These Homemade Gumdrops are the perfect treat to make for friends and family during the holidays! Made with just a handful of ingredients – including applesauce – this easy gumdrop are sure to become a holiday tradition! A Christmas favorite with our family!Check out these Christmas favorites too: Buttermilk Pecan Pralines, Martha Washington Candies, and Christmas Peppermint Patties.
Homemade Gumdrops
Making homemade candies for Christmas is the highlight of the season for me. We love making fudge, divinity, and all sorts of treats! This easy recipe for homemade gumdrops is sure to be a new family favorite for you too!
This recipe is not only easy, but perfect for kids that want to help out. Now, you’re going to want to make two batches so that you have contrasting colors. I, obviously, chose red and green for Christmas, but any combination of colors you like will work.
You’re going to love how easy these gumdrops are to make! It’s like making Jell-O and then dipping them in sugar – so simple yet so delicious!
What Ingredients Do I Need For Gumdrops
You’ll need the six-ounce Jell-O boxes as well as unflavored gelatin to make the gumdrops. The best part of making the gumdrops is the leftover tidbits after cutting out the shapes. I cut them down into small pieces, roll in sugar and the boys and I have been enjoying the “scraps” and saving the pretties for gifts 🙂
- Applesauce
- Sugar
- Jello
- Unflavored Gelatin
- Lemon Juice
What Else Do I Need?
You will need a set of small, metal cookie cutters to cut out the gumdrops.
I like to have an assortment of cellophane treat bags on hand during the holiday season. It makes giving gifts that much more special. I think they look so cute!
The gumdrops do need to sit out overnight, or for about 8 hours before they are rolled in sugar so make sure you calculate that into your time.
Store the gumdrops in an airtight container or package up for small gifts. Teachers really LOVE these gumdrops!
We are OBSESSED with candy making during the holidays. Make sure to give some of our favorite a try!
- Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
- Chocolate Covered Mint Patties
- Peppermint Mocha Fudge
- Maple Nut Fudge
- Coconut Macaroons
I hope you give this easy recipe a try this year! Merry Christmas!
How To Make Homemade Gumdrops
Homemade Gumdrops
Ingredients
- 2½ cups granulated sugar divided
- 1½ cups applesauce - no sugar added
- 6 oz Jello {i.e. cherry, lime, etc.}
- ½ oz unflavored gelatin 2 envelopes
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Combine 2 cups sugar, applesauce, Jell-O, unflavored gelatin and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Stir to combine. Let stand for 1 minute.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly.
- Boil for 1 minute and then immediately pour into prepared baking dish.
- Refrigerate until firm - about three hours should do it. I left mine in overnight.
- Cover a large cutting board with parchment paper and sprinkle with sugar.
- Loosen the sides of the gelatin with a spatula and invert onto parchment paper.
- Use small, sharp cookie cutters to cut out gumdrops. If needed, you can dip the cutters into hot water first. You may need to periodically rinse off the cutters as well to keep them clean.
- Leave the cutout gumdrops on top of the sugar-coated parchment paper for about 8 hours or until just slightly sticky.
- Roll the gumdrops in the remaining sugar and store in an airtight container.
Video
Nutrition
More easy holiday treats!
Outrageous Peanut Butter M&M’s Fudge
Easy Christmas Peppermint Patties
For all apple recipes, go HERE.
For all dessert recipes, go HERE.
Sign up to get emails when I post new recipes!
For even more great ideas follow me on Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Twitter – Bloglovin’.
Melissa @ The Alchemist says
This is such a great idea! I love it!
Merry Christmas!
Melissa @ The Alchemist
Pamela says
Oh my word this looks so yummy, so easy I am making these!
Holly Lefevre says
How fun! I cannot wait to try this!
Kirstylee says
I cannot wait to try this! My kids will absolutely love it. Thanks for the recipe.
Vernice Quigley says
How much applesauce
Bozzelli says
?
Cindy says
Recipe states 1 and 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
Marti says
Those are so cute, it makes me want to decorate with them!! LOL
I would love for you to share it at my SHOW-licious Craft Showcase party!
http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2012/12/show-licious-craft-showcase-12.html
Happy Holidays!
Marti
Tonia@thegunnysack says
That is so cool! I’ve never seen a recipe for gumdrops!
Jenn says
My kids are going to go crazy for this!! Pinned!
Jessie says
On these are so awesome! I love the Christmas shapes..Pinning 🙂
Rita says
What a fun idea. My grandkids would love to make these. Thanks for sharing.
Megan says
Those look delicious! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Jessica says
These are so cute! Who knew they could be so easy to make? I will have to try this one day, thanks for sharing 🙂 I found you via Scrumptious Sunday. Having a link-up at my little blog too if you’d like to join: http://jessica-healthymommyhealthybaby.blogspot.com/2012/12/meatless-monday-christmas-cookies.html. Have a great day!
Liz says
What a great idea! I’m so going to try this with my kiddies! Thanks 🙂
Maria says
WOW this is awesome!!! I never even thought you could make these at home!! They sound fantastic and look great! Thanks for sharing!!!
Shiloh Barkley says
Cool!
Jenn says
Wow – I had no idea you could make your own gumdrops with such common ingredients. I agree, they are very photogenic!