Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

If you are looking to bring a splash of colorful nostalgia to your holiday baking, the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming cookies blend the buttery richness of a classic sugar cookie with the chewy bursts of fruity gumdrops, creating a delightful treat that instantly evokes warm memories and festive joy. Each bite offers a satisfying texture contrast and a playful pop of sweet, fruity flavor that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends over the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet essential for capturing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe. Each component works in harmony to ensure your cookies are tender, aromatic, and full of festive sparkle.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and tender crumb for the cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that characteristic cookie crunch.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for a soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and thickness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
• 1 cup fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped and floured: Adds colorful fruity bursts and delightful chewiness throughout each cookie.

How to Make Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops

Start by chopping your fruit-flavored gumdrops into small, bite-sized pieces that will evenly disperse in the dough. Toss them lightly with a little bit of flour to prevent sticking or sinking to the bottom of the cookie during baking, ensuring each cookie has those wonderful fruity pops.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for creating that tender cookie texture and helps your cookies spread and bake just right.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully combined. The egg adds moisture and richness, while vanilla deepens the overall flavor profile with a sweet warmth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the dough.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out too tough instead of tender and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Gumdrops

Gently fold in the floured gumdrop pieces until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough, guaranteeing every cookie will have just the right amount of colorful chewiness.

Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional)

If you have the time, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help your cookies hold their shape better during baking, resulting in perfectly round, evenly baked treats.

Step 8: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 9: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out the dough in tablespoon-sized balls and place them at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without merging, keeping their individual shapes intact.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges turn a lovely golden color and the centers are set but still soft. This timing ensures that chewy center texture while giving a slight crisp to the outer edges.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up just right for handling and serving.

How to Serve Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of holiday magic, consider sprinkling some colored sugar or adding a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies before serving. This will give your Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe an even more festive, sparkling appearance that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with classic holiday beverages like hot cocoa, eggnog, or a warm cup of spiced cider. The warmth and spice of these drinks complement the fruity sweetness and buttery richness of the gumdrop cookies perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies in a clear jar tied with a red or green ribbon to create an inviting holiday gift. Alternatively, arrange them on festive platters alongside other Christmas favorites to make a colorful and scrumptious cookie platter that will brighten any party table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover gumdrop cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to one week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months, making them a convenient make-ahead treat for the busy holiday season.

Reheating

If you prefer your gumdrop cookies warm, simply reheat them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that fresh-baked softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different types of gumdrops?

Absolutely! While fruit-flavored gumdrops are traditional for this Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe, feel free to experiment with other varieties, like sour or spice-flavored, depending on your taste preference.

Is it necessary to flour the gumdrops before adding them to the dough?

Flouring the gumdrops helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cookies during baking and stops them from sticking together. It’s a simple but important step to keep the distribution even.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening?

For best flavor and texture, unsalted butter is recommended. However, if you need to substitute, margarine or shortening can be used but may alter the taste and tenderness of the cookies slightly.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

In addition to using colorful gumdrops, adding red and green sprinkles, or a drizzle of icing can enhance the festive appearance of the cookies to match your holiday décor.

Can I double this Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Doubling the recipe works well if you need to make a larger batch. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and bake the cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding your oven.

Final Thoughts

There is truly something special about the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe that captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite. The playful colors and joyful flavors make these cookies a beloved classic that everyone will ask you to bake year after year. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this festive treat as much as I do!

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