Sweet, chewy, and delightfully nostalgic — these homemade gumdrops will take you right back to childhood! They’re colorful, soft, and bursting with flavor, perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave something fun and fruity. Customize them with your favorite extracts or food colors to make a treat everyone will love!
Ingredients
4 cups sugar (or more to taste)
4 tablespoons gelatin powder
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup cold water
Lemon or vanilla extract (to taste)
Directions
- Prepare the gelatin:
In a small bowl, mix the cold water and gelatin powder. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom. - Make the syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups water and 4 cups sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture reaches 230°F (soft-ball stage) using a candy thermometer. - Combine and cook:
Carefully pour the dissolved gelatin mixture into the hot sugar syrup. Stir well until everything is fully combined, then remove from heat. - Add flavor and color:
Stir in your chosen extract (like lemon or vanilla) and a few drops of food coloring if desired. Mix well. - Set the gumdrops:
Pour the mixture into a lightly greased pan or silicone mold. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight until firm. - Cut and coat:
Once set, cut into small squares or shapes using cookie cutters. Roll each piece in granulated sugar to keep them from sticking together. - Enjoy!
Store your homemade gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy whenever you want a sweet, chewy treat!
Serving Tip
For a festive touch, use different flavors and colors — like cherry red, lemon yellow, or lime green — for a rainbow of gumdrops!