Pioneer Woman Gumdrop Candy

These chewy homemade gumdrops are a colorful treat that brings playful joy to every occasion and always remind me of childhood fairs and family holidays They strike that perfect balance between sweet and tart and you can shape and color them however you like making every batch a little celebration

The first time I made these with my niece we spent the afternoon laughing and picking our favorite colors and now it has become our go to activity for rainy days

Ingredients

• Sugar: essential for sweetness and structure opt for fine white granulated sugar which dissolves evenly
• Gelatin powder: provides the gummy and chewy texture look for unflavored high quality gelatin
• Water: acts as the base for dissolving ingredients use filtered water for a clean candy flavor
• Lemon or vanilla extract: adds bright flavor choose pure extracts for best results
• Food coloring: brings playful colors to your gumdrops use gel food colors for vivid hues and less liquid
• Extra sugar for coating: ensures a beautiful sparkle plus prevents candies from sticking together

Step by Step Instructions

Bloom the Gelatin:

Combine gelatin powder and cold water in a small bowl Let it sit for five to ten minutes until gelatin is fully absorbed and looks thick and jelly like This blooming step ensures a smooth texture

Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

In your saucepan add sugar and one and a half cups water Place over medium heat and stir constantly for about five minutes Attach a candy thermometer and carefully heat the mixture to 230 degrees which is known as the softball stage This temperature gives your gumdrops the perfect consistency

Combine and Mix:

Remove the saucepan from heat Pour the bloomed gelatin into the hot syrup Stir very well until no clumps remain Divide the mixture among several cups if you want different colors or flavors Add food coloring and extracts to each cup stirring gently for even distribution

Mold the Gumdrops:

Lightly grease your pan or silicone candy molds Pour or spoon the gelatin mixture into your chosen shapes Spread the mixture so it sits evenly Let the mixture rest undisturbed for at least four hours until completely set and firm to the touch

Unmold and Sugar Coat:

Once firm run a knife around the edges or pop candies gently from molds Cut into squares or shapes if using a pan Then roll each candy piece in extra granulated sugar until fully coated Place finished gumdrops on a rack or parchment to dry slightly before serving

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My favorite part is mixing up flavor combinations using lemon extract for tangy yellow gumdrops and vanilla for soft sweet ones My niece once insisted on rainbow swirls and we had so much fun experimenting together

Storage Tips

Once the gumdrops are coated with sugar move them to a parchment lined container or tin Keep the container tightly sealed at room temperature Avoid the fridge which can make them sticky They last well for up to two weeks and I like layering wax paper between rows to prevent sticking

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have lemon or vanilla extract try orange peppermint or almond for a fun twist If gelatin is not available agar agar can be a plant based alternative but the texture will be slightly firmer For extra punch roll gumdrops in sour sugar or add a bit of citric acid to make them tart

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Serving Suggestions

These gumdrops make charming edible gifts in small cellophane bags or jars tied with ribbon I also love using them as cupcake toppers or to decorate homemade cakes This recipe is also a hit at class parties because kids adore picking their favorite colors

Cultural and Historical Context

Gumdrops have delighted sweet lovers for hundreds of years with roots tracing back to early American candy making Once used for decorating gingerbread houses these jewel toned jellies still bring a nostalgic charm to holidays and family gatherings Homemade versions like this allow you to tailor flavors colors and shapes much more than any store bought kind

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of extract can I add for flavor?

Lemon or vanilla extract works well, and you can use other flavors such as raspberry or orange for variety.

→ Do I need a candy thermometer?

Using a candy thermometer ensures the sugar syrup reaches the softball stage for the perfect texture.

→ Can I use different food colorings?

Absolutely! Divide the mixture and add your favorite hues to create a colorful assortment of gumdrops.

→ How should I store the gumdrops?

Once coated in sugar and cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.

→ Is this activity suitable for kids?

Yes, kids can help with stirring, coloring, and sugar coating, making this a fun family kitchen project.