Discover the joy of making your own Homemade Gumdrops, a fun and colorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These delightful candies, made with simple ingredients and a bit of kitchen magic, are not only delicious but also a great activity to enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1½ cups applesauce (no sugar added)
- 6 oz flavored Jello (such as cherry or lime)
- ½ oz unflavored gelatin (about 2 envelopes)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside for later use.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, applesauce, flavored Jello, unflavored gelatin, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture gently and allow it to stand for 1 minute to soften the gelatin.
- Cook the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, continue to stir and cook for 1 minute, ensuring the sugar and gelatin fully dissolve.
- Set the Gumdrops:
- After boiling, promptly pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place in the refrigerator to set until firm, which should take about three hours, though overnight is ideal for best results.
- Prepare for Cutting:
- Cover a large cutting board or flat surface with parchment paper. Sprinkle a generous amount of sugar over the parchment paper.
- Invert and Cut:
- Using a spatula, loosen the set gelatin mixture from the baking dish and invert it onto the sugar-coated parchment paper.
- With small, sharp cookie cutters, cut out the gumdrops. If the gelatin is sticky or difficult to cut, dip the cutters in hot water before each use. Clean the cutters periodically to maintain easy cutting.
- Dry and Coat:
- Leave the cut gumdrops on the sugar-coated parchment to dry for about 8 hours, or until they are just slightly sticky to the touch.
- Roll the slightly sticky gumdrops in the remaining granulated sugar until they are fully coated.
- Storage:
- Store the sugar-coated gumdrops in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling and drying time) Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: About 12 hours (including chilling and drying time) Yield: Varies based on size of gumdrops
Serving Suggestion: These homemade gumdrops are perfect for gifting, decorating gingerbread houses, or simply enjoying as a sweet snack. You can experiment with different Jello flavors and colors to create a vibrant assortment.
Additional Tips:
- For a citrus twist, try using orange or lemon Jello and corresponding fresh juice in place of lemon juice.
- You can add a drop or two of food coloring to intensify the colors if desired.
