Grandma’s Christmas Candy

 While cookies often steal the holiday spotlight, there’s a special, old-fashioned candy that deserves its moment. This is Grandma’s Christmas Candy—a simple, chewy nougat treat that charms everyone with its soft, sweet bite. We love making it festive with red and green gumdrops, but feel free to stir in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or your favorite candies. Though making candy from scratch can seem daunting, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Let’s make some sweet memories.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, plus extra for greasing

1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips

1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows

1 cup festive gumdrops or chewy candies (like Dots), chopped

Instructions:

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper with butter and set aside.

Melt the Base: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well with a lightly greased spatula, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.

Fold in the Festive Touch: Let the mixture cool for about 1 minute to avoid melting the candies. Gently fold in the chopped gumdrops until evenly distributed.

Set the Candy: Quickly transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using the greased spatula, press it into a smooth, even layer.

Chill Firmly: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.

Slice & Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the slab of candy from the pan. Place on a cutting board, peel away the paper, and slice into small squares or bars. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Enjoy this cherished, chewy confection—a sweet little piece of holiday tradition.