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Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy: A Colorful No-Bake Holiday Treat

There is something especially charming about old-fashioned Christmas candy. Before elaborate desserts and complicated baking projects take over the holiday season, simple homemade sweets often bring the most nostalgia to the table. Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a perfect example: soft, chewy nougat studded with colorful pieces of fruity gumdrop candy.

Unlike traditional nougat, which can require a cooked sugar syrup and careful temperature control, this easy holiday version uses a creamy combination of white chocolate, mini marshmallows, and butter. The result is a tender candy that sets firmly enough to slice while remaining pleasantly chewy. Similar versions are widely made as an easy no-bake Christmas confection.

The colorful gumdrops are what make this candy particularly festive. Red and green pieces create a classic Christmas appearance, while their fruity chewiness provides a fun contrast to the smooth, sweet nougat.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Candy

There are plenty of reasons to add this recipe to your holiday candy-making list:

No oven required: The candy is prepared by gently melting the ingredients and then chilling the mixture.
Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.
Festive appearance: Bright gumdrops make every piece look like a little Christmas confection.
Make-ahead friendly: The candy can be prepared ahead of a holiday gathering or gift exchange.
Great for gifting: Cut it into small squares and arrange the pieces in a festive tin or treat box.
Beginner-friendly: You don’t need to make a traditional cooked nougat or use a candy thermometer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For an 8-inch square pan, gather:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups white chocolate chips
4 cups mini marshmallows
1½ cups red and green gumdrops, cut into halves or quarters
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The combination of white chocolate and marshmallows provides the creamy, chewy foundation, while butter helps the mixture melt smoothly. The gumdrops are added toward the end so they remain recognizable instead of melting into the nougat. Comparable recipes use this same basic combination of white chocolate, marshmallows, butter, and chopped gumdrops.

Equipment

You’ll need:

8-inch square baking pan
Parchment paper
Large heatproof bowl
Saucepan for a double boiler
Rubber spatula
Sharp knife
Cutting board

A double boiler is especially useful because white chocolate can scorch or seize if exposed to excessive direct heat.

How to Make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Leave some parchment hanging over two opposite sides of the pan. These overhanging edges will act as handles later, making it much easier to lift the chilled candy from the pan.

Set the prepared pan aside while you make the nougat.

Step 2: Prepare the Gumdrops

Place the gumdrops on a cutting board and cut them into halves or quarters.

Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the candy, giving you colorful bits in nearly every bite. If the gumdrops are particularly sticky, chilling them briefly before cutting can make the process easier.

For the most traditional Christmas appearance, use mostly red and green gumdrops.

Set the prepared pieces aside.