Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies: A Cozy Holiday Treat
Ah, the holiday season! It’s a time that brings forth warm memories of bustling kitchens filled with laughter, love, and the sweet aromas of freshly baked treats. One cookie that takes me back to those cherished holiday gatherings is the delightful Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies. With their colorful gumdrop pieces peeking through the soft, tender dough, these delightful cookies evoke the comforting spirit of nostalgia. Whether you’re snuggled up on a chilly evening or adding a sweet touch to your holiday cookie trays, these treats are sure to brighten your festive gatherings. With an easy recipe that anyone can whip up, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Color: These cookies are not just delicious but also brighten up your holiday spread with their cheerful, fruity gumdrops.
- Easy to Make: This simple cookie recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros who want something quick and delightful.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies are always a big hit at parties or cozy family gatherings — who can resist those colorful bites?
- Cozy and Comforting: The combination of soft dough and chewy gumdrops evokes a warm, inviting feeling, perfect for chilly holiday nights.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in the kitchen! They’ll love chopping the gumdrops and rolling the cookie dough into balls.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies
To bring a bit of holiday cheer into your kitchen, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups colorful fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped
Let’s Make It Together
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let me guide you through making these delightful cookies step by step!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until they’re well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a buttery aroma!
- Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if a few small flour streaks remain!
- Gently fold in the chopped gumdrops, the colorful pieces adding a visual delight to your dough.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, ensuring to space them about 2 inches apart for even baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, filling your home with an irresistible sweet scent.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Variations to Try
While I absolutely adore the classic retro version, here are a few fun ways to put your spin on these cookies:
- Festive Sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of holiday-themed edible glitter before baking for added sparkle and flair!
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that complements the chewy gumdrops.
- Enhance with Zest: For a refreshing twist, add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough to brighten the flavors.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips along with the gumdrops for an extra indulgent touch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before forming the balls.
- Perfect Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week — if they last that long!
- Swap it Out: If you don’t have gumdrops on hand, try using chopped dried fruits, chocolate chunks, or even your favorite candy for a different flavor profile.
- Get Creative: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes before baking, making holiday-themed cookies that are sure to impress!
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s a little snapshot of what you can expect with each delicious cookie:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to swap out gumdrops for other fruity candies, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How long does it last?
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last up to a week in an airtight container!
Wrapping It Up
There you have it — a cozy recipe for Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies that brings back the sweetness of childhood memories and the warmth of holiday gatherings. These cookies are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of family traditions, sharing joy, and creating new memories, one delightful bite at a time. So, gather your loved ones, get baking, and don’t forget to save this Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies recipe to your holiday board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, friends!
Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Gumdrops
- 1 1/2 cups colorful fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped gumdrops.
Baking
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
