Description
Hearty pioneer woman’s gumdrop cookies combine nostalgic family baking traditions with simple midwestern charm. Sweet ingredients blend classic textures that connect generations of home cooks and cookie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- 1 cup (240 ml) water, divided
- 1 ¼ ounces (35 g) unflavored gelatin (5 packets)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon flavored extract (e.g., lemon, orange, or cherry)
- Food coloring, as desired
- Granulated sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Preparation: Lightly coat a baking dish or silicone mold with cooking spray, then dust with granulated sugar to create a non-stick base for the gumdrops.
- Gelatin Activation: Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over water in a saucepan, allowing it to bloom and absorb liquid completely for optimal texture and consistency.
- Liquid Integration: Gently heat the gelatin over medium flame, stirring until dissolved, then gradually blend in sugar and corn syrup, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil while continuously stirring.
- Flavor Development: Reduce heat and simmer the mixture, allowing it to thicken and develop a glossy sheen. Remove from heat and whisk in preferred flavoring and food coloring, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the liquid.
- Molding and Setting: Pour the gumdrop mixture into the prepared mold, using a spatula to create an even surface and eliminate air bubbles. Allow the mixture to cool naturally at room temperature, setting completely – which may take several hours or overnight.
- Finishing Touch: Once solidified, carefully extract the gumdrop block from the mold and slice into uniform bite-sized pieces. Roll each piece in granulated sugar to create a delicate, crystalline exterior characteristic of classic gumdrops.
Notes
- Select Proper Gelatin: Use high-quality, fresh unflavored gelatin for the most consistent and smooth texture in your gumdrops.
- Manage Heat Carefully: Control temperature precisely during gelatin dissolution to prevent burning or uneven consistency, keeping the mixture just below boiling point.
- Flavor Strategically: Experiment with natural extracts like fruit essences or herbal oils to create unique gumdrop variations without compromising structural integrity.
- Sugar Coating Technique: Ensure gumdrops are completely dry before rolling in sugar to achieve a perfect, even crystalline exterior that prevents sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 21
- Calories: 83
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg