
Festive Homemade Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
I'm excited to tell you about my go-to holiday sweet that always brings back wonderful memories. This no-fuss gumdrop nougat captures the spirit of Christmas - a soft chewy base packed with bright red and green gumdrops throughout. You won't need to bake anything, and it looks incredibly festive while tasting fantastic. The best part? It's so straightforward that everyone in your family can jump in and help make it.
What Makes This Sweet Treat Special
You'll quickly fall in love with this handcrafted candy because:
- The chewy nougat and fruit-flavored gumdrops create an irresistible combo
- Those colorful gumdrops give it a professional appearance
- It makes a perfect handcrafted gift everyone will appreciate
- You don't need to bake anything, saving time during the busy holidays
Simple Components for Gumdrop Nougat
- White Chocolate Chips: They add a creamy richness to our handmade nougat.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps everything blend together nicely in this straightforward treat.
- Red and Green Gumdrops: These festive candies are what make our handmade sweet so special.
- Mini Marshmallows: They transform into the perfect chewy foundation for our nougat.
Quick Preparation Guide
- Chill and Serve
- Place your pan in the refrigerator and let everything set properly. A few hours works fine, but leaving it overnight makes slicing much easier.
- Smooth It Out
- Transfer this delightful mixture into your lined container. Here's a handy trick - use greased parchment paper to flatten it evenly without getting your fingers sticky.
- Cut and Enjoy
- After it's firm, use the parchment paper edges to pull it out. Slice into squares with a sharp knife and they're ready to be enjoyed!
- Melt Everything Together
- Begin by melting butter in a large pot over gentle heat. Toss in marshmallows and white chocolate chips, constantly stirring until you get a smooth mixture. Keep the temperature low to avoid burning anything.
- Mix in the Gumdrops
- Once your base is completely melted, gently fold in your chopped gumdrops. They'll look stunning scattered throughout the nougat. Stir well to distribute them evenly.
Tricks for Perfect Results
- Sharp Knife Technique: Using a clean, sharp blade makes cutting your handmade treat super easy.
- Complete Setting Time: Let it firm up entirely for the neatest slices.
- Parchment Paper Hack: This basic technique makes pressing down the nougat much simpler.

Keeping Your Treats Fresh
Store your handmade nougat in a sealed container and it'll remain tasty for about a week. Need to prepare ahead? Just put layers of parchment paper between pieces and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to let them sit out for an hour before you serve them.
A Delightful Holiday Confection
This handmade gumdrop nougat adds so much joy to any holiday dessert spread or gift package. Everyone smiles when they taste that wonderful mix of soft nougat and chewy gumdrops. Whether you're giving them as presents or enjoying them yourself, each colorful piece of this simple treat brings happiness to the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use a double boiler?
- It stops chocolate and marshmallows from burning, making them melt smoothly.
- → Why not use Chipits chips?
- They don't melt well. Stick to good-quality white chocolate chips.
- → What stops it from sticking?
- Lay parchment paper in storage or the pan before pressing the mix in.
- → Can I switch candy types?
- Of course! Try swapping gumdrops with other similar candies or different colors.
- → How long will it last?
- When stored airtight with parchment layers, it keeps well for a while.