Gumdrop Nougat Candy (use Dots or jellied fruit slices)

Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a four-ingredient, no-bake Christmas classic that looks straight out of a 1980s candy dish. 

This chewy white-chocolate treat, studded with colorful gumdrops, comes together in minutes using the microwave.

It’s perfect for cookie trays, teacher gifts, or anyone who misses those old-school Brach’s jelly nougats wrapped in cellophane.

Jump to:

• Easy Microwave Christmas Candy
• Gumdrop Nougat Candy Ingredients
• Equipment
• Candy Making Steps
• Recipe Tips
• Pro Tip
• Nougat Candy Variations
• PIN FOR LATER
• Recipe
• Comments

Easy Microwave Christmas Candy

Make your own version of the classic Brach's gumdrop nougat candy!

Did you have a childhood if you don't remember these clear cellophane wrapped jelly nougat candies?

Brach's was sold to Ferrara some years ago and the nougat candy is no longer being manufactured.

There are similar candies to the Brach's fruit nougats I'm sure they're not the same.

So if you're feeling nostalgic make a batch of this old-fashioned candy.

Or introduce your kids to this colorful, sweet recipe!

If you're looking for more Christmas candy recipes, check out these adorable Snow Globe Cookies, easy chocolate slow cooker candy, frozen gummy bears, white chocolate holiday bark, or peppermint bark or this funny, easy Elf on the Shelf idea using candy.

More festive Christmas treats include Muddy Buddies and white chocolate M&M Chex mix recipe.

Gumdrop Nougat Candy Ingredients

• 10 ounces Dots candy
• 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ¾ cups white chocolate chips
• Non-stick cooking spray

Equipment

• 8x8 pan
• sturdy mixing bowl and spatula
• parchment paper or wax paper
• non-stick cooking spray
• sharp knife or pizza cutter or bench scraper (to slice candy)
• candy wrappers or miniature cups
• Microwave or double boiler

Candy Making Steps

Recipe Tips

This candy sets up fast, so have your pan lined and your gumdrops ready before you start.

Once the marshmallow and white chocolate are combined, you’ll need to stir quickly and get it into the pan before it thickens.

Speed is your friend with this recipe. The key to making this candy is to work quickly.

You can use fruit slices if you can't find Dots. Chop those in half and toss with a bit of sugar so the cut sides don't stick together.

Use either a sharp knife or a pizza cutter or a bench scraper to slice this candy.

New to working with white chocolate? See how to melt chocolate and what kind of white chocolate to buy.

Pro Tip

Use good-quality white chocolate (Ghirardelli or Guittard) not “white baking chips.” Those cheap ones can seize or turn grainy when melted. White chocolate burns fast, so melt in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth.

Nougat Candy Variations

For a less sweet version, replace the Dots candy with dried fruits such as dried cherries and apricots.

Or use pastel Dots for an Easter version.

Or try that classic Christmas pairing of dried cranberries and chopped pistachios--similar to these holiday no bake bars.

Or for a spicy flavor, use Hot Tamales in place of the Dots!

Storage & Gifting

Once set, store your nougat in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment or wax paper.

• Room temperature: Up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator: Up to 3 weeks.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap tightly in plastic + freezer-safe container). Thaw at room temp for about 30 minutes before serving.

For gifting, wrap squares individually in clear cellophane or layer them in small holiday tins or parchment-lined boxes.

Tie with baker’s twine and add a gift tag.

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