Description
These Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies are classic holiday treats that combine a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with colorful, chewy fruit-flavored gumdrops. Perfect for festive gatherings, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, brightening up any cookie platter with their vibrant colors and nostalgic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Gumdrop Mixture
- 1 cup fruit-flavored gumdrops, chopped and floured
Instructions
- Prepare the gumdrops: Chop the fruit-flavored gumdrops into small pieces and toss them with a little flour to prevent them from sticking together or sinking in the dough.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which usually takes a few minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft cookie dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in gumdrops: Gently fold the floured gumdrop pieces into the dough, ensuring an even distribution without crushing them.
- Chill dough (optional): For better shape and texture, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Form cookie balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool properly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removal from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- Flouring the gumdrops prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cookies during baking.
- Chilling the dough helps cookies keep their shape and reduces spreading in the oven.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal and cleaning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Feel free to substitute the gumdrops with other chewy candies like chopped jelly beans or dried fruit for variation.
