Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

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I can still remember the first time I made Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies with my grandmother in her warm, bustling kitchen. The scent of vanilla, sugar, and holiday cheer filled the air, and I was instantly hooked. These cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re nostalgia baked into every bite. Bright, chewy gumdrops tucked inside golden, crackly sugar cookies bring back memories of vintage tins and handwritten recipe cards.

Now, I make them every holiday season—not just because they taste incredible, but because they’re pure festive joy. They’re the kind of cookie that catches your eye on a dessert table, and one bite later, you’re reaching for another. Soft, buttery centers with bursts of fruity gumdrop candy make these cookies irresistible for both kids and grown-ups alike.

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Why You’ll Love These Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

These cookies are everything you want in a holiday dessert: simple, colorful, and crowd-pleasing. They strike a perfect balance between sweet and chewy, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. The gumdrops give a pop of color and flavor, making them perfect for gift boxes, cookie swaps, or just cozying up with a warm drink.

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What Kind of Gumdrops Should I Use?

Stick with the classic fruit-flavored gumdrops for this recipe. You’ll want the small, sugar-coated, chewy kind (not spice drops or jellied fruit slices). They should be firm enough to chop but soft enough to stay tender after baking. If you find them too sticky, dusting them with a little flour before mixing into the dough works wonders.

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Options for Substitutions

If gumdrops aren’t your thing or you can’t find them, try chopped dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for a different take. Mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles can also bring some color and cheer. For a citrusy kick, a little orange zest in the dough can add brightness.

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Ingredients for Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

• Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, tender base and gives the cookies their soft, chewy texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and gives the edges that delightful crackly crunch.
• Egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture, giving the cookies structure and softness.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and balance.
• Baking Soda – Gives a slight lift to help the cookies puff and crack perfectly.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
• Fruit-Flavored Gumdrops – The star of the show! Adds chewiness, fruity bursts, and colorful holiday flair.

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Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops

Chop the gumdrops into small pieces (about pea-sized) and toss them lightly in a bit of flour to prevent sticking. This helps distribute them evenly through the dough without clumping together.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that perfect soft texture and gives the cookies their delightful lift.

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Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. This helps emulsify the fat and moisture, ensuring a smooth and uniform dough.

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Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

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Step 5: Fold in the Gumdrops

Gently fold the floured gumdrop pieces into the dough, distributing them evenly so every cookie gets a few colorful bites.

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Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and intensifies the flavor.

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Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but soft.

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Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them finish setting without overbaking. Once cooled, enjoy the chewy, festive magic!

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How Long to Prepare the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

Prep Time: You’ll need about 20 minutes to prepare the dough. That includes chopping the gumdrops, creaming the butter and sugar, mixing everything together, and folding in the gumdrops. If you choose to chill the dough (recommended), that adds another 30 minutes.

Bake Time: Each batch takes around 9 to 11 minutes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Depending on the size of your baking sheets and oven capacity, total baking time may be around 30–40 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Especially if your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Flour the Gumdrops: Lightly dusting the chopped gumdrops with flour prevents them from sinking and sticking together.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Use Room Temp Butter: Soft, not melted, butter helps create the perfect creamy base.
• Space Them Out: Leave enough room on the baking sheet so the cookies can spread without running into each other.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Spice Drops Instead of Gumdrops: Spice drops have strong flavors (like clove or licorice) that don’t pair well with this sweet dough.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Your cookies may spread too thin and lose that nice chewy center.
• Chopping Gumdrops Too Big: Large gumdrop pieces can melt unevenly and cause sticky spots or burnt edges.
• Overmixing the Dough: It can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Baking Too Long: They go from soft to crunchy fast, so keep a close eye near the end.

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What to Serve With Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies?

1. Hot Cocoa

Rich and creamy, hot cocoa pairs perfectly with the fruity-chewy texture of these cookies.

2. Mulled Apple Cider

A warm spiced cider brings out the holiday flavors and complements the chewy sweetness.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.

4. Christmas Morning Coffee

Nothing better than one of these cookies with a strong cup of coffee while unwrapping presents.

5. Eggnog

Classic holiday eggnog with nutmeg adds a creamy contrast to the cookie’s crisp edges.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing the Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze well! Let them cool completely, then freeze in layers separated by parchment. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 11g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 60mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made 1–2 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Baked cookies also store well for several days.

What kind of gumdrops should I avoid?

Avoid spice drops or any gumdrops with strong, non-fruity flavors like clove or anise.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely. They freeze well both before and after baking. Just be sure they’re stored airtight.

Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s not mandatory, but chilling helps with texture and keeps the cookies from spreading too thin.

Can I use a cookie scoop?

Yes, using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size and even baking.

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Conclusion

Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies are a whimsical, colorful throwback to simpler times—bursting with flavor, nostalgia, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting to friends, or indulging solo, these cookies deliver a perfect festive bite every time. Their chewy texture, buttery flavor, and bursts of fruity candy make them a standout on any holiday spread.

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