Homemade Christmas Gumdrops

 Gumdrops have always been a big favorite amongst young and old. They are a simple, sugary flavored candy that is peculiarly popular this time of year. They can be useful in a variety of recipes, such as decorating gingerbread houses or cookies to just name a few.

However,what if I were to say to you, that you can easily make your own gumdrops in your own home. If your interested in just that,then I have a homemade recipe just for you. Here, you can smoothly create gumdrops at anytime and to fit any season that you desire. Although, if you do decide to make them yourself then be sure to have the patience as well as the time to follow through.

Homemade gumdrops are simply made with gelatin,sugar and fruit to help create the overall candy. The recipe itself is very budget-friendly along with being easily adaptable to any preference. For example you can choose color,flavor,shape or even how much you want. These features are definitely beneficial with this time of year,especially if you desire to give homemade candies as a present. Its always wonderful to have lots of choice in a recipe and saving money.

So overall,this is a recipe that everyone can be involved in, from children to the elderly. Everyone seems to love to cut out the Christmas shapes as well as rolling each candy in sugar. The whole process is really fun and the creativity is endless. In the end,you have a iconic candy that is soft,sweet and can come in any flavor you desire. You just cannot wrong with this recipe. Gumdrops are part of childhood nostalgia for many. 

 

So join in on the candy-making process along with impressing everyone with your skills. The one that does homemade is always the favorite of the holiday season. Give these Christmas gumdrops as a gift to family,friends or to yourself to enjoy.

P.S. Don't forget the Christmas tin.Merry Christmas!

Note: If you want to create your own mason jar snow globe that I stored the gumdrops in.Pinterest is the place.

Homemade Christmas Gumdrops

Adapted by Taste Of Home Food Gifts "Homemade Gumdrops"

4 1/2 cups sugar,divided
2 2/3 cup applesauce
2 packages(3 ounces each) red gelatin
2 packages (3 ounces each) green gelatin
4 envelopes unflavored gelatin
2 tsp lemon juice

Making Homemade Applesauce:

Defrosted a bag of frozen, peeled and cut apples. Placed them in a large pot and boiled them till the mixture was soft. Then I placed 2 and 2/3 cups of applesauce in a blender and blended,until smooth.

Prepped two 11inch by 7 inch baking dishes (metal or glass) with a even coating of cooking spray.

In one large saucepan, I added 2 cups of the sugar, 1 1/3 cup applesauce, red gelatin,2 packages unflavored gelatin and 1 tsp lemon juice.

In a second large saucepan, I added the same ingredients with the same measurements,except using green gelatin. Letting both mixtures stand for 1 minute each.

Then I brought the mixture to a boil over medium heat,stirring constantly using a wooden spoon. Boiled them both for 1 minute. Then I quickly poured each mixture into the greased baking dishes. Then I refrigerated the gelatin for 3 hours or until firm.

Then I used a spatula to loosen the gelatin from the sides of the pan and inverted the gelatin onto the wax paper. Then I used my small seasonal cookie cutters,dipping them in warm water to cut shapes into the jello. Gently releasing them and placing them onto large cookie sheets lined with wax paper.

Then I let them dry overnight at room temperature,covered loosely. Then I placed the shapes in a large bowl with the remaining sugar and gently rolled them in sugar. Then I store them in an airtight container.

Note: 

Gelatin can be difficult to remove. So I filled the sink with hot water, then slowly place the pan in hot water for a few seconds just hitting the bottom of the pan to help release the jello.

The gelatin can also be easily cut into shapes while its still in the pan and the left behind scraps,I used to create odd shapes and rolled them in sugar as well.