Pioneer Woman Gumdrop Recipe
Introduction
Pioneer Woman’s gumdrop recipe is a delightful treat that combines a sweet, chewy texture with bright colors and flavors. These homemade gumdrops are perfect for candy lovers looking to make a nostalgic sweet from scratch.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar (or more to taste)
- 4 tbsp gelatin powder
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cold water
- Lemon or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the cold water and gelatin in a small bowl, stirring until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes, until the mixture reaches 230°F (softball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Step 3: Pour the dissolved gelatin mixture into the hot sugar syrup and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and divide the mixture into separate cups. Add food coloring and a few drops of lemon or vanilla extract to each for flavor and color.
- Step 4: Pour the colored mixture into molds of your choice and allow them to set. Once firm, remove the gumdrops from the molds and coat them lightly with sugar before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use flavored extracts like peppermint or orange to create different taste variations.
- Dust the gumdrops with cornstarch instead of sugar for a less sweet coating.
- For a glossy finish, add a small amount of corn syrup to the sugar mixture while heating.
- Store finished gumdrops in an airtight container to retain their soft texture.
Storage
Store gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If gumdrops become sticky, toss them lightly in granulated sugar before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different molds for making gumdrops?
Yes, you can use various molds such as silicone shapes or even a shallow baking dish to create different sizes and shapes. Just ensure they are lightly greased or dusted with sugar for easy release.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Without a candy thermometer, test the syrup by dripping a bit into cold water. It should form a soft ball that is pliable but holds shape when rolled between your fingers, indicating the softball stage.
Print
Pioneer Woman Gumdrop Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 50 gumdrops depending on mold size 1x
Description
This Pioneer Woman Gumdrop recipe is a delightful homemade candy treat featuring a chewy, fruity gelatin base coated in sugar. Perfect for candy lovers, these colorful gumdrops are made from simple ingredients and shaped in fun molds, ideal for festive occasions or sweet snacking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar (or more to taste)
- 4 tbsp gelatin powder
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cold water
- Lemon or vanilla extract (to taste)
Instructions
- Dissolve Gelatin: Combine the cold water and gelatin powder in a small bowl. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth base for the gumdrops.
- Cook Sugar Syrup: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add 1 1/2 cups of water and 4 cups of sugar. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes. Using a candy thermometer, monitor the mixture until it reaches 230 degrees Fahrenheit, the softball stage, to achieve the proper candy consistency.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the dissolved gelatin mixture into the hot sugar syrup and mix thoroughly to combine. Remove the saucepan from heat. Divide the mixture into separate cups and add food coloring to each for a vibrant, glossy finish.
- Shape and Set: Pour the colored gelatin mixture into various shaped molds. Let the gumdrops rest and set until firm. Once set, remove them from the molds and coat the gumdrops in sugar for a perfect sweet finish before serving.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to ensure proper gumdrop texture.
- Add lemon or vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity to suit sweetness preference.
- Ensure molds are lightly greased or dusted with sugar to prevent sticking.
- Store gumdrops in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pioneer Woman gumdrop recipe, homemade gumdrops, gelatin candy, chewy candy, sugar candy recipe
