Quick & Easy Gumdrops

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + chilling

Makes

64 pieces (1 pound)

Updated: Sep. 07, 2023
These homemade candies are softer than store-bought. They've got that classic, fun appeal that people really love. —Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Quick & Easy Gumdrops Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup plus 3/4 cup water, divided
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon raspberry extract
  • 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. Add gelatin; reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in extract and food coloring as desired.
  2. Pour into a greased 8-in. square pan. Refrigerate, covered, 3 hours or until firm.
  3. Loosen edges of candy from pan with a knife; turn onto a sugared work surface. Cut into 1-in squares; roll in sugar. Let stand, uncovered, at room temperature until all sides are dry, turning every hour, 3-4 hours. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Editor's Note: For lemon gumdrops, use lemon extract and yellow food coloring. For orange gumdrops, use orange extract, yellow food coloring and a drop of red food coloring.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece (calculated without additional sugar): 19 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.