Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies: A Cozy Holiday Treat for Your Loved Ones
As the first hint of winter’s chill settles in, and the world outside begins to sparkle with twinkling lights and festive cheer, there’s a comforting warmth that fills our hearts from baking in the kitchen. The fragrant scent of sugar and fresh butter mingles in the air, wrapping you in a tender embrace of nostalgia, reminding you of the joyful Holiday gatherings of your childhood. Today, I’m excited to share with you my Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies – a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between chewy and crispy, bringing a splash of festivities to your table. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, these cookies will quickly become a cherished tradition in your home.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavors: These cookies evoke memories of holiday cheer and the joy of baking with family, making them a sweet reminder of times gone by.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun of baking.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: The vibrant gumdrops add an eye-catching pop of color, making these cookies a favorite at any holiday party.
- Versatile Options: You can easily customize them based on your taste or pantry staples, allowing for endless creativity.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them into festive jars for delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will cherish.
- Comforting Aroma: The buttery and sugary scents will fill your kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and love.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies
Ready to fill your kitchen with delightful scents? Let’s make it together!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, letting those flavors meld together.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, just until everything is combined.
- Fold in the chopped gumdrops and nuts (if you’re using them), allowing the bright colors to add a cheerful touch.
- Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets, giving them room to spread.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, filling your home with that cozy, nostalgic aroma.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving, and watch them sparkle just like the holiday lights outside.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the gumdrops for a rich, creamy twist that balances the fruitiness.
- Nutty Flavor: Substitute pecans or walnuts for a richer, more indulgent texture that complements the chewy gumdrops beautifully.
- Zesty Addition: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens up the flavor profile.
- Seasonal Spices: Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for that extra holiday warmth and fragrance that sings of winter.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The flavors only get better!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of gumdrops, substitute with dried cranberries or chopped candied ginger for a different twang.
- Storage Tips: Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature; you can also freeze them for longer storage!
- Slicing Made Easy: If your dough is a bit sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking for easier handling.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 10g
- Total Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 70mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, these cookies can be baked ahead of time and will last for about a week in an airtight container.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to switch out the gumdrops for other chewy candies or dried fruits.
- How do I store leftovers? Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for later enjoyment!
- How long does it last? They will remain fresh for up to a week if stored properly, but good luck keeping them around that long!
A Cozy Closing Note
There’s something truly special about baking Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies that warms the heart and fills the soul with joy. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to create memories that will linger long after the holidays. Save this Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies recipe to your holiday baking board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, my friends!
Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped gumdrops and nuts (if using).
- Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
