Spiced Gumdrops 🍬
I remember making these with my grandparents during the holidays. We'd gather around the kitchen table, mixing and laughing as the smell of cinnamon and mint filled the house. My grandmother would always remind me to "coat them just right" in sugar, and of course, we’d sneak a few gumdrops before they even had time to set. It was one of those traditions that made everything feel extra special—simple, sweet, and full of love. ❤️
Ingredients:
9 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups water (divided)
2 1/4 cups water (divided)
4 1/2 cups sugar (divided)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon mint extract
A few drops of cinnamon oil
Red food coloring
Green food coloring
Additional sugar for coating
Instructions:
First, grease up three 8x8-inch square pans. Get them ready for some yummy gumdrop action! 🪣
Grab three small bowls. In each, pour 1/2 cup of cold water.
Sprinkle 3 envelopes of gelatin on top of each one. Let it bloom and soak in!
In a saucepan, bring 3/4 cup of water and 1 1/2 cups of sugar to a boil over medium heat. Stir it constantly—you don't want it to burn! 🍯
Once it's boiling, add one of your gelatin mixtures to the pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Keep stirring!
Take the pan off the heat and stir in 2 drops of cinnamon oil (this is where the magic happens!) and a few drops of red food coloring. It'll smell amazing.
Pour this red-hot mixture into one of your greased pans. Set it aside.
Repeat steps 4–6 with the next batch, but this time use green food coloring and mint extract for that fresh minty vibe.
For the third batch, keep it simple with no food coloring just add peppermint extract to make them extra cool.
Refrigerate all three pans for at least 3 hours (or overnight if you want them really firm).
Once they’re set, grab a knife and gently run it along the edges of each pan. Cut them into four big squares to start!
Use a spatula to lift the squares out and place them on parchment paper.
Now, cut those big squares into smaller gumdrop-sized pieces.
Let them sit out overnight at room temp to dry out a bit and get that perfect gumdrop texture.
The next day, pour about 2 cups of sugar into a bowl or dish. Toss the gumdrops in it to coat them evenly, like you’re giving them a sugar shower!
Place them back on parchment paper and get ready to enjoy these sweet little bites of holiday happiness. 🎄
#Lemon8Diary #memories #gumdrops #christmasideas #unfiltered
Making homemade spiced gumdrops isn't just about following a recipe; it's about crafting a little piece of joy that store-bought versions, even classic Brach's spiced gum drops, just can't replicate. There’s a certain magic in the process, from the intoxicating smell of cinnamon and mint filling your kitchen to seeing those beautifully coated, square-shaped candies piled up, ready to be enjoyed. If you’re like me and cherish those holiday memories, perfecting these little gems is a must. Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Spiced Gumdrops While the recipe provides clear steps, here are a few extra pointers I've learned over the years to ensure your gumdrops turn out absolutely perfect: The Gelatin Bloom is Key: Don't rush this step! When you sprinkle the gelatin over cold water, give it ample time to "bloom" or hydrate. This ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture later. Using cold water is crucial because hot water can cause the gelatin to clump or dissolve unevenly, affecting the final texture. Sugar Syrup Science: When boiling the sugar and water, stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once it boils, you want it to reach a clear, syrupy consistency. Be careful not to let it caramelize, as this will change the flavor and color of your gumdrops. The goal is to dissolve the sugar completely and get a consistent base for the gelatin. Patience with Setting and Drying: Refrigerating for at least 3 hours (or overnight) isn't just a suggestion—it's essential for firm gumdrops that hold their shape. After cutting them into those perfect gumdrop-sized pieces, letting them sit out overnight at room temperature is equally important. This drying process allows a slight crust to form, giving them that classic chewy gumdrop texture and preventing them from becoming too sticky. The Art of the Sugar Coating: My grandma always emphasized coating them "just right" in sugar, and she was spot on! The final sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also prevents sticking and gives them a beautiful, sparkling finish, much like the image of vibrant red, green, and clear/yellow homemade spiced gumdrops coated in sugar. Don't be shy with the sugar; roll them generously until they're thoroughly covered. Beyond the Basics: Flavor & Color Fun While cinnamon, mint, and peppermint (giving you those lovely red, green, and clear candies) are traditional, feel free to experiment! You could try other extracts like lemon, orange, lime, ginger, or even clove for different flavor profiles. For natural food coloring, consider beet juice for red hues, spinach juice for green (though it might impart a slight flavor), or turmeric for a natural yellow. The beauty of homemade treats is the ability to customize them to your liking! Storage and Gifting Ideas Once your homemade spiced gumdrops are perfectly coated and dried, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They make fantastic gifts during the holidays! Package them in small decorative bags, clear jars with festive ribbons, or even a cute tin. A homemade gift like this, made with love and attention, truly stands out and creates new cherished memories.
