Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

An Irresistible Holiday Treat: Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Are you looking for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth candy that screams “Christmas” but doesn’t require hours of labor? If you’re like many holiday bakers, you might be wondering how to achieve that soft, chewy, delightfully sweet nougat texture without the stress. This Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe is your answer! It’s a fun, flavorful, and visually appealing addition that’s perfect for your holiday dessert table, homemade gifts, or just a sweet treat to enjoy during the festive season.

Ingredients: Chewy, Sweet, and Oh-So-Festive

The beauty of this gumdrop nougat lies in its simplicity. You likely have many of these ingredients in your pantry already! For that classic nougat texture and a burst of festive color, we’ll be using:

• 2 cups Gumdrops: Choose a festive mix of red, green, and white gumdrops. They provide sweetness, color, and that signature chewy texture. You can use any flavor combination you like! For a smoother texture, finely chop them.
• 1 cup Roasted Salted Almonds: The nutty crunch offers a delightful contrast to the soft nougat. If you prefer, feel free to use pecans, walnuts, or even omit them for a nut-free version (ensure your gumdrops are also nut-free). Substitution: Cashews or pistachios would also be lovely.
• 1 large Egg White: This is crucial for creating the airy, chewy texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for maximum volume when whipped.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: The base of our nougat’s sweetness.
• 1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup: This helps prevent crystallization and contributes to the candy’s smooth, chewy consistency. Substitution: Golden syrup or another liquid glucose.
• 1/4 cup Water: To help dissolve the sugar and create the syrup.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: For that classic, comforting flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Butter or Non-Stick Cooking Spray: For greasing your pan. This prevents the sticky nougat from adhering.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting): To prevent sticking when cutting and handling.

Timing is Everything: Get Your Christmas Nougat Ready!

While this recipe is designed to be easy, working with candy requires a little attention. Here’s a breakdown to help you stay on track:

Compared to traditional nougat recipes that can involve temperature-specific sugar work and longer cooking times, this gumdrop version is significantly quicker. The majority of the time is passive chilling, allowing your delicious creation to set.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Festive Delight

1. Prepare Your Pan

First things first, let’s get our workstation ready. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This overhang will act as handles, making it super easy to lift the nougat out later. Then, lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed edges of the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set this aside. You’ll also want to have your chopped gumdrops and almonds measured and ready to go – candy making moves quickly once it starts!

2. Melt the Sugar

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture heat up. You’ll want to cook this syrup until it reaches the soft-ball stage, approximately 238°F (114°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test this by dropping a small spoonful of syrup into a glass of ice water; it should form a soft, pliable ball.

3. Whip the Egg Whites

While the sugar syrup is cooking (or just before it reaches temperature), pour the egg white into a clean, dry bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Start whipping on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the peaks curl over. If you are using a hand mixer, ensure your bowl is large enough. Be patient; this step is key to the nougat’s texture.

4. Combine and Add Gumdrops

Once the sugar syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (238°F/114°C), remove it from the heat immediately. With the mixer on low speed, *very slowly* and carefully stream the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites. Be extremely cautious, as the syrup is very hot and can cause splatters. Once all the syrup is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to high. Continue to whip the mixture for about 5-8 minutes, or until it becomes very thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. This signifies that air has been incorporated, making the nougat chewy and light. Now, add the vanilla extract and gently fold in the chopped gumdrops and almonds until just combined. Don’t overmix!

5. Pour and Chill

Working quickly before the mixture starts to set, scrape the nougat mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a greased spatula to spread it evenly into the pan. You want a nice, flat surface. Lightly dust the top with a bit of confectioners’ sugar. Cover the pan loosely with parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until firm enough to cut. The chilling process allows the nougat to set properly, developing that perfect chewy consistency.

Approximate Nutritional Information

This is a treat, so it’s good to have an idea of what you’re indulging in. Please note these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, particularly the brand and type of gumdrops and nuts.

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: High (from sugar and corn syrup)
• Fat: Moderate (from nuts and butter/spray)
• Protein: Low (from egg white and nuts)

Due to the high sugar content, this candy is best enjoyed in moderation.

Healthier Alternatives and Swaps

While traditional nougat is a sweet indulgence, we can make a few mindful adjustments for those looking for slightly lighter options without sacrificing too much flavor:

• Gumdrops: Opt for sugar-free gumdrops if available. Keep in mind they might have a slightly different texture or sweetness. Alternatively, use dried fruit like cranberries or chopped apricots for a natural sweetness and chewiness, though this will change the classic nougat flavor profile.
• Corn Syrup: If you’re avoiding corn syrup, you can try using honey or agave nectar, but be aware this can affect the final texture and flavor, and may require slight adjustments to cooking time.
• Nuts: Use raw, unsalted nuts for less sodium. You can also increase the nut quantity for more fiber and protein, or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a different nutritional profile.

Remember, modifications might alter the final candy’s texture and sweetness, so experiment with small batches if you’re unsure.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Holiday Spread

Once your nougat is firm and cut into squares, it’s ready to be served! Here are a few ideas:

• Holiday Dessert Table: Arrange alongside cookies, fruitcakes, and other festive treats. Their vibrant colors make them a beautiful centerpiece.
• Gift Giving: Package them in pretty tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade edible gifts. They are always a hit!
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate Companion: A small piece is the perfect sweet bite to accompany a warm beverage on a cold winter’s day.
• Charcuterie Board: For a sweet surprise, include a few pieces on a dessert-themed charcuterie board.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your gumdrop nougat turns out perfectly, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Incorrect Sugar Temperature: Not reaching the soft-ball stage means the nougat won’t set correctly – it could be too sticky or too hard. Using a candy thermometer is highly recommended.
• Not Whipping Egg Whites Enough: Insufficiently whipped egg whites will result in a dense, less chewy nougat. Ensure you achieve stiff, glossy peaks.
• Over-mixing Gumdrops/Nuts: Fold them in gently and just until combined. Overmixing can cause the gumdrops to melt too much into the mixture or dislodge the nuts.
• Working Too Slowly: Candy mixtures can set quickly. Have all your ingredients prepped and be ready to pour and spread the nougat immediately after adding the gumdrops and nuts.
• Not Greasing Properly: Nougat is notoriously sticky. Ensure you’ve greased your pan and parchment paper generously to prevent a frustrating mess.

Storing Your Gumdrop Nougat

To keep your gumdrop nougat fresh and chewy:

• Once cut, wrap individual pieces tightly in parchment paper or wax paper.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Avoid storing it in the refrigerator for extended periods, as the humidity can make it sticky.
• The nougat should stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks if stored properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Happy Holiday Baking!

This Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe is a fantastic way to bring a touch of homemade magic to your holidays. It’s cheerful, delicious, and surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself, this festive nougat is sure to bring smiles. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet rewards!