Pioneer Woman Gumdrop Recipe: A Sweet and Chewy Classic
Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, has a gift for creating nostalgic recipes that bring back childhood memories. One of her sweetest and most playful creations is the homemade gumdrop candy. Bursting with fruity flavor and coated in sparkling sugar, these colorful treats are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re preparing them for holidays, parties, or simply as a family activity, this gumdrop recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade candy fun – skip store-bought and make your own chewy treats.
- Perfect for holidays – great for Christmas platters, Valentine’s Day, or Easter baskets.
- Kid-friendly activity – little hands will love helping with sugar coating.
- Customizable – choose your favorite flavors and colors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 (3 oz) boxes flavored gelatin (your choice of colors/flavors)
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Mixture
In a saucepan, combine sugar, applesauce, flavored gelatin, unflavored gelatin, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture boils. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Pour and Set
Carefully pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan. Spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
4. Cut the Gumdrops
Remove from the pan and cut into small squares or fun shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Coat in Sugar
Roll each piece in granulated sugar until fully coated.
6. Store and Enjoy
Place gumdrops in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Perfect Gumdrops
- Use different gelatin flavors for a rainbow of colors.
- For sharper shapes, chill overnight before cutting.
- Keep coated gumdrops in a dry place — humidity can make them sticky.
- Try holiday-themed cookie cutters for festive shapes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh fruit juice instead of gelatin flavors?
Not for this recipe — flavored gelatin is what gives gumdrops their chewy texture and vibrant color.
Q: Do I need a candy thermometer?
No, this recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require one.
Q: How do I keep gumdrops from sticking together?
Be sure to coat generously in sugar and separate layers with wax paper.
A Sweet Treat Pioneer Woman Style
This Pioneer Woman gumdrop recipe is the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and nostalgia. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make chewy, colorful candies that will brighten up any occasion. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or enjoying them as a family treat, these homemade gumdrops will quickly become a tradition in your kitchen.
Pioneer Woman Gumdrop Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar plus extra for coating
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 3 oz boxes flavored gelatin (any colors/flavors)
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan – Grease a 9×13-inch dish and line with parchment paper.
- Cook the Mixture – In a saucepan, combine sugar, applesauce, flavored gelatin, unflavored gelatin, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour and Set – Pour mixture into the prepared pan. Spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
- Cut the Gumdrops – Remove from pan and cut into squares or shapes with cookie cutters.
- Coat in Sugar – Roll each piece in granulated sugar.
- Store and Enjoy – Place gumdrops in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Keeps up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use multiple gelatin flavors for colorful variety.
- Chill overnight before cutting for sharper edges.
- Coat well with sugar to prevent sticking.
- Try holiday-themed cutters for festive gumdrops.
