Homemade Gumdrops Recipe

Introduction

Homemade gumdrops are a delightful, chewy treat bursting with vibrant flavors and colors. Making them from scratch is surprisingly simple and allows you to customize the taste and appearance to your liking. These sugar-coated gems are perfect for snacking or gifting.

Ingredients

• 6 envelopes unflavored gelatin (4 tbsp + 1 1/2 tsp)
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons flavored extract (lemon, orange, peppermint, etc.)
• 12 drops liquid food coloring
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, stir together the gelatin and cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, bring the additional water to a boil in a small saucepan or microwave. Pour the boiling water over the gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute. Stir in the sugar.
3. Step 3: Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer until it reaches 240–255°F (115–124°C), about 25 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping the sides to prevent burning. The mixture will thicken considerably.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in your chosen flavor extract. Add food coloring or divide the mixture into bowls to create multiple colors.
5. Step 5: Pour the gelatin mixture into silicone molds and let it sit at room temperature for 12 hours to set.
6. Step 6: Carefully remove the gumdrops from the molds. If cutting is needed, run your knife under hot water before each cut to prevent sticking. Roll each gumdrop in granulated sugar to coat.
7. Step 7: Place the coated gumdrops on a wax paper-lined tray. Cover with a tea towel and let them sit at room temperature for 48 hours to crystallize and develop their classic texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use silicone molds for easy removal and fun shapes, or cut the set mixture into squares if molds aren’t available.
• Experiment with different flavored extracts like peppermint or raspberry to create a variety of gumdrop tastes.
• For extra sparkle, mix a little citric acid with the sugar coating to add a subtle tartness.

Storage

Store gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep fresh for up to two weeks. If they harden slightly, a quick toss in a bowl with a damp paper towel can help restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use powdered gelatin instead of gelatin envelopes?

Yes, powdered gelatin is typically what comes in envelopes. Be sure to measure according to the package instructions for equivalent amounts.

How do I know when the sugar mixture has reached the right temperature?

Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. Reaching 240–255°F (115–124°C) ensures the gumdrops will set properly with the right chewiness.

Homemade Gumdrops Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 193 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 3 days
• Yield: About 100 gumdrops depending on size of molds 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These homemade gumdrops are a delightful, chewy candy perfect for candy lovers who enjoy customized flavors and colors. Made with gelatin, sugar, and your choice of flavorful extracts, these gumdrops are coated in sugar and crystallize to a perfect texture after resting. Ideal for festive treats or fun snacking, this recipe guides you through every step to create vibrant, delicious gumdrops at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gelatin Mixture

• 6 envelopes unflavored gelatin (4 tbsp + 1 1/2 tsp)
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water

Syrup and Flavoring

• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons flavored extract (lemon, orange, peppermint, etc.)
• 12 drops liquid food coloring

Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

---

Instructions

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a large pot, stir together the gelatin and cold water. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom, which will give the gumdrops their chewy texture.
2. Dissolve Gelatin and Add Sugar: While the gelatin blooms, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan or microwave. Pour the boiling water over the gelatin mixture, stirring continuously for about 1 minute until fully dissolved. Then stir in the 4 cups of granulated sugar to combine.
3. Cook the Mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring constantly and scraping the sides to prevent burning. Cook until the mixture reaches 240-255°F (116-124°C), approximately 25 minutes. The mixture will thicken considerably during this process.
4. Add Flavor and Color: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of your chosen flavored extract. Add 12 drops of liquid food coloring, or divide the batch into separate bowls to add different colors for variety.
5. Set the Gumdrops: Pour the gelatin mixture into silicone molds of your choice. Let them sit at room temperature for 12 hours to firm up completely.
6. Unmold and Coat: Carefully remove the gumdrops from the molds. If cutting is necessary, run a knife under hot water before each cut to prevent sticking. Roll each gumdrop in 1 cup of granulated sugar to coat evenly.
7. Crystallize Gumdrops: Place the coated gumdrops on a wax paper-lined tray. Cover with a tea towel and let them rest at room temperature for 48 hours to crystallize the sugar coating and develop the perfect texture.

Notes

• Use silicone molds for easy removal of gumdrops.
• Keep stirring during cooking to avoid sugar from burning on the pot sides.
• Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
• Rolling gumdrops in sugar prevents them from sticking together.
• Flavor choice can be varied to customize your gumdrops.
• Store finished gumdrops in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: gumdrops, homemade candy, gelatin candy, chewy candy, sugar candy, flavored gumdrops, candy recipes