why make this recipe
Homemade Christmas Spiced Gum Drops are a nostalgic, cheerful candy that brings warm holiday flavors to your kitchen. They make charming homemade gifts, colorful additions to cookie plates, and a fun project to do with family. Using simple pantry ingredients, you can control sweeteners, spice level, and colors for a personalized seasonal treat.
introduction
These gum drops are soft, chewy, and scented with holiday spices like cinnamon or ginger. They set into glossy, pillowy squares that are easy to cut and coat in powdered sugar. Compared with store-bought versions, homemade gum drops let you skip artificial additives and tailor the sweetness and spice to your taste.
how to make Homemade Christmas Spiced Gum Drops
This recipe is straightforward: cook a sugar-syrup base, bloom and stir in gelatin, flavor, pour into a pan, and let it set. Patience while the mixture cools and firms pays off—once set, you’ll have a pliable candy that cuts cleanly and holds its shape.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon flavored extract (like cinnamon or ginger)
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- Food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for coating
Directions :
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in a little cold water.
- Stir gelatin into the sugar mixture and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat, add the flavored extract and food coloring if using.
- Pour mixture into a greased pan and let it set for several hours or overnight.
- Once set, cut into squares and coat with powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container.
how to serve Homemade Christmas Spiced Gum Drops
Serve them on holiday candy trays, tuck a few into festive cellophane bags for gifting, or use them as colorful cake/cupcake toppers. They pair nicely with coffee, tea, or a warm spiced cider for a cozy seasonal pairing.
how to store Homemade Christmas Spiced Gum Drops
Store gum drops in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by layers of parchment or wax paper to avoid sticking. Properly stored, they keep well for 2–3 weeks. Avoid humid environments, which can make the surface sticky; a cool, dry pantry is ideal.
tips to make Homemade Christmas Spiced Gum Drops
- Bloom gelatin properly: sprinkle it over a few tablespoons of cold water first and let it absorb so it dissolves smoothly into the hot syrup.
- Use a candy thermometer if you want precise control; the mixture should be hot enough to fully incorporate gelatin but not caramelize.
- Grease the pan lightly or line with plastic wrap for easier removal.
- For evenly sized gum drops, cut with small cookie cutters or a sharp knife dusted in powdered sugar.
- If the surface is tacky after coating, toss lightly in extra powdered sugar or cornstarch to dry the exterior.
- Adjust flavor: start with half a tablespoon of extract and increase to taste—some extracts are stronger than others.
variation (if any)
- Spiced Mix: Combine cinnamon and ground cloves, or add a pinch of nutmeg to the extract for depth.
- Fruit-flavored: Substitute the spiced extract with fruit extracts (orange, raspberry) and use corresponding food colors.
- Vegan alternative: Replace gelatin with agar-agar (note: texture and setting differ—follow agar package directions for quantities and setting temperature).
- Sugar-free: Use suitable liquid sweeteners and sugar substitutes formulated for candy-making, but expect textural differences.
FAQ
Q: Can I substitute gelatin with plant-based alternatives?
A: Yes, agar-agar can work but results will be firmer and less elastic. Adjust quantity per package instructions and expect a different texture.
Q: Why did my gum drops turn out sticky?
A: Humidity, insufficient coating in powdered sugar, or under-set gelatin can cause stickiness. Ensure they set fully and coat well.
Q: Can I make flavored layers?
A: Yes—pour one thin layer, let it partially set, then add the next colored/flavored layer and allow to fully set.
Conclusion
For more ideas, flavor combinations, and a reference recipe, see this detailed guide: Spiced Gumdrops – My Incredible Recipes
Homemade Christmas Spiced Gum Drops
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in a little cold water.
- Stir gelatin into the sugar mixture and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat, add the flavored extract and food coloring if using.
- Pour mixture into a greased pan and let it set for several hours or overnight.
- Once set, cut into squares and coat with powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container.
