Chewy Christmas gumdrop nougat candy is the nostalgic holiday treat you didn’t know you needed—until now. This simple no-bake candy combines rich white chocolate, gooey marshmallow cream, and colorful gumdrops into a sweet, festive bite-sized dessert. It looks like something straight out of Santa’s candy shop and comes together with just four ingredients. Perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or sneaking out of the fridge late at night!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Candy
- Super festive – The red and green gumdrops scream holiday cheer
- No candy thermometer needed – Just melt, mix, and chill
- Only 4 ingredients – Pantry staples and easy-to-find candy
- Perfect for gifts – Travels well and keeps for days
- Kid-approved – Fun to help make and even more fun to eat
For more holiday treats, try Peppermint Bark Bites, Marshmallow Fudge Squares, or Holiday Sprinkle Shortbread.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 (250g) bags mini marshmallows (or 500g total)
- 2 (225g) bags white chocolate chips (high quality like Ghirardelli or Lindt)
- 1½ cups red and green gumdrops, chopped
Instructions
1. Prep the Pan & Candy
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Cut gumdrops into halves or quarters using scissors or a knife. Set aside.
2. Melt the Base
- In a double boiler, combine butter, white chocolate chips, and marshmallows.
- Stir constantly over low to medium heat until smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 1–2 minutes.
3. Add the Gumdrops
- Quickly stir in chopped gumdrops. Work fast—mixture sets quickly!
- Mix until evenly distributed.
4. Press & Set
- Pour mixture into lined pan.
- Press flat using greased parchment or spatula to even the top.
- Chill in fridge for 2+ hours (or overnight) until firm.
5. Slice & Serve
- Once set, lift out of the pan and slice into squares.
- For clean cuts, spray your knife with cooking spray or rub lightly with butter.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes (with chilling)
- Servings: 25–30 bite-sized squares
Nutrition Facts (Per Batch – Approximate)
- Calories: ~4950 kcal
- Carbs: 900–950g
- Fat: 150–160g
- Protein: 24–28g
- Per piece (1/25 batch): ~200 kcal
Tips & Substitutions
- Use quality white chocolate – Cheap chips (like Chipits) may seize or separate
- No mini marshmallows? – Use large ones and cut them up
- Gumdrop swap – Spice drops, jelly fruit slices, or even festive-colored gummies work well
- No double boiler? – Microwave in 30-sec bursts, stirring constantly
- Chill time shortcut – Set in the freezer for 45 minutes if you’re in a rush
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating – This can make your nougat rubbery or grainy
- Using poor-quality chocolate – Leads to oily or clumpy texture
- Adding gumdrops too late – Mixture sets quickly, so stir them in fast
- Not prepping pan properly – Stick-proof your pan with parchment for easy removal
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Wrap pieces in wax paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Gifting: Pack in cellophane bags or festive tins. Great for shipping!
What to Serve With It
This chewy candy pairs perfectly with:
- Hot cocoa or eggnog
- Classic peanut brittle
- Fudge or peppermint bark
- Coffee and tea for a holiday dessert board
Make it part of your cookie tray or pack it up for last-minute teacher gifts and party favors.
FAQs
Can I make this with regular marshmallows?
Yes! Just chop or scissor-cut them into smaller pieces.
What kind of gumdrops should I use?
Traditional red and green gumdrops work best. Avoid sour or sugar-coated ones.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
Nope! This is a no-temp, no-fuss candy. Just melt gently and you’re golden.
How long does this candy last?
Up to 2 weeks at room temp or 3 months in the freezer—if it lasts that long!
Chewy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Equipment
- – 8×8-inch square pan
- – Double boiler or microwave bowl
- – Parchment paper
- – Sharp knife
Ingredients
- – 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- – 2 250g bags mini marshmallows
- – 2 225g bags white chocolate chips
- – 1½ cups red and green gumdrops chopped
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Chop gumdrops into halves or quarters.
- In a double boiler, melt butter, marshmallows, and chocolate over low heat.
- Stir constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and cool 1–2 minutes.
- Mix in gumdrops quickly.
- Press mixture into pan. Smooth with greased parchment.
- Chill 2+ hours or overnight. Slice with greased knife.
Notes
– Store up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
– Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This chewy Christmas gumdrop nougat candy is a nostalgic holiday favorite made easy. With gooey marshmallow texture, creamy white chocolate, and colorful gumdrops in every bite, it’s festive, foolproof, and totally giftable. Make a batch for your dessert tray or wrap it up to share the holiday joy.