Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

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Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies bring back the magic of old fashioned holiday baking with every colorful bite. These cookies are soft, buttery, and dotted with chewy gumdrops that melt slightly into the dough as they bake, creating pockets of sweetness and festive charm. They look just as joyful as they taste, making them perfect for cookie trays, gift tins, or cozy afternoons spent baking with family.

There is something nostalgic about recipes that feel like they have been passed down for generations. The bright candy pieces paired with a tender cookie base create a treat that feels both playful and comforting. Whether you are baking for a holiday party or simply want something cheerful with your coffee, these cookies deliver warmth and sweetness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

These cookies are easy to prepare and require simple pantry ingredients, yet they look impressive and festive. The dough comes together quickly and the gumdrops add both flavor and texture without extra work. They stay soft for days, making them great for make ahead baking during busy holiday weeks. Their colorful appearance also makes them a standout addition to dessert platters.

Do Gumdrops Melt or Stay Chewy in Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies?

Gumdrops soften as they bake but they do not fully melt away. Instead, they become pleasantly chewy while lightly blending into the cookie dough. Chopping them into smaller pieces helps distribute their sweetness evenly and prevents overly sticky pockets. Using lightly sugared gumdrops also keeps the dough from becoming too wet.

Ingredients for the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

The beauty of Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies lies in how basic ingredients transform into something festive and memorable. Each component plays a role in creating a soft cookie that holds colorful candy pieces without becoming overly dense or overly sweet.

• Butter brings richness and creates that soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create light crisp edges.
• Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
• Eggs bind everything together and add structure.
• Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and rounds out flavor.
• All purpose flour forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
• Salt balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
• Gumdrops provide the signature chewy bursts of fruity sweetness.

How To Make the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Beat butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds the cookie texture and ensures the dough bakes evenly.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract. This creates a smooth, cohesive base for the dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl so they distribute evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in Gumdrops

Gently fold chopped gumdrops into the dough so every scoop gets colorful candy pieces.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake until edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a rack. This helps them firm up without drying out.

Serving and Storing Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature when their texture is perfectly soft and chewy. They make a wonderful addition to holiday dessert trays, cookie swaps, or afternoon tea. This recipe feeds about 24 cookies depending on scoop size.

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze the dough for later baking or freeze baked cookies for longer storage. Let frozen cookies thaw naturally to maintain their texture.

What to Serve With Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies?

Hot Cocoa

The creamy richness of hot cocoa balances the chewy sweetness of the cookies.

Spiced Tea

Warm spices complement the fruity notes from the gumdrops.

Coffee

A simple cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness and highlights buttery flavors.

Eggnog

The creamy holiday drink pairs beautifully with festive cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turning these cookies into ice cream sandwiches creates a fun dessert twist.

Fruit Salad

Fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookie base.

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If you love these Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies, you will probably enjoy these favorites too:

Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies https://lunameals.com/peanut-butter-cornflake-cookies/ bring crunch and nutty richness to your cookie tray.

Brownie Mix Cookies https://lunameals.com/brownie-mix-cookies/ offer deep chocolate flavor with a chewy bite.

Easy Jello Meringue Cookies https://lunameals.com/easy-jello-meringue-cookies/ are colorful and airy with bright flavor.

Southern Hummingbird Cake https://lunameals.com/southern-hummingbird-cake/ gives you a moist, fruit filled dessert option for gatherings.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try different gumdrop flavors or keep it classic? Did you make them extra chewy or slightly crisp?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health boosting drinks and daily inspiration on Luna Meals Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lunamealshomemaderecipes/ and discover your new go to for feeling great.

Conclusion

Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies capture everything joyful about holiday baking. They are colorful, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying to make and share. With simple ingredients and cheerful results, they are a recipe worth returning to every year when the festive season arrives.

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