Description
Indulge in the colorful world of homemade candies with the Gumdrops Delight Recipe. These chewy, vibrant treats are not only a joy to make but also a perfect addition to any celebratory occasion or casual snacking. Easy enough for beginners, this recipe lets you explore your creative side in the kitchen, allowing you to experiment with different colors and flavors. Enjoy these gumdrops on their own, use them to decorate cakes and cookies, or package them up for a sweet, thoughtful gift.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar, or more to taste
- 4 tbsp gelatin powder
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup cold water
- Lemon or vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Gelatin
In a small bowl, mix the cold water with the gelatin powder. Stir the mixture until the gelatin dissolves completely, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is crucial for achieving the smooth, chewy texture of the gumdrops.
Step 2: Cooking the Sugar Syrup
Place a saucepan over medium heat and pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and the sugar. Stir the mixture constantly while it heats up. It’s important to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches 230°F (110°C), known as the softball stage.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Once the sugar syrup has reached the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add the dissolved gelatin mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine. This is the step where you can add lemon or vanilla extract for additional flavor.
Step 4: Adding Colors and Setting
Divide the mixture into multiple cups if you want to make different colored gumdrops. Add food coloring to each cup according to your preference and mix well to ensure an even color. Pour the mixture into molds of various shapes and sizes. Allow them to set by leaving them at room temperature until firm.
Step 5: Coating and Serving
Once the gumdrops are firm, gently remove them from the molds. Roll the gumdrops in extra sugar to prevent sticking and to add an extra touch of sweetness. Your homemade gumdrops are now ready to be enjoyed!
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe typically yields about 50 gumdrops, depending on the size of the molds used. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and the setting time is around 1 hour, making it a quick and delightful treat to prepare.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Avoid exposure to high humidity or heat, as it can cause the gumdrops to melt or become overly sticky.
- Store the gumdrops in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last this way for up to two weeks.
- If the gumdrops start to stick together, reroll them in sugar before serving again.
Conclusion
The Gumdrops Delight Recipe provides a delightful venture into homemade candy making. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a colorful assortment of tasty treats that appeal to both the eyes and the palate. Enjoy making these little delights, experimenting with colors and flavors to suit your mood or event. They are sure to add a dash of fun and flavor to any occasion!
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Gumdrops Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 50 gumdrops 1x
Description
Indulge in the colorful world of homemade candies with the Gumdrops Delight Recipe. These chewy, vibrant treats are not only a joy to make but also a perfect addition to any celebratory occasion or casual snacking. Easy enough for beginners, this recipe lets you explore your creative side in the kitchen, allowing you to experiment with different colors and flavors. Enjoy these gumdrops on their own, use them to decorate cakes and cookies, or package them up for a sweet, thoughtful gift.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar, or more to taste
- 4 tbsp gelatin powder
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup cold water
- Lemon or vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Gelatin In a small bowl, mix the cold water with the gelatin powder. Stir the mixture until the gelatin dissolves completely, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is crucial for achieving the smooth, chewy texture of the gumdrops.
- Step 2: Cooking the Sugar Syrup Place a saucepan over medium heat and pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and the sugar. Stir the mixture constantly while it heats up. It’s important to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches 230°F (110°C), known as the softball stage.
- Step 3: Combining Ingredients Once the sugar syrup has reached the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add the dissolved gelatin mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine. This is the step where you can add lemon or vanilla extract for additional flavor.
- Step 4: Adding Colors and Setting Divide the mixture into multiple cups if you want to make different colored gumdrops. Add food coloring to each cup according to your preference and mix well to ensure an even color. Pour the mixture into molds of various shapes and sizes. Allow them to set by leaving them at room temperature until firm.
- Step 5: Coating and Serving Once the gumdrops are firm, gently remove them from the molds. Roll the gumdrops in extra sugar to prevent sticking and to add an extra touch of sweetness. Your homemade gumdrops are now ready to be enjoyed!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes