A beautiful, soft and chewy Christmas candy filled with colorful red and green gumdrop pieces! This sweet, creamy white nougat is easy to make, requires no baking and looks gorgeous on any holiday dessert table.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 3–4 hours
Total time: Approximately 4 hours
Yield: 25–30 pieces
Recipe note: The image doesn’t include ingredients or instructions. This is a suggested no-bake white chocolate and marshmallow nougat recipe inspired by the pictured candy.
1. Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White chocolate chips | 3 cups (about 510 g) |
| Mini marshmallows | 2 cups |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp |
| Red gumdrops or candied cherries | ½ cup |
| Green gumdrops or candied cherries | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Salt | A small pinch |
2. Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the fruit
Cut the red and green gumdrops into small pieces.
If they are sticky, lightly coat them with powdered sugar to make handling easier.
Set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the baking dish
Line an 8 × 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter.
Step 3 – Melt the chocolate
Place the white chocolate chips and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted and smooth.
Step 4 – Add the marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate.
Stir gently until the marshmallows are coated and begin to soften.
If needed, microwave for another 10–15 seconds.
Step 5 – Add vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt.
Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 6 – Fold in the colorful pieces
Allow the mixture to cool slightly so the gumdrops don’t melt.
Gently fold in the chopped red and green gumdrops until evenly distributed.
Step 7 – Transfer to the pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Spread evenly using a lightly greased spatula.
Press gently to remove air pockets and create a smooth surface.
Step 8 – Refrigerate
Place the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 hours, or until the nougat is completely firm.
Step 9 – Slice into bars
Lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper.
Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife lightly coated with butter to cut into long strips or small squares.
Step 10 – Serve and enjoy
Arrange the colorful nougat pieces on a festive serving plate or place them in decorative Christmas candy boxes.
3. Tips for perfect Christmas nougat
- Use good-quality white chocolate for a smoother texture.
- Chop the gumdrops into small, evenly sized pieces.
- Let the melted chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding the fruit.
- Grease your knife lightly before slicing.
- Avoid overheating the white chocolate because it can become thick or grainy.
- Keep the nougat chilled until ready to serve.
4. Delicious variations
- Coconut nougat: Add ½ cup shredded coconut.
- Pistachio nougat: Add ½ cup chopped pistachios.
- Almond nougat: Add ½ cup toasted almonds.
- Festive version: Add red and green candied cherries.
- Chocolate version: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished bars.
5. Storage instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Serving: Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating.
No-bake Christmas candy!
Soft, chewy, creamy and full of festive colors! This Christmas Gumdrop Nougat is a sweet little treat that makes every holiday dessert table more special.