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.
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Jocie@TheBetterHalf says
As always, this looks so good trish! The applesauce really surprised me and has motivated me to make them! Thanks for sharing at the Humble Brag!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Jocie – they’re delicious!
Six Sisters says
These are the funnest recipe ever! Thanks so much for stopping by our Strut Your Stuff Saturday and sharing them with everyone! Have a Happy New Year! -The Six Sisters
Gretchen@Boxy Colonial says
so cute! I’m pinning these for next Christmas….do you know how long they keep, if you want to do them as gifts?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Gretchen! They keep for a couple weeks {at least!} Just store them in an airtight container 🙂 Thanks for the pin!
Heather @ Beyond the Aisle says
Very cool idea!
Six Sisters says
OMG!! These are sooo cute and look delicious! We are so glad to have you drop by our Strut Your Stuff Saturday link party and share these. Have a Merry Christmas! -The Six Sisters
Nicole of What Matters Most Now says
Who knew these were so easy to make! I can’t wait to try them! Thanks so much for sharing! Great photos of the gumdrops! 🙂
carolyn ~ homework says
Just to let you know I featured your wonderful project today. Stop by and grab a featured button.
Happy Holidays! http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-inspiration-board-link-party_21.html
Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft says
Yummy and cute too! Thanks so much for linking up to Do Something Crafty Friday!
sue @ cakeballs, cookies and more says
oh boy, those sound yummy but they look so cute!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Sue! Merry Christmas!
Mel says
They came out great, I want to try this!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
We brought some to Reece’s teacher yesterday and she was pretty impressed 🙂 They’re so easy to make and really yummy – definitely give them a try if you have the time!
Ida Cribb says
Do I need to keep in refrigerator?
When finished using cutters and covering sugar. It seemed my gum drops were loosing their firmness and becoming slightly gooey. Is this normal I got between 4 & 5 doz
Bozzelli says
Did you get a reply ..I want to know too!!! 🙂
Kt says
Can I melt back down and cook forgot the gelatin
Kelly@ Here Comes the Sun says
These look fantastic! Pinning them now!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Kelly! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Mish says
About how many gumdrops can you make using the one recipe? I know it depends on the size of your cutouts…but in general would you be able to estimate?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
For each batch I got about 40, but yeah it totally depends on the size of you cutters and also how careful you are 🙂
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl says
I’ve made this recipe before and these gumdrops are sooooo good (and perfect for kiddos)! I love how you used the cookie cutter shapes to make these – just perfect for the season. Thank you so much for sharing at What’s In Your Kitchen Wednesday!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So yummy! Thanks Ashley!
Michelle says
Wow! Who knew this would be so easy to do! I’ve pinned this to try and make before Christmas day…
I would love to invite you to share this at my Cook, Craft, Create Link Party at The Purple Pumpkin Blog
Hope to see you there!
Happy holidays 🙂
Michelle
Julie says
Wow! And double WOW! These look so yummy and easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing a recipe card. 🙂
Julie