Spiced Gumdrops
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Spiced Gumdrops are a delightful treat that bring a touch of nostalgia with their chewy texture and vibrant colors. I love making these seasonal candies, especially during holidays when sweet treats abound. With just nine envelopes of unflavored gelatin and a handful of other ingredients, you can whip up these delightful gumdrops in a variety of flavors and colors, perfect for gifting or simply enjoying at home. The balance of minty freshness and warm cinnamon oil creates a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist!
Reasons to try it
What sets Spiced Gumdrops apart is their incredible versatility. They’re not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, making them a fantastic option for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just an afternoon treat. Plus, kids adore them! Watching them bounce back from a chewy square to a sugary delight is a fun experience for the whole family.
"These gumdrops are a game changer! They are colorful, flavorful, and remind me of my childhood. Can’t wait to share them with my friends!" — Jessica K.
Preparing Spiced Gumdrops
This recipe requires some repetitive steps, as each batch will produce a different color and flavor, but the end result is absolutely worth it. You’ll need to prepare three different mixes, which will allow you to create bright red, vibrant green, and clear gumdrops infused with peppermint. Let’s break down the process and set some expectations.
What you’ll need
Here’s a list of ingredients for making these delightful gumdrops:
- 9 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 1 ½ cups water (divided)
- 2 ¼ cups water (divided)
- 4 ½ cups sugar (divided)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon mint extract
- Few drops cinnamon oil
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- Additional sugar for coating
For those looking to make adjustments, you can substitute the mint extracts with other flavors such as vanilla or almond, but be mindful that this will change the overall taste profile of your gumdrops.
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by greasing three 8×8 square pans, ensuring they are well coated to prevent sticking.
- In three small bowls, add ½ cup of cold water to each.
- Sprinkle 3 envelopes of gelatin over each bowl, allowing it to bloom for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup of water and 1 ½ cups of sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, add one bowl of gelatin to the sugar mixture, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 drops of cinnamon oil and a couple of drops of red food coloring. Pour this mixture into one of the 8×8 pans.
- Repeat the above steps for the second batch, but use green food coloring and the mint extract.
- For the final batch, use the peppermint extract without any food coloring.
- Refrigerate all three pans for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing them to fully set.
- After chilling, run a knife along the edges of each pan and cut into 4 pieces, then lift each square out with a spatula and transfer them to a piece of parchment paper.
- Using a knife, cut each piece into small squares.
- Let the gumdrop squares sit at room temperature overnight to firm up.
- When ready, pour about 2 cups of sugar into a baking dish and toss the gumdrop squares to coat them thoroughly in sugar. Place them back on parchment paper and serve!
Best ways to enjoy it
Spiced Gumdrops are not only a treat for the tastebuds but also a visual feast. Serve them in a colorful bowl as a centerpiece during gatherings, or use them as festive decorations for cakes and desserts. You could even mix them in with other candies for a delightful candy buffet!
How to store
To keep your gumdrops fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just ensure they are well-coated in sugar beforehand to prevent clumping. Remember to label your container if freezing, for easy identification later on.
Extra advice
- Keep everything neat: Work in a clean area and have your ingredients and tools ready before starting. This will make the process much smoother.
- Use oil: If you’re struggling with the gumdrops sticking to the pan, consider lightly oiling your knife and spatula during the cutting process to make it easier.
Creative twists
The beauty of Spiced Gumdrops lies in their adaptability. Experiment with different flavors, such as orange with a hint of clove or a spicy ginger variation. You could even create a rainbow of colors with various food tinting options. Get creative with your favorite flavor extracts to customize the gumdrops for your palate!
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare Spiced Gumdrops?
From start to finish, the entire process takes about 4 hours, including chill time.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes! Consider using flavored extracts like almond or vanilla in place of mint, though this will alter the flavor profile.
How should I store leftover gumdrops?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for longer shelf life.
Whether you’re diving into a nostalgic recipe or looking to create something new for your loved ones, Spiced Gumdrops are an excellent way to showcase your culinary flair while enveloping in delightful sweetness. Happy candy-making!
Spiced Gumdrops
Ingredients
Method
- Grease three 8x8 square pans to prevent sticking.
- In three small bowls, add ½ cup of cold water to each.
- Sprinkle 3 envelopes of gelatin over each bowl and let bloom for a few minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup of water and 1 ½ cups of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, add the first bowl of gelatin to the sugar mixture, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat, stir in 2 drops of cinnamon oil and red food coloring. Pour into one of the greased pans.
- Repeat steps for the second batch using green food coloring and mint extract, and for the final batch using peppermint extract without color.
- Refrigerate all three pans for at least 3 hours until fully set.
- After chilling, run a knife along the edges, cut into 4 pieces, and lift with a spatula to transfer to parchment paper.
- Cut each square into smaller pieces.
- Let sit at room temperature overnight to firm up.
- Toss gumdrop squares in 2 cups of sugar to coat, then serve.
