There are certain recipes that define the holiday season, bringing back memories of family gatherings and festive platters. Grandma’s Christmas Candy, often known as “Gumdrop Nougat” or “Jelly Nougat,” is exactly that kind of treat. It is a vintage recipe that has stood the test of time because it is colorful, delicious, and incredibly easy to make.
If you are looking for a recipe that captures the magic of Christmas without turning on the oven, this is it. This candy combines the rich creaminess of white chocolate with the soft chew of marshmallows and the bright, fruity zest of gumdrops. It looks like a stained-glass masterpiece but takes only minutes to mix together in the microwave.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience: The entire process happens in the microwave, which keeps your oven free for baking cookies or roasting the holiday turkey.
- Budget-Friendly: With only four ingredients—butter, white chocolate, marshmallows, and gumdrops—this is an affordable way to make a large batch of treats.
- Perfect for Gifting: Because this recipe yields plenty of pieces and holds up well at room temperature, it is the ideal candidate for holiday tin exchanges or teacher gifts.
- Kid-Friendly: Since there are no hot ovens or candy thermometers involved, this is a fun recipe to make with children (just be careful with the hot melted sugar mixture!).
Ingredients and Preparation
This recipe is simple, but quality matters. Below are the specific ingredients and steps to recreate this classic dessert.
Course: Dessert
Servings: Serves 24
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1 cup red and green gumdrops or chewy candy, chopped
PREPARATION
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease. Set aside.
- Add butter, white chocolate chips, and marshmallows to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir contents with a greased spatula then continue microwaving in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Allow mixture to cool for about 1 minute then fold in the colored candies.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and use spatula to press into a flat and even layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge for a minimum of 4 hours or up to overnight.
- Lift candy out of the dish using the parchment paper. Remove paper and slice into small bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular-sized marshmallows, but they may take longer to melt. It is best to cut them into smaller pieces with kitchen shears before microwaving to ensure they melt evenly with the white chocolate chips.
Why did my gumdrops melt into the white chocolate?
If your white mixture turns pink or green, it is because the base was too hot when you added the gumdrops. This is why the instruction to “Allow mixture to cool for about 1 minute” is crucial. It brings the temperature down just enough to keep the gumdrops intact without hardening the nougat.
Can I freeze this candy?
Absolutely. This candy freezes very well. Wrap the block or individual slices in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving.
Do I have to use gumdrops?
While traditional “Christmas Candy” uses red and green gumdrops (often the spice-flavored ones or fruit ones), you can customize this. Chopped dried cranberries and pistachios make for a more sophisticated version, or you can use other chewy jelly candies to suit your taste preference.
How long does it last?
When stored in an airtight container, this candy stays fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you keep it in the refrigerator, it can last for 2-3 weeks, though it is best served at room temperature for the softest texture.
