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Anise Gumdrops

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Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + standing

Makes

1 pound

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
With their bright color and frosty sugared look, these homemade gumdrops are irresistible. They're softer than the store-bought kind and have tongue-tingling anise flavor. —Richard Bunt, Painted Post, New York
Anise Gumdrops
Anise Gumdrops Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 4 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1-1/4 cups water, divided
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise extract
  • 4 drops each pink and red food coloring
  • Additional sugar

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup water; let stand 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and remaining water to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in gelatin mixture until gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in extract.
  2. Divide mixture between two small bowls; tint one pink and the other red with food coloring. Transfer to two greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm.
  3. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; turn onto a sugared board. Cut into 1/2-in. cubes; roll in additional sugar. Let stand, uncovered, at room temperature 3-4 hours or until all sides are dry, turning every hour.
  4. To Make Ahead: Store candy in a covered container. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
  5. Freezer Option: Freeze candy in an airtight container. To use, thaw, loosely covered, before serving.