Classic Fruit Flavored Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Classic Fruit Flavored Gumdrop Cookies Recipe

These classic fruit flavored gumdrop cookies bring that old-fashioned charm to your Christmas baking, making them a perfect fit for busy families, and anyone who loves nostalgic holiday treats.

Prep Time20

Cook Time12

Total Time32

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bakery recipe, christmas baking recipe, cookie recipe

Servings: pieces

Calories: 46kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment

Sheetpan with Wire Racks

Parchment paper

Ingredients

3/4 Cup Lard or shortening
1 Cup Sugar divided
1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract
1-3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Fruit Flavored Gumdrops chopped or spiced gumdrops
2 Large Egg Whites room temperature

Instructions

Using kitchen scissors, chop gumdrops into small pieces (pea-sized). Toss pieces with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sticking.
1 Cup Fruit Flavored Gumdrops
Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
1-3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda, 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or stand mixer. Cream lard and 3/4 sugar until light and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes). Add almond extract. Mix well.
3/4 Cup Lard, 1 Cup Sugar, 1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract
Combine Wet and Dry. Slowly combine flour mixture with the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix.
Add Gumdrops. Fold the chopped gumdrops into the dough.
In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar continuing to mix until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into dough.
2 Large Egg Whites
Shape Cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls. Optional: roll in granulated sugar for sparkle. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. If you prefer, you can use ungreased cookie sheets, but I prefer lining the cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Bake for 10–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Christmas Gumdrop Cookies Recipe Tips & Tricks

These small touches make a big difference in farmhouse baking.

Choose baking fruit-flavored gumdrops or gumdrop bits. These hold up beautifully in the oven without melting into the cookie dough.

Use kitchen shears to cut the brightly colored gumdrops. Scissors cut gumdrops cleanly without dragging or squishing them. Lightly coat the blades with cooking spray or flour to prevent sticking.

Flour the gumdrops. It keeps them from sinking or clumping.

Parchment is your friend: Gumdrops can stick to unlined pans.

How Do You Know When the Cookies are Done?

Watch the edges: Pull them as soon as they turn lightly golden for a chewy center. The centers should still look soft and slightly puffy. They will not look fully set while in the oven. They finish setting as they cool.

Nutrition