Christmas Gumdrops
Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you use a link provided.
Christmas gumdrops are fun and easy to make with jello, applesauce, gelatin, and sugar. They make a perfect treat for Christmas parties, gifting, or snacking on at home throughout the holiday season.
Homemade Christmas candy recipes are a holiday tradition in our home this time of year. Martha Washington candy, melted snowman bark, and these homemade gumdrops are a few of our favorites.
Christmas Gumdrop Candy
Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this homemade gumdrops recipe is a fun treat to whip up with the family. The kids can help cut the little shapes out with cookie cutters and then roll each candy to give it a sugar coating.
The vibrant red and green gumdrops are a fun way to add a dash of color to your holiday spread. If your family is a fan of gumdrops give this gumdrop fudge recipe a try as well.
Trust me, once you try these homemade, sugary delights, they will become a Christmas favorite in your house, too!
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Sugar — Gives the chewy gumdrops their classic sweetness and forms the candy’s outer coating.
- Unsweetened Applesauce — Adds moisture and a subtle fruitiness.
- Jello — We made one batch with red Jello (cherry) and another with green Jello (lime) for festive colors. Feel free to experiment with other flavors or colors to suit different themes or preferences.
- Unflavored Gelatin — Necessary for getting the gumdrops to set properly. We used Knox Gelatin.
Supplies
- saucepan
- baking dish – either a 9 x 13 or 7 x 11 will work.
- metal spatula
- mini metal cookie cutters– this set has a christmas tree, candy cane, star, snowflake, snowman, gingerbread man, and more.
- parchment paper
- cutting board
How to Make Homemade Gumdrops
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
- Prepare the gelatin mixture on the stovetop as per the directions below.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and refrigerate until firm.
- Cut shapes with mini cookie cutters; allow cut gumdrops to sit at room temperature overnight.
- Coat gumdrops in sugar and enjoy!
Storage
Store gumdrops in an airtight container or freezer bag at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Homemade Gumdrop Recipe Tips and Tricks
- To make red and green gumdrops prepare the recipe twice, once using a box of lime jello and once with a box of cherry jello.
- Heat cookie cutters in hot water before cutting to easily cut into the chewy gumdrops without sticking.
- No cookie cutters? Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to neatly slice gumdrops into small pieces.
- Try experimenting with different jello flavors and cookie cutters for various holidays.
Christmas Gummy Candy FAQ
Absolutely! You can use different flavored extracts, lemon juice, or fruit juices to create a variety of gumdrop flavors. Just ensure the liquid ratio remains the same.
Yes, allowing them to sit overnight helps them set properly and develop the right texture. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 8 hours is essential.
Yes, you can simply cut them into squares or diamonds with a knife if you don’t have mini cookie cutters.
These bad boys are sticky as can be but you got this! Slide your metal spatula under them and keep pulling… they will come out!
More Holiday Treat Recipes
- Christmas popcorn balls
- Crockpot Candy
- Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls
- Rocky road candy
- Candy grapes
Homemade Gumdrops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar divided
- 1 ⅓ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 6 ounces jello such as lime or cherry
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin such as Knox
Instructions
- Spray an 11×7 or 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large saucepan, stir to combine 2 cups sugar and the remaining ingredients; let stand 1 minute.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Allow the gelatin mixture to boil for 1 minute then pour immediately into the greased dish.
- Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes and then refrigerate 3 hours, or until firm.
- Line a large cutting board with parchment paper and sprinkle generously with sugar.
- Use a metal spatula to loosen the gumdrop mixture from the sides and bottom of the dish. Transfer to the lined baking dish. Note: You can transfer the whole sheet at once or slice the gelatin into 6-8 large pieces and transfer one piece at a time.
- Cut out shapes with mini cookie cutters; return to lined baking sheet.
- Let gumdrops sit at room temperature overnight (or at least 8 hours)
- Add remaining granualted sugar to a shallow bowl and roll each gumdrop in it until coated.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To make red and green gumdrops prepare the recipe twice, once using a box of lime jello and once with a box of cherry jello.
- Heat cookie cutters in hot water before cutting to easily cut into the chewy gumdrops without sticking.
- No cookie cutters? Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to neatly slice gumdrops into small pieces.
- The gelatin mixture will be very sticky but keep sliding a metal spatula under it and keep pulling… it will come out!
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!
