Homemade Holiday Candy – Old-Fashioned Gumdrops
There's something magical about homemade holiday candy. It takes you right back to childhood — the sweet, chewy, brightly colored treats that only seem to appear this time of year. And of all the candies out there, old-fashioned gumdrops are one of the most fun to make at home.
They're soft, chewy, and bursting with fruit flavor. You can make them in any color and shape you like, roll them in sugar, and package them up in little jars or bags for gifts. They're a wonderful project for a snowy afternoon, and they make the most beautiful addition to a holiday cookie tray.
Here's the full step-by-step guide to making homemade gumdrops.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
It's a classic holiday treat. Gumdrops are a nostalgic favorite.
They're soft and chewy. Homemade gumdrops have a much better texture than store-bought.
They're customizable. Choose any flavor, color, and shape you like.
They're beautiful. The bright colors and sugar coating make them stunning.
They make wonderful gifts. Package them in jars or bags with a ribbon and a tag.
They're fun to make. It's a great project for a snowy afternoon.
Ingredients You'll Need
Yield: About 4 to 5 cups of gumdrops
For the Gumdrops:
4 envelopes (1 ounce each) unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 teaspoons candy flavoring oil (raspberry, cherry, lemon, orange, etc.)
Gel food coloring (optional)
For Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Why These Ingredients Matter
Unflavored gelatin is what gives gumdrops their chewy, bouncy texture.
Cold water blooms the gelatin, which is essential for a smooth texture.
Granulated sugar sweetens the candy.
Boiling water dissolves the sugar and gelatin.
Salt balances the sweetness.
Candy flavoring oil gives the gumdrops their fruit flavor. A little goes a long way.
Gel food coloring gives the gumdrops their bright color.
Granulated sugar for rolling keeps the gumdrops from sticking together.
Equipment Needed
8x8-inch baking pan (or silicone molds)
Parchment paper
Cooking spray
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife or small cookie cutters
Airtight container for storage
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin and cold water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, boiling water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Add the Gelatin
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Color
Whisk in the candy flavoring oil and gel food coloring. Stir until well combined.
Step 6: Pour into the Pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely set.
Step 7: Cut the Gumdrops
Lift the set gelatin out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut it into small squares using a sharp knife or small cookie cutters.
Step 8: Coat With Sugar
Roll each gumdrop in granulated sugar until fully coated.
Step 9: Store
Store the gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Expert Tips
Use a good candy flavoring oil. Extracts contain water, which can affect the texture. Candy flavoring oils are concentrated and work best.
Work quickly when cutting. The gumdrops can get sticky as they sit at room temperature.
Use a sharp knife or small cookie cutters. A sharp knife gives clean edges; cookie cutters give fun shapes.
Roll them in sugar right away. This keeps them from sticking together.
Store in an airtight container. Moisture makes gumdrops sticky.
Make them in batches. Different flavors and colors make a beautiful assortment.
Recipe Variations
Cinnamon Gumdrops: Use cinnamon candy flavoring oil and red food coloring.
Lemon Gumdrops: Use lemon candy flavoring oil and yellow food coloring.
Orange Gumdrops: Use orange candy flavoring oil and orange food coloring.
Cherry Gumdrops: Use cherry candy flavoring oil and red food coloring.
Raspberry Gumdrops: Use raspberry candy flavoring oil and pink food coloring.
Wintergreen Gumdrops: Use wintergreen candy flavoring oil and green food coloring.
Spiced Gumdrops: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the mixture.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: Store gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Gumdrops don't freeze well because they become sticky when thawed.
Gifting: Package the gumdrops in jars or bags with a ribbon and a tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the sugar and flavoring. Flavored gelatin already contains sugar and flavor.
Can I use extracts instead of candy flavoring oil?
Extracts contain water, which can make the gumdrops sticky. Candy flavoring oils are concentrated and work best.
Why did my gumdrops turn out rubbery?
Rubbery gumdrops are usually caused by using too much gelatin or cooking the syrup too long.
Why did my gumdrops turn out sticky?
Sticky gumdrops are usually caused by humidity or not rolling them in sugar right away.
Can I make these in silicone molds?
Yes. Silicone molds make fun shapes. Just spray them lightly with cooking spray before pouring.
How long do homemade gumdrops last?
Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I make these with kids?
Yes! Kids love helping with the cutting and sugar coating. The cooking part is for adults only — the sugar gets very hot.
Printable Recipe Card
HOMEMADE HOLIDAY CANDY – OLD-FASHIONED GUMDROPS
Yield: About 4-5 cups of gumdrops | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Set Time: 4 hours | Total Time: About 4 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients:
4 envelopes (1 ounce each) unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 teaspoons candy flavoring oil (raspberry, cherry, lemon, orange, etc.)
Gel food coloring (optional)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine the gelatin and cold water. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, boiling water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
Remove from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved.
Whisk in the candy flavoring oil and food coloring.
Pour into the prepared pan. Let sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
Lift the set gelatin out using the parchment paper. Cut into small squares or shapes.
Roll each gumdrop in granulated sugar until fully coated.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes: Use candy flavoring oils, not extracts, for the best flavor and texture. Roll the gumdrops in sugar right away to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
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