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Homemade Gumdrop Nougat

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This old-fashioned Homemade Nougat has been a favorite treat for many decades. With its rich, sweet flavor and colorful appearance, it’s not hard to see why! 

White fudge pieces with colorful gummy candies are stacked on a plate.

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Best of all, this gumdrop nougat is incredibly simple to make with just four ingredients. It’s the perfect festive treat, especially around the holidays.

If you’re looking for more sweet treats to satisfy your candy cravings, I’ve got a few more recipes you might want to try. Our Easy Christmas Crack Candy with Saltine Crackers is another holiday favorite that’s quick to make. For a fruity twist, try the Cool Whip Candy that’s light and refreshing. 

Still in the mood for more Christmas sweets? Don’t miss our Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe for an elegant and delicious treat.

Reasons You’ll Love This Gumdrop Nougat

  • Quick and easy to make with only 4 ingredients
  • No baking required – perfect for hot summer days or busy holiday seasons
  • Its colorful and festive appearance makes it great for parties or gifting
  • Customizable with different flavored gumdrops for variety

What’s in This Homemade Nougat Recipe?

Mini marshmallows, Dots candy, white chocolate chips, and unsalted butter on a white surface.
  • Dots Candy: These colorful gumdrops are the show’s star, adding a chewy texture and fruity flavor to every bite. They also give the nougat its fun, speckled appearance.
  • Mini Marshmallows: These provide the soft, fluffy base for the nougat. They create a smooth, pliable texture that holds everything together when melted.
  • Unsalted Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness and helps smooth out the marshmallow base’s texture.
  • White Chocolate Chips: These melt into the marshmallow mixture, adding a creamy sweetness and helping the nougat to set properly.

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Additions

  • Gumdrop Varieties: While the recipe calls for Dots candy, you can experiment with other gumdrops or even jelly beans for different flavors and textures.
  • Chocolate Options: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, try milk or dark chocolate chips instead for a different flavor profile.
  • Nut Addition: For extra crunch, try mixing in some chopped nuts like almonds or peanuts and gumdrops.
  • Flavor Extracts: For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or another flavoring, such as peppermint or almond, to the marshmallow mixture.

How to Make Christmas Gumdrop Nougat (step-by-step directions)

Collage of a Bowl of white chocolate chips and a Bowl of melted white chocolate.
  1. Begin by lining an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the nougat once it’s set.
  2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, pausing every 30 seconds to stir. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures it melts evenly. (Photos 1 & 2)
Collage showing the process of melting butter and marshmallows in a bowl with a red spatula.
  1. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallows and butter. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until the marshmallows have puffed up significantly. (Photo 3)
  2. Remove the marshmallow mixture from the microwave and stir until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. (Photo 4)
  3. Working quickly, add the melted white chocolate to the marshmallow mixture and stir well to combine. (Photo 5)
Collage of making white fudge with colorful gummy candies mixed in, cut into squares when set.
  1. Add all but 1/3 cup of the Dots candy to the bowl and stir to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture. (Photo 6)
  2. Immediately pour the mixture into your prepared pan.
  3. Use cooking spray on your hands to prevent sticking, then spread the mixture evenly in the pan. (Photo 7)
  4. Press the remaining Dots candy into the top of the nougat, adding extra pops of color where needed. (Photo 8)
  5. Let the nougat rest, covered, on the counter for 4 hours or until fully set. If it’s still too sticky, refrigerate it for an hour.
  6. Once set, cut into small squares and enjoy your homemade gumdrop nougat! (Photo 9)
A nougat cut into squares with colorful Dots candy pieces on a plate, scattered on a white surface.

Recipe Tips

  • Work quickly once you’ve melted the marshmallows, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.
  • If your chocolate seems too thick when you’re ready to add it to the marshmallows, you can microwave it for 30 seconds to make mixing easier.
  • For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
  • You can use red and green Dots to make this even more festive for Christmas, though the classic version uses all colors.

Storing Tips

You can store this gumdrop nougat in the refrigerator, in a covered container, for up to 1 week. Keep it on the counter in a sealed container for up to 3 days for shorter storage. It’s not recommended to freeze this nougat, as the texture may change upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions

This gumdrop nougat makes a great addition to any dessert table or cookie platter. It pairs well with other holiday treats like our Christmas Oreo Balls Recipe or Easy Christmas Pretzels Dipped in Chocolate. For a festive drink pairing, try serving it with our Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Bomb for a cozy winter treat.

Squares of white fudge with colorful Dots candy stacked on a white surface, with a jar of Dots candies in the background.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but you may need to adjust the melting time slightly. Mini marshmallows are preferred because they melt more evenly.

What if I can’t find Dots candy?

Any similar gumdrop or jelly candy will work. Just ensure they’re soft enough to bite into easily when mixed into the nougat.

Can I make this recipe without a microwave?

Yes, you can melt the chocolate and marshmallow mixture on the stovetop using a double boiler. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

How long does it take for the nougat to set completely?

It usually takes about 4 hours at room temperature. If your kitchen is warm, you might need to refrigerate it for an hour to set fully.

Can I add food coloring to make it more festive?

Absolutely! To create a colorful base, add a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture before adding the gumdrops.

Need More Candy Recipes? Try These:

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A plate of white nougat with colorful candy pieces.
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Homemade Gumdrop Nougat


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
This old-fashioned Homemade Nougat has been a favorite treat for many decades. With its rich, sweet flavor and colorful appearance, it's not hard to see why! 

Ingredients 

  • 10 Ounces (283 ½ g) Dots Candy
  • 10 Ounces (283 ½ g) Bag Mini Marshmallows
  • 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 ¾ Cup (315 g) White Chocolate Chips

Instructions

  • Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Add the white chocolate chips to a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 Minutes and 30 seconds, pausing every 30 seconds to stir the chocolate chips so they don’t overheat.
    1 ¾ Cup White Chocolate Chips
  • Once the chocolate is smooth and creamy, set aside.
  • Quickly, add the marshmallows and butter to a medium mixing bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes or until the marshmallows have risen to the top of the bowl.
    10 Ounces Bag Mini Marshmallows,2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • Remove from the microwave and stir until the butter has fully melted and the marshmallows are smooth.
  • Move quickly, add the chocolate to the marshmallow mixture and stir well (but fast).
  • Add all but ⅓ cup of the Dots candy to the bowl and stir to evenly distribute it throughout the mixture.
    10 Ounces Dots Candy
  • Immediately pour into the prepared pan.
  • Spray hands with cooking spray and spread the mixture out evenly in the pan.
  • Press the remaining Dots candy into the top of the nougat, filling in any spots that need more color.
  • Let rest for 4 hours, covered, on the counter, or until fully set. If it’s still too tackey, pop it in the fridge for an hour. Once set, cut into small squares (the size is up to you) and enjoy!

Notes

  • Work quickly once you’ve melted the marshmallows, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.
  • If your chocolate seems too thick when you’re ready to add it to the marshmallows, you can microwave it for 30 seconds to make mixing easier.
  • For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
  • You can use red and green Dots to make this even more festive for Christmas, though the classic version uses all colors.

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Nutrition Information

Calories: 326kcal (16%) Carbohydrates: 58g (19%) Protein: 2g (4%) Fat: 10g (15%) Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 11mg (4%) Sodium: 43mg (2%) Potassium: 77mg (2%) Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 52g (58%) Vitamin A: 66IU (1%) Vitamin C: 0.1mg Vitamin D: 0.03µg Calcium: 54mg (5%) Iron: 0.1mg (1%)

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