Sweet, festive, and packed with holiday charm, Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is the no-bake treat everyone needs this season. Bright gumdrops nestled in creamy nougat make every bite joyful.
Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping stocking stuffers, or gifting goodies to neighbors, these colorful candies deliver nostalgia with a chewy twist. No oven required—just melt, mix, chill, and slice!
Gumdrop Magic: What You’ll Need for Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
- Butter – Just a touch softens the texture and helps melt the other ingredients smoothly.
- White chocolate chips – Use real white chocolate (not baking chips) to get that luscious, creamy base that sets just right.
- Mini marshmallows – These melt into a fluffy nougat texture that holds everything together in a chewy, cloud-like bite.
- Red and green gumdrops – Jewel-toned, fruity, and festive, they’re the star of the show, adding chewy pops of color and flavor.
Melt, Mix, and Mingle: Making Your Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Start by cutting the gumdrops in half and setting them aside. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment for easy removal later.
Next, melt butter, white chocolate chips, and marshmallows together using a double boiler. Stir constantly until smooth—don’t rush it! You’re aiming to melt, not cook.
Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the gumdrops. Spread the sticky mixture evenly into the pan using greased parchment or wax paper.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better. Once firm, cut into bite-sized squares and enjoy!
Sweet Success: Tips for Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
For perfect nougat texture, low and slow is the name of the game. Melting too fast or over direct heat can scorch the chocolate or make the mixture grainy. Stick to a gentle double boiler method.
Choose real white chocolate chips only. Many off-brand or baking chips don’t melt properly and can ruin the consistency. Brands like Ghirardelli or Callebaut work beautifully.
Use kitchen scissors to cut gumdrops more easily, and toss them in a little powdered sugar if they start sticking together before mixing.
Want to add a twist? Swap gumdrops for chopped jelly beans, dried cranberries, or crushed candy canes for different holiday flavors and colors.
Keep the Cheer Going: How to Store Your Christmas Gumdrop Nougat
Store your nougat candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use parchment paper between layers to keep the pieces from sticking.
If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each piece in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture.
This candy is perfect for make-ahead treats, holiday trays, and festive snacking all season long.
Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Ingredients
- 2 250 gram packages mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups red and green gumdrops chopped in halves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 225 gram bags white chocolate chips (avoid Chipits)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Cut gumdrops in half and keep them ready.
- In a double boiler setup—placing a heatproof bowl snugly over a saucepan of gently simmering water—combine the butter, white chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Stir the mixture continually over indirect medium heat until it is fully melted and smooth, being cautious not to let it boil or overheat.
- Remove the bowl from heat and allow the mixture to sit and cool for approximately 2 minutes.
- Fold in the prepared gumdrops, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the sticky mixture to the prepared pan. Use a lightly greased sheet of wax paper or parchment to evenly press the mixture into the dish.
- Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Once set, cut into 60 individual bite-sized pieces.
- Store the candies with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
