Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a touch of nostalgic charm and festive cheer to your holiday baking, this Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful treats combine a tender, buttery base with bursts of bright, fruity gumdrops that create a colorful, joyful sprinkle in every bite. Perfect for sharing with family or surprising friends at a holiday party, this recipe captures the spirit of old-fashioned Christmas baking while delivering a perfectly chewy, sweet cookie that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building the texture, flavor, and that unmistakable festive look.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookie dough.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a slight crisp on the edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the cookie’s moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps create the perfect chewy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives just the right lift to the cookies without making them cakey.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1 cup fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped and floured: Adds vibrant color and bursts of fruity sweetness throughout the cookies.

How to Make Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops

Start by chopping your fruit-flavored gumdrops into small pieces. Tossing them in a little bit of flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the dough or sticking together, ensuring an even distribution of chewy, colorful candy bits in every cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for fluffiness in your cookies and helps create a tender texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, cohesive mixture. The egg adds moisture and helps the dough bind, while the vanilla infuses the dough with that classic homey flavor that’s a must for holiday favorites.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your baking soda is evenly incorporated and the salt enhances the overall taste.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — you want to keep the cookies tender and chewy, not tough.

Step 6: Fold in Gumdrops

Fold in the floured gumdrop pieces carefully so they are evenly dispersed without breaking up too much. These colorful gems will be the star of your Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe.

Step 7: Optional Chilling

If you want your cookies to hold their shape perfectly during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but helpful if your kitchen is warm or you want neater-looking cookies.

Step 8: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 9: Scoop the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and arrange them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This spacing lets the cookies spread without running into each other, ensuring each one gets those lovely golden edges.

Step 10: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set. The key here is not to overbake because you want soft, chewy cookies, not hard ones.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them finish setting up without breaking apart.

How to Serve Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To amp up the festive presentation, sprinkle a little coarse sugar or edible glitter right after baking so it catches the light. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy effect that perfectly complements the spirit of Christmas.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or peppermint sticks, or a simple glass of cold milk that balances their sweet fruity flavor. Think of them as the perfect festive treat alongside your favorite holiday beverages.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming holiday display, stack your Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe in a mason jar tied with a festive ribbon or arrange them in a decorative tin lined with tissue paper. You can even create a beautiful cookie platter by mixing these with other colorful Christmas cookies to delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to one week, making them a great treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these festive cookies in advance, you can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. For dough, freeze the scooped balls on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring your Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe back to their freshly baked glory, warm them for about 10 seconds in the microwave or for a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F). This revives their softness and lets the gumdrops become melty and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use different types of gumdrops or candies in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic fruit-flavored gumdrops provide a colorful burst, you can experiment with other chewy candies like chopped jelly beans or even small pieces of fudge for a creative twist.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is optional but recommended if you want your cookies to hold their shape nicely. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the cookies might spread a little more during baking.

How do I prevent the gumdrops from melting too much?

Tossing the chopped gumdrops in flour before folding them into the dough helps keep them suspended and reduces melting. Also, avoid overbaking to keep the gumdrops chewy rather than gooey.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the dough’s structure. The cookies should still turn out deliciously chewy and festive.

What’s the best way to keep these cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread inside. The bread will help retain moisture and keep the cookies soft for longer without drying out.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing a Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe during the holidays. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the joyful bursts of vibrant gumdrops make every bite a celebration of past Christmas memories and new ones. Once you try this recipe, it’s certain to become a cherished tradition in your home, bringing smiles and sweet moments to you and your loved ones year after year. So go ahead, bake a batch, and let this colorful retro treat become your holiday favorite!

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