Description
These Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies are a festive, chewy treat bursting with colorful fruit-flavored gumdrops. Soft and buttery with a hint of vanilla and a delightful chew from the gumdrops, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a nostalgic sweet bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Gumdrops
- 1 cup fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped and floured
Instructions
- Prepare the gumdrops: Chop the gumdrops into small pieces and toss them with a little flour to prevent them from sticking together during baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms without overworking it.
- Incorporate gumdrops: Fold the floured gumdrop pieces evenly into the dough, ensuring they are well distributed without breaking them down too much.
- Chill the dough (optional): For better shape retention, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with cleanup.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps cookies hold their shape better during baking.
- Flouring the gumdrops prevents them from melting into the dough and keeps them evenly spaced.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute gumdrops with chopped dried fruits or candy pieces for variation.
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies by 1 minute.
