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homemade christmas gum drops in bowl
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Easy Homemade Christmas Gumdrops

Easy Homemade Christmas Gumdrops are made with just a few ingredients like flavored Jello and applesauce and are perfect to package for gifts for the holidays or any occasion.
Prep Time20 minutes
Chill time and drying time total11 hours
Total Time11 hours 20 minutes
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candy, Christmas candy, Christmas gumdrops, gumdrops, homemade candy
Servings: 1 ¾ pounds

Equipment

  • 2 13 x 9 inch baking dishes
  • 2 cookie sheets
  • large saucepan
  • whisk
  • small metal cookie cutters
  • rubber spatula
  • non-stick spray

Ingredients

For the cherry gumdrops

  • cups sugar, divided
  • 1⅓ cups applesauce
  • 2 packages (3 ounces each) cherry gelatin
  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the lime gumdrops

  • cups sugar, divided
  • 1⅓ cups applesauce
  • 2 packages (3 ounces each) lime gelatin
  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Directions are for cherry gumdrops, REPEAT using lime gelatin.

  • It’s also important to note that this is not a last minute recipe. You will need to make this the day before to allow for the chill time and the drying of the gummy candy.
  • Spray each 13 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and place in the refrigerator to chill. Also, spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray and set aside (does not need to be chilled).
  • In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, applesauce, cherry gelatin, unflavored gelatin, and lemon juice; let stand for 1 minute.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.
  • Immediately pour into a cold 13 x 9 in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm.
  • With a spatula, loosen cherry gelatin from the sides of the pan. Using the small sharp cookie cutters dipped in hot water, cut into shapes. Alternatively, you can cut the gelatin into 1-inch squares. Place cut shapes onto the prepared cookie sheet from Step 1. Dry at room temperature for about 8 hours or until slightly sticky.
  • Once the candy is ready, roll each piece in the remaining sugar (1/2 cup).
  • You will repeat steps 2 – 6 for the lime Jello-O. Store finished gumdrops in an airtight container. They are best when eaten in a couple of days.