Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

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If you’re longing for a cookie that bursts with nostalgic holiday cheer and a playful pop of color, this Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful cookies combine soft, buttery dough with bright, fruity gumdrops that melt into bursts of sweetness, perfectly capturing the festive spirit of Christmas kitchens past. Whether you’re baking alongside family or surprising friends with a cozy treat, these retro gems bring joy, warmth, and a sprinkle of magic to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your hands on simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to this cookie’s charm. Each element plays a crucial role—creating that tender texture, lovely sweetness, and of course, the colorful gumdrops that make these cookies stand out.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for soft cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a golden edge during baking.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together while giving the dough structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to balance the fruity gumdrops.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that creates tender yet sturdy cookies.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, pillowy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors for perfect balance.
• 1 cup fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped and floured: Brings bursts of bright, chewy color and fruity sweetness with every bite without sinking in the dough.

How to Make Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops

Begin by chopping your fruit-flavored gumdrops into small pieces. Toss these pieces lightly in flour—this simple step keeps them from sticking together or sinking to the bottom of your cookie dough, ensuring an even spread of fruity bits in every cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This extra beat introduces air, making the base dough wonderfully tender and helps your cookies rise nicely in the oven.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy. This combination infuses the dough with moisture and rich flavor, setting the stage for a cookie that’s both soft and flavorful.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This dry mix provides structure and lift to your cookies, allowing the butter and sugar to do their magic without making the dough too dense.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Components

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix—this will keep your cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.

Step 6: Fold in Floured Gumdrops

Gently fold the floured gumdrop pieces into the dough so that every cookie will have that signature pop of colorful fruitiness. This step infuses playful bursts of flavor and texture throughout your batch.

Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional)

If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape better when baking. It also intensifies flavors and prevents spreading, allowing those vibrant gumdrops to shine front and center.

Step 8: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure your cookies don’t stick as they bake to a perfect golden edge.

Step 9: Scoop and Place Dough

Use a tablespoon to scoop dough balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. This spacing prevents the cookies from merging during baking, letting each one keep that cheerful, rounded shape.

Step 10: Bake Until Just Set

Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft and just set—this balance makes every bite tender and delightful.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is key to letting them set completely, so you get that perfect chew combined with soft centers and gooey gumdrops.

How to Serve Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a snowy, festive look. You can also add a few extra mini gumdrops or colorful sugar crystals after baking to enhance their holiday charm.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa or spiced eggnog to create a perfectly cozy holiday pairing. A cup of strong coffee or tea also balances their sweet, fruity bite beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the cookies on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or even string lights. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane with a ribbon makes for lovely edible gifts and instant smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep a piece of bread inside the container to maintain softness and prevent the cookies from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead for your celebrations, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can also freeze fully baked cookies layered between parchment paper to keep them fresh and ready for quick thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, briefly microwave a cookie for 10–15 seconds or heat gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the gumdrops’ chewiness and warms up the tender dough, making each bite just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of candy instead of gumdrops?

Absolutely! While gumdrops provide a unique chewy texture and classic flavor, you can experiment with chopped jelly candies or even dried fruit pieces for a twist. Just be sure to toss them in flour so they don’t sink in the dough.

Why do the gumdrops need to be floured?

Flouring the gumdrops prevents them from clumping together or sinking to the bottom during baking. This ensures you get a nice, even distribution of fruity bursts throughout each cookie.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute can work well. Just keep an eye on baking times, as gluten-free flours can vary in moisture absorption.

How soft or crunchy are these cookies?

These cookies are delightfully soft with just a slight crisp around the edges. The chewy gumdrops add a nice contrast, making the texture playful and satisfying.

Is chilling the dough necessary?

While optional, chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thicker and more uniform. If you’re short on time, you can bake right away, but expect slightly thinner cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe that brings a joyful sparkle to holiday baking. Its blend of simple ingredients, festive colors, and those chewy gumdrops wrapped in buttery dough creates a treat that feels like a warm hug from the past. I encourage you to gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and enjoy these timeless festive cookies that celebrate both tradition and the magic of the season.

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