweets.
5. Personalized Gift Tags: Attach personalized gift tags to jars of gumdrops for a special touch.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Christmas Gumdrops with these helpful tips:

1. Experiment with Juices: Try different fruit juices to make a variety of gumdrop flavors, such as cranberry, orange, or apple.
2. Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice measurements to suit your taste—add more cinnamon or ginger if you prefer a spicier gumdrop.
3. Try Natural Sweeteners: If you want a healthier version, substitute some or all of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
4. Use Small Molds: For bite-sized treats, use smaller molds or cut the gumdrops into cubes after setting.
5. Add Color: If you want extra vibrance, add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture.
6. Work Quickly: When pouring the mixture into molds, work fast as the gelatin begins to set quickly.
7. Test for Firmness: If the gumdrops aren’t firm enough after chilling, return them to the fridge for another 30 minutes to set further.
8. Non-Stick Tips: Use non-stick cooking spray in your molds to make it easier to release the gumdrops once they’ve set.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun variations to try with your Christmas Gumdrops:

• Citrus Gumdrops: Use a mix of orange, lemon, and lime juices for a tangy twist.
• Berry Gumdrops: Use raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry juice for a fruity flavor.
• Spiced Gumdrops: Add nutmeg or allspice for an extra holiday kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace gelatin with agar-agar to make these gumdrops vegan-friendly.
• Sugary Coating Alternatives: Roll the gumdrops in powdered sugar or colored sugar for a festive look.
• Sugar-Free: Try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free version.

Freezing and Storage

Store your Christmas Gumdrops with these tips:

• Storage: Keep leftover gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Refrigerate: For longer shelf life, store them in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to a month.
• Freezing: You can freeze gumdrops for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Thawing: Let frozen gumdrops thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment

You’ll need the following tools to make your Christmas Gumdrops:

• Saucepan: For heating the juice and sugar mixture.
• Silicone Molds: For shaping the gumdrops.
• Shallow Bowl: For rolling the gumdrops in sugar.
• Candy Thermometer: Optional, but it can help to make sure your mixture is heated to the right temperature.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Christmas Gumdrops:

• Can I use fruit juice concentrate?
  Yes, but be sure to dilute it with water to get the right flavor balance.
• Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
  Yes, if you’re making a vegan version, replace the gelatin with agar-agar.
• Can I make these in advance?
  Absolutely! These gumdrops store well for several weeks, so you can make them ahead of time for parties or gifts.
• What if I don’t have candy molds?
  You can pour the mixture into a baking dish and cut it into squares once it has set.

Print

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making these Christmas Gumdrops! They’re such a fun and festive treat, and I know they’ll be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re adding them to a gift basket, serving them at a holiday party, or simply enjoying them as a sweet treat, they’re sure to spread some holiday joy.

Once you’ve made your gumdrops, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to see how your batch turns out. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions or tips you have, and share your photos on social media. Tag me with your finished gumdrops—I love seeing all your creative versions and how they add that extra festive touch to your celebrations!

So, go ahead—get in the kitchen, have fun with it, and enjoy the process. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!