Gumdrops Recipe
This Gumdrops Recipe is super easy and versatile for any occasion. Change the flavor for the holiday, and you have a sweet, chewy treat that everyone will love. They make perfect gifts too.
These Gumdrops are soft and sweet but not too sweet. I started with the same recipe I used for the Valentine’s Day Treats, and the secret…applesauce. Who would have known? Jello is the key to the different colors- so easy!
When I made the Valentine’s Day Gumdrops, I cut them with a cookie cutter into heart shapes. But this time I decided to keep them all the same and cut them into 1 inch squares. I didn’t have enough of the same size of pan to make all of the flavors, so I found some 13 x 9 x 1/2″ cookie sheets. The size was perfect.
I think they are perfect for any time of year. But I especially love all the flavors together. They would be a great Christmas gift for a teacher, neighbor or co-worker also. They would be super cute in little cellophane bags!
But of course, if you want to make red and green for Christmas, they would be awesome too!
Whatever color or shape you make (there are so many options in this cute set), they always taste great! Send us a picture if you try it!
Gumdrops Recipe
Soft, chewy and delicious. These Gumdrops can be made in any flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar {plus a little for rolling gum drops}
- 1 + 1/3 cups applesauce, unsweetened
- 2 small (3 oz) boxes Jello, any flavor
- 2 envelopes (4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin {like Knox}
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Line 13x9 pan with parchment paper
- In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients, let stand 1 minute
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, boil for 1 minute
- Immediately pour into prepared pan
- Place in refrigerator for 3 hours or until firm
- Loosen sides from pan with a spatula
- Turn Gum Drops onto a cutting board
- Cut out gum drops using a knife dipped in hot water to cut squares or a cookie cutter
- Roll Gum Drops in extra sugar, set onto wax paper until slightly dry
- Store in an airtight container
I love these. I made them with my little sister. We did not have gelatin so we used fruit pectin instead and they turned out awesome!!!!! it was really simple
Can these be made sugar free? Can Splenda be used?
Hi Benz, I have not tried them with Splenda or with sugar free jello, but it’s worth a try. I don’t see why they wouldn’t work.
~Liz
How fun, and they look so easy to make! Thanks for linking up to Home Matters Party. #HomeMattersParty http://cu-rio.net/home-matters-linky-party-67/
Wow these are so colorful, and not full of unknown ingredients. We will be trying this for surely. Thanks for sharing!! Wishing you a blessed Christmas!!
Well this just made my day! I’m obsessed with gummies. Can’t wait to try these!
These look awesome! I’ve never thought to make my own gum drops- I love this!
These were soooo easy I loved it ! I left my parchment paper hanging over my pan and when it came time to take it out I had no trouble at all!
I can’t get apple sauce where I live. What else can I use?
THANKS
Hi Pat, you can make applesauce by cooking apples down. Here is a recipe > http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/applesauce/
~Liz
Can you use Sugar Free Jello?
I have not used sugar free in this recipe, but I don’t see why you couldn’t.
I am using knox gelatin but got unsure what to do when I opened the box because the envelpes of gelatin say to mix with cold water first then add boiling water before using it in any reciepe. I am currently waiting for the gum drops to set to see how when I added 1 cup water to the recipe it will turn out.
Hi April, you do not need to add water to the recipe. The ingredients: sugar, applesauce, jello, Knox gelatin and lemon juice are all you need.
~Liz