Pin it
Christmas Gumdrops are a delightful homemade candy made with Jello, applesauce, gelatin, and sugar. These chewy, sweet treats are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or adding a festive touch to your snack table. With vibrant red and green colors, they're a holiday favorite.
Why You'll Love These Gumdrops
This recipe combines fun and flavor with just five simple ingredients. Kids will enjoy cutting shapes and rolling the gumdrops in sugar, making it a great family activity. Plus, their festive appearance adds charm to any holiday spread or gift basket.
Essential Ingredients For Success
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups plus 1 cup for coating, pure cane sugar at room temperature 68-72°F (20-22°C), fine crystals with no clumps. Reserve extra cup for coating that's completely dry and free from moisture.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: 1 cup smooth applesauce at room temperature 68-72°F (20-22°C), with no chunks or fibrous pieces. Should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without dripping.
- Jello Packets: Two 3-ounce boxes (one cherry red, one lime green), unopened, stored below 75°F (24°C), check expiration date. Powder should be free-flowing with no moisture exposure.
- Unflavored Gelatin: 4 envelopes (1 oz total) Knox brand or equivalent, stored in airtight container below 75°F (24°C). Powder should be granular with no clumping or discoloration.
Step By Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace
- Grease 8x8-inch glass baking dish with neutral oil. Set up candy thermometer, silicone spatula, and precise measuring tools. Ensure room temperature is 68-72°F (20-22°C) with humidity below 60%.
- Create Gelatin Base
- In medium saucepan, combine applesauce and 2 cups sugar. Heat to exactly 160°F (71°C), stirring constantly. Add Jello and unflavored gelatin, maintain temperature at 160-165°F (71-74°C) for 5 minutes until completely dissolved with no granules visible.
- Set Initial Layer
- Pour mixture into prepared pan while hot (155-160°F/68-71°C). Surface should be smooth with no bubbles. Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) for exactly 4 hours or until firm enough that it doesn't indent when gently pressed.
- Shape Formation
- Cut shapes using metal cutters warmed to 100°F (38°C). Pieces should be approximately 1-inch size with clean edges. Let cut pieces rest at room temperature 68-72°F (20-22°C) for 12 hours on parchment paper.
- Final Sugar Coating
- Roll each piece in remaining sugar when surface is slightly tacky but not wet. Coating should be even with no bare spots. Shake off excess in mesh strainer.
Tips for Perfect Gumdrops
Heat cookie cutters in hot water to make cutting easier. For red and green gumdrops, prepare two batches with cherry and lime Jello. Experiment with other Jello flavors and shapes to customize for different holidays.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store gumdrops in an airtight container or freezer bag at room temperature for up to 7 days. Keep them dry to maintain their chewy texture. For longer storage, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Pin it
FAQ and Variations
Make gumdrops in various flavors using different Jello or flavored extracts. If you don't have cookie cutters, slice the candy into squares or diamonds with a knife. Allow gumdrops to sit overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different Jello flavors for these gumdrops?
Yes, you can use any Jello flavor you like. Try grape, orange, or strawberry for different colors and tastes that kids will love.
- → Why do the gumdrops need to sit overnight?
The overnight rest helps the gumdrops develop their chewy texture and allows excess moisture to evaporate, making them easier to coat with sugar.
- → How do I prevent the gumdrops from sticking to everything?
Heat your cookie cutters in hot water before cutting, and keep your work surface well-dusted with sugar. The metal spatula should also be cleaned between cuts.
- → Can I make these gumdrops without cookie cutters?
Yes, you can simply use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the gelatin into small squares or diamonds instead of shaped pieces.
- → How should I store homemade gumdrops?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and they'll stay fresh for up to one week. Make sure they're well-coated with sugar to prevent sticking.