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Homemade Gumdrops Recipe


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

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

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