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.
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.
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.
