Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

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Soft, buttery, and dotted with jewel-toned gumdrops, Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies bring sweet nostalgia and a touch of holiday magic to every bite. These cookies are a throwback to simpler times, when cookie swaps were king and colorful gumdrops were pantry staples during the festive season. Their cheerful, candy-studded tops make them as beautiful on the plate as they are delightful to eat.

With a perfectly crinkly, sugar-crusted exterior and a tender center bursting with fruity gumdrop surprises, these cookies are a holiday favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, cookie exchange, or just to fill your home with that cozy, cinnamon-sugar scent of the holidays, these little gems are guaranteed to spread joy.

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Why You’ll Love This Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

• Festive & Eye-Catching: Those vibrant gumdrops turn ordinary cookies into a colorful Christmas treat.
• Family-Friendly Baking: This is a fun recipe for kids to help with—from cutting gumdrops to decorating cookies.
• Perfect Texture: Crisp edges, soft centers, and chewy gumdrops create the ultimate bite.
• Old-Fashioned Charm: A vintage dessert that brings memories rushing back for many.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped ahead, making holiday baking stress-free.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Sharp Kitchen Scissors or Paring Knife: For cutting gumdrops cleanly without squishing.
• Mixing Bowls (2): One for dry ingredients, one for wet. Keeps your workflow tidy and efficient.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar to fluffy perfection is much easier with a mixer.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Ensures even cookie sizes for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheets with Parchment Paper: Parchment prevents sticking and ensures golden bottoms.
• Cooling Racks: Let cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Each tool helps maintain the structure and flavor of the cookies while making the process smooth and enjoyable. Getting these elements ready ahead of time ensures baking feels joyful instead of chaotic.

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Ingredients for the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

• Unsalted Butter – The creamy base that adds richness and soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and creates those beautifully crisp edges.
• Large Eggs – Helps bind everything together and adds a bit of lift.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cookie base.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the dough.
• Baking Powder – Gives the cookies a gentle rise.
• Salt – Enhances and balances the sweetness.
• Colorful Gumdrops (without spice) – The stars of the show! Choose fruity ones and chop them small so each bite has a burst of candy flavor.
• Additional Sugar (for rolling) – Coating the dough balls adds sparkle and crunch.

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How To Make the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Gumdrops

Cut gumdrops into small pieces using a lightly oiled knife or scissors. Toss them with a bit of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step gives your cookies structure and that classic tender bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 5: Fold in Gumdrops

Gently fold the chopped, floured gumdrops into the cookie dough with a spatula.

Step 6: Shape and Roll

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls. Roll each one in sugar and place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack. Don’t overbake—you want the centers to stay soft.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to cooling racks. Enjoy warm or let them cool completely before storing.

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How to Serve & Store Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

Serving:

Serve these cookies at room temperature on a festive platter alongside hot cocoa or spiced cider. They’re also charming tucked into holiday cookie tins for gifting. For added flair, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar just before serving.

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers.
• Make-Ahead Dough: The dough can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before scooping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of gumdrops work best?

Stick with fruit-flavored gumdrops. Avoid the spiced varieties for this recipe, unless you want a holiday spice kick.

Do I need to flour the gumdrops?

Yes, tossing chopped gumdrops in a bit of flour prevents them from clumping and helps distribute them evenly in the dough.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Freeze the dough in portioned balls for quick baking later. Just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time from frozen.

How do I stop gumdrops from melting too much?

Avoid placing gumdrops too close to the edge of the dough. Keeping them more centered prevents excessive melting and oozing.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Sure! Chopped nuts or white chocolate chips pair wonderfully with the chewy gumdrops.

How many cookies does this make?

You’ll get about 30 cookies using a tablespoon scoop, depending on size.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies, you’ll definitely want to try these festive treats too:

• Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
• Bonnie’s Blue Ribbon Chocolate Dream Cake
• Winter Brittle
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
• Amish Applesauce Cake

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you switch up the gumdrop colors? Try adding a spice twist? I’d love to hear your spin on this retro favorite.

Questions are welcome too—let’s bake smarter, together.

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