Christmas Gumdrops

Christmas brings about so much joy, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade Christmas gumdrops? These delightful, chewy candies are perfect for decorating your holiday treats or simply enjoying as a festive snack. The vibrant colors and fruity flavors are sure to brighten your table and cheer up your gatherings. Plus, making these gumdrops can be a wonderful family activity. Imagine gathering around the kitchen, laughter filling the air as you stir up the mixtures and cut them into fun shapes.

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In this recipe, you’ll learn exactly how to create those iconic Christmas gumdrops that pack a flavorful punch. With a blend of luscious strawberry and refreshing lime flavors, these treats not only taste amazing but also look adorable, making them a pleasing addition to your holiday festivities. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the family, and let’s get started on this sweet holiday adventure!

Why This Recipe Works

One reason this recipe shines is the combination of flavored gelatins and unflavored gelatin. This magic mix creates the ideal texture for gumdrops, offering a chewy yet firm candy that everyone loves. The unflavored gelatin gives structure, while the flavored ones infuse the sweet treats with vibrant tastes. Another secret ingredient, applesauce, adds just the right amount of moisture. Its subtle fruitiness enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing out the sweetness and creating a more complex taste that you’ll adore.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gumdrops

What’s not to love about these vibrant, colorful Christmas gumdrops? They are, without a doubt, deliciously festive and visually captivating—perfect for any holiday celebration. Imagine placing these bright candies on your table; guests will be drawn to the cheerful colors and delicious flavors. Beyond being tasty treats, making Christmas gumdrops is a simple and fun activity for the entire family. Kids especially enjoy shaping the candies, and it’s a lovely way to create memories together.

Ingredients

• 5 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 2 ½ cups applesauce, divided
• 6 ounces strawberry jello (2 packages, 3 ounces each)
• 6 ounces lime jello (2 packages, 3 ounces each)
• 4 envelopes unflavored gelatin

Creating Your Christmas Gumdrops

Mix the Strawberry Gumdrop Base

To kick things off, grab a large saucepan. In this pan, combine 2 cups of your granulated sugar with 1 ⅓ cups of applesauce, 2 packages of strawberry jello, and 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin. Stir it all together and let this colorful mixture sit for just 1 minute. This resting time allows the gelatin to bloom, giving your gumdrops that delightful chewy texture.

Cook the Strawberry Mixture

Now, let’s heat things up. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once it bubbles joyfully, keep boiling for 1 minute. This step is crucial as it activates the gelatin and blends all the flavors beautifully.

Pour the Strawberry Mixture

Quickly—before it cools—pour the hot mixture into a greased 11×7 or 9×13 pan, spreading it evenly. This is where the candy magic begins!

Prepare the Lime Gumdrop Base

Next, we’ll create the vibrant lime gumdrop base. Repeat the same mixing process from before but this time use another 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 ⅓ cups of applesauce, 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin, and 6 ounces of lime jello. This will give you that refreshing burst of flavor.

Cook and Pour the Lime Mixture

Just like the strawberry mixture, bring the lime mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, pour it into a second greased pan. You should now have two delightful and colorful mixtures to chill!

Chill the Gumdrops

For the next step, place both pans into the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 3 hours until they are fully set. This is the perfect time for the flavors to meld together while you anticipate the tasty treats ahead.

Cut the Gumdrops

Once the mixtures are set and firm to the touch, it’s time to cut. Use a metal spatula to slice the gumdrops into squares, making them easier to handle. If you’re feeling festive, grab some mini Christmas cookie cutters to create cheerful shapes that will make your candy even more fun!

Dry the Candies

Now, let’s take those gumdrops a step further. Transfer the cut candies onto a tray lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow them to dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best results. This drying time is essential for them to firm up and develop that signature gumdrop texture.

Coat with Sugar

Once the gumdrops are dry, take the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar and roll each gumdrop in the sugar. Make sure they are fully coated; this not only adds sweetness but also prevents them from sticking together.

Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, arrange your beautiful Christmas gumdrops on a festive platter. These treats make a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or would even make lovely gifts for friends and family.

Serving Suggestions

These colorful gumdrops pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, creating a cozy holiday treat that everyone loves. You could also use them as a colorful decoration for holiday cakes or cupcakes. Their vibrant colors make everything more festive!

Tips for Success

• It’s important to ensure that the mixtures do not cool too long before pouring them into the pans. Doing so will help maintain that perfect texture.
• Generously use cooking spray to grease the pans, which will make removing the gumdrops much easier.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You could experiment with different flavored jellos like orange or grape for unique holiday flavors. If you’re in the mood, adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg can give your gumdrops a warm spiced twist that pairs beautifully with the fruity flavors.

Storage Tips

To store your gumdrops, place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will last for up to 2 weeks. If you want to store them longer, refrigeration is an option, but be aware they might become a bit sticky.

Pairing Ideas

These Christmas gumdrops can be the highlight of any dessert platter when paired with homemade gingerbread cookies. If you’re planning to give them as gifts, consider combining them with assorted nuts and fruits for a delightful holiday gift basket.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fruit puree instead of applesauce?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the puree is smooth, as this might slightly alter the texture.

2. How do I prevent my gumdrops from sticking together?
Coat each gumdrop generously in sugar. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container to avoid sticking.

3. Can I freeze the gumdrops?
While they can be frozen, the texture may change once thawed. It’s generally best to store them at room temperature.

4. How long do these gumdrops last?
If stored properly, they typically last up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

5. Can I make these gumdrops without gelatin?
You can try using agar-agar for a vegan option, but keep in mind that the texture will differ from traditional gumdrops.

Creating Christmas gumdrops can become a beloved tradition in your holiday festivities. These fun shapes, delightful flavors, and chewy consistency capture the spirit of the season perfectly. Engage the kids, share laughter, and enjoy making tasty treats that everyone will want to share!

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