irresistible Chewy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

 

Ah, Christmas! A season of warmth, cheer, and the irresistible scent of sugary delights wafting through the kitchen. I still remember the magic of childhood Christmases, waking up to the twinkling lights and, of course, the array of homemade candies and sweet treats. One particular favorite that always made an appearance was the delightful chewy Christmas gumdrop nougat candy. A vibrant splash of color, all those chewy textures, and the sweet, nutty flavor made it a hit among family and friends. Today, I am so excited to share this beloved recipe with you—it’s not just a treat, but a true sweet memory that brings joy and nostalgia to every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This candy comes together with a few simple steps, perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
• Seasonal Cheer: The bright gumdrops and festive flavors will have everyone humming Christmas carols.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to make it your own, ensuring no two batches are ever the same!
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up in festive bags, and they make lovely gifts for friends and neighbors.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciously chewy Christmas gumdrop nougat candy:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 3 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups gumdrops, chopped (look for bright, colorful varieties!)
• 1 cup nuts (such as almonds or pecans, chopped)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (because who doesn’t love marshmallows?)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Note: Using fresh gumdrops gives the best texture, and adding a dash of almond extract alongside the vanilla can amp up the flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into these simple steps to make your very own gumdrop nougat candy!

1. Prepare your workspace: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later. Dust the parchment with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
2. Sugar mix time: In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook this over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, let it simmer without stirring until a candy thermometer reads 250°F (hard ball stage). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
3. Whip those egg whites: While the sugar mixture is cooking, place the egg whites in a large bowl and beat them with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This should take about 4-5 minutes, and you’ll know they’re ready when they hold their shape beautifully!
4. Combine: Once your sugar mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Slowly drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the egg whites while continuing to beat at medium speed. Be cautious—watch out for any splatters!
5. Add flavor: After the syrup is fully incorporated, add in the vanilla extract and salt. Continue beating until the mixture becomes thick and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Fold in the goodies: Carefully fold in the chopped gumdrops, nuts, and marshmallows using a spatula. Be gentle to keep the fluffy texture of the nougat—this mix should look festive and colorful!
7. Spread it out: Pour the nougat mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Use a spatula dusted with powdered sugar to make this easier—trust me, it helps!
8. Let it set: Allow the nougat to cool at room temperature for several hours, or until it’s firm to the touch. Patience is key! If you can resist, letting it sit overnight is even better.
9. Chop and enjoy: Once set, lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment overhang, and cut it into squares or rectangles. Dust with a little more powdered sugar to keep them from sticking together. Then, indulge in the sweet, chewy goodness!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, here are some fun twists to try!

• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a delightful twist.
• Nut Diversity: Swap out the pecans for walnuts, or try adding dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a chewy surprise.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzling melted chocolate over the top can elevate this candy to new heights.
• Healthier Options: For lower sugar content, consider using honey or agave syrup. Just remember that it may alter the texture slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This cheerful candy is perfect for all your holiday gatherings! Here’s how I like to serve it:

• As part of a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark and cookies.
• Packed in a cute jar tied with a ribbon for a personalized Christmas gift.
• Accompanied by a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for that perfect sweet treat moment.

Picture this: a cozy afternoon, soft holiday music playing, and you’re nibbling on a piece of chewy gumdrop nougat while sipping your drink. Pure bliss!

Storage Tips

To keep this gumdrop nougat fresh and ready to enjoy, follow these simple storage guidelines:

• Room temperature: You can store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
• Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container. Just be aware that the texture may become firmer.
• Freezing: You can freeze pieces for up to three months! Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use my own mixture of nuts and gumdrops?

Absolutely! Mix it up! You can use any kind of gummy candy or nuts you love. Just make sure to keep them in similar sizes to maintain the chewy texture.

What should I do if my nougat didn’t set?

If your nougat isn’t setting, it could be due to the sugar mixture not reaching the right temperature. Next time, use a candy thermometer to ensure you achieve that hard ball stage, or you can place it back over low heat and re-whip!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in gumdrop nougat are naturally gluten-free, but make sure your gumdrops don’t contain any gluten or traces of gluten by checking the label.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this chewy Christmas gumdrop nougat candy as much as I do! It’s a fun, colorful treat that adds a festive touch to any gathering. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to leave a comment below sharing your experience or any twist you added. Wishing you all the sweetness and joy this holiday season!