Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
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Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy: A Holiday Treat Worth Sharing
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a touch of sweetness, and nothing encapsulates the spirit of the season quite like homemade nougat candy. This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe combines colorful Dots candy, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy white chocolate for a delightful treat perfect for sharing. The vibrant colors and festive flavors make it an ideal addition to any holiday dessert table or as a homemade gift for friends and family. Drawing from my own memories of making this easy, yet impressive candy, I can assure you it’ll become a cherished holiday tradition in your home too.
What Makes This Candy a Must-Try?
Creating your own candies at home isn’t just a trend; it’s a fantastic way to connect with loved ones while indulging in a treat that feels special and festive. This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is quick to make, budget-friendly, and, best of all, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a sweet snack to share with your family, this candy checks all the boxes.
“This nougat was the star of our holiday gathering! It’s colorful, delicious, and so easy to make—definitely a new tradition!” – Jamie H.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a straightforward and fun process. You’ll whisk together melted chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and vibrant Dots candy for a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Gather your ingredients, set up your workspace, and get ready to whip up a batch of this festive treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this festive nougat, here’s what you’ll need:
- 10 Ounces Dots Candy
- 1 10-Ounce Bag Mini Marshmallows
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 ¾ Cup White Chocolate Chips
Feel free to customize your recipe! If you don’t have white chocolate chips on hand, you can swap them for dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
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Melt the Chocolate: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure the chocolate doesn’t overheat. Once smooth and creamy, set aside.
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Heat Marshmallows and Butter: Grab a medium mixing bowl and add the mini marshmallows and butter. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes until the marshmallows have puffed up. Remove from the microwave.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir the mixture until the butter completely melts, and the marshmallows are smooth. Quickly fold in the melted chocolate, stirring rapidly to combine.
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Add the Dots Candy: Incorporate all but ⅓ cup of the Dots candy into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution throughout.
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Spread in the Pan: Immediately pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use cooking spray on your hands to help spread the nougat evenly.
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Garnish: Press the remaining Dots candy into the top for added color and fun.
Creative Ways to Serve Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
This colorful nougat is a treat on its own, but presenting it creatively can elevate the experience. Cut the nougat into fun shapes using cookie cutters for an appealing display on a holiday platter. You can also serve it alongside hot cocoa or alongside a selection of festive cookies for a delightful dessert spread that charms every guest.
Keeping Your Nougat Fresh
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy for days on end. Once the nougat has set, slice it into pieces and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the nougat, ensuring it stays fresh. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Pro Tips for Success
- Timing is Key: Work quickly when combining the chocolate and marshmallow mixture to ensure everything binds perfectly.
- Spray your hands: Using cooking spray makes handling the sticky nougat much easier.
- Add More Flavor: Consider stirring in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth or a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Fun Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can mix in crushed peppermint for a minty twist or swap out Dots candy for your favorite chocolate candies or nuts. If you want to make a more festive chocolate version, try using cocoa powder in place of some of the white chocolate and swap the Dots for a mix of red and green candies.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this nougat?
Preparation and cooking time is about 15-20 minutes, making it a quick treat to whip up.
Can I make this nougat ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well for up to two weeks. Just store it in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for Dots candy?
Feel free to use any colorful candy you love! Options like M&Ms, chocolate-covered raisins, or colorful sprinkles can work beautifully.
Prepare to delight your loved ones with this Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy! Enjoy the festive spirit and the sweet smiles it brings.
Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small, microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the mini marshmallows and butter. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes until the marshmallows have puffed up. Remove from microwave.
- Stir the mixture until the butter melts completely and marshmallows are smooth. Quickly fold in the melted chocolate, stirring rapidly to combine.
- Incorporate all but ⅓ cup of Dots candy into the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use cooking spray on your hands to help spread the nougat evenly.
- Press the remaining Dots candy into the top for added color and fun.
