Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious holiday treat, I’ve got just the thing for you! This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Recipe is one of my all-time favorite easy no-bake sweets—it’s colorful, chewy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for holiday parties or handmade gifts that will wow your friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, this candy will become a holiday tradition in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Recipe really comes down to a balance of creamy white chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and chewy candy. I recommend using quality white chocolate chips (but not the Chipits brand—I learned that one the hard way!) and real butter to get that smooth, luscious texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps keep the nougat soft and creamy.
• White chocolate chips: Use two full bags of good quality chips—trust me, they melt better and taste sweeter.
• Mini marshmallows: These give the nougat its signature chew and fluffiness.
• Red and green gumdrops: Chopped into halves, they add that festive color and chewy burst of flavor. I usually find these at specialty candy stores or online during the holidays.

Variations

I love making this Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Recipe my own by swapping out a few things here and there. Feel free to get creative—the base is forgiving and perfect for customization if you want to accommodate different tastes or tweak the texture.

• Variation: Try using peppermint-flavored gumdrops or adding chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for some crunch—I added walnuts once, and my family went nuts over it!
• Dietary change: If you want a dairy-free version, coconut oil can replace butter, and vegan marshmallows are available if you want to keep it plant-based.
• Flavor swap: Mix in some dried cranberries or golden raisins for a tart pop in every bite.

How to Make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gumdrops

First, line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper so you get those beautiful, easy-to-remove edges. Then, chop your red and green gumdrops in half—this helps them disperse evenly throughout the nougat so every bite is festive and fun.

Step 2: Melt Butter, White Chocolate, and Marshmallows

This part takes a bit of patience but is so worth it. I like to use a double boiler setup: place a heatproof bowl snug over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Add butter, white chocolate chips (remember, no Chipits!), and mini marshmallows. Stir gently and continuously until everything melts into one smooth, gooey mixture. Keep the heat medium and be careful not to boil—it’s about melting, not cooking, or you’ll get a grainy texture. You’ll see the mix smooth out, that’s your cue that it’s ready.

Step 3: Mix Gumdrops and Transfer to Pan

Once the melted mixture is silky and smooth, remove it from heat and let it cool for about 2 minutes—this cool-down helps it thicken slightly for easier handling. Stir in those chopped gumdrops until they’re evenly distributed. The blend will be super sticky, so I grab a lightly greased piece of parchment or wax paper to spread and pat it down evenly in the lined pan. Don’t rush this part—getting an even layer means nicer cuts later!

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Pop your pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best if you have the patience. The nougat firms up and becomes perfectly sliceable. When it’s time to cut, aim for bite-sized pieces—I usually make about 60 pieces from the batch. To keep these candies from sticking to each other after slicing, separate the layers with parchment paper when storing.

How to Serve Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple because the gumdrops are so colorful themselves. On special occasions, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or shredded coconut on top before chilling for a little festival sparkle. Plus, it’s fun to drizzle some melted dark chocolate over pieces when serving for a grown-up twist.

Side Dishes

This nougat pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa—a perfect image for a cozy winter evening. If you’re serving it at a party, try alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or cinnamon-spiced nuts for a festive dessert board.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas gift-giving, I like to cut the nougat into neat squares, then wrap each piece individually in wax paper or festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Another time, I layered pieces in decorative tins separated by parchment—making a stunning homemade sweet gift. You can also shape the nougat into small logs or mold it into festive shapes if you’re feeling crafty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover nougat in an airtight container with pieces separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks, which is perfect for making ahead of holiday events or gift exchanges.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen this nougat successfully—just wrap pieces tightly in parchment and put them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a treat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight; this method keeps the texture intact without getting sticky or hard.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if your nougat gets firm from the fridge or freezer, I find letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes softens it perfectly without any issues. Avoid microwaving, as that can make it melt unevenly and become sticky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Recipe holds a special place in my heart—not only because it’s easy and fun to make, but because it fills my home with festive cheer and brings smiles every time someone bites into a chewy, colorful piece of holiday happiness. If you’re looking for a no-fuss candy that feels homemade and looks beautiful, this is the one I warmly recommend. So roll up your sleeves, enlist a few helpers, and enjoy making this sweet treat your family and friends will adore year after year.

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