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Biting into a Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookie is like stepping back into a cozy kitchen filled with laughter, vanilla, and warm memories. These old-fashioned holiday treats have that charmingly chewy texture with bits of sugary gumdrops peeking through every bite. They’re soft, slightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with colorful festive fun.

Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday tins, or baking with kids, this recipe brings nostalgia with a playful twist. If you grew up sneaking gumdrops from the candy jar or helping grandma mix dough in a big ceramic bowl, these cookies are your sweet time machine back to those simple joys.

Why You’ll Love This Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

These cookies are vibrant, chewy, and easy to make. Unlike many holiday cookies that rely on frosting or sprinkles, gumdrop cookies get all their charm from the candy bits inside. Every bite delivers a fruity pop that pairs perfectly with the classic sugar cookie base. Plus, they stay soft for days, making them excellent for gifting or prepping ahead.

Can I Use Any Kind of Gumdrops?

For the best result, use spice-flavored gumdrops or fruit-flavored gumdrops without the black licorice ones. The black gumdrops tend to overpower the flavor and aren’t everyone’s favorite. Cut the gumdrops into small pieces using kitchen scissors lightly coated with oil or flour to avoid sticking.

Ingredients for the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

The ingredient list is simple, but each component plays an important role in getting that perfectly soft and chewy cookie with just the right balance of sweetness and chew.

• Unsalted Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Chopped Gumdrops

Unsalted Butter creates the rich base for these cookies and keeps the texture soft. Granulated Sugar adds sweetness and helps give the cookies their subtle crisp edges. Eggs provide structure and tenderness. Vanilla Extract brings warmth and enhances all the flavors. All-Purpose Flour is the sturdy foundation, while Baking Soda helps the cookies rise just enough. A pinch of Salt balances everything, and the star ingredient, Chopped Gumdrops, brings in color, chew, and festive flavor.

How To Make the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, helping the cookies bake up soft and tender.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. Make sure everything is well incorporated before moving on.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Fold in the Gumdrops

Gently fold in the chopped gumdrops using a wooden spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix or the colors may bleed into the dough.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just golden.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy or store.

How to Serve and Store Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee. They’re ideal for holiday parties, gifting in decorative tins, or adding to your Christmas dessert spread.

This recipe makes about 36 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh as needed.

What to Serve With Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies?

Hot Chocolate with Peppermint

The creamy richness of hot cocoa with a hint of mint complements the fruity chew of the gumdrops.

Classic Eggnog

For a nostalgic pairing, nothing beats the creamy spice of eggnog with a soft holiday cookie.

Cinnamon Tea or Chai Latte

The warm spices in these drinks highlight the sweet spice in the gumdrops.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your cookie into a winter ice cream sandwich with a scoop of vanilla between two cooled cookies.

Cream Cheese Dip

Surprising but delightful, a lightly sweetened cream cheese dip pairs nicely with the cookies’ fruity bits.

Fresh Berries

Balance the sweetness with some tart raspberries or blackberries on the side.

Festive Fruit Punch

Serve these cookies on a holiday dessert table next to a bright red or citrusy fruit punch.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies if you’re craving gooey nostalgia.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe for a zesty pop of citrus.
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if soft and indulgent is your style.
• Classic French Butter Cookies for rich buttery simplicity.
• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for a creamy, cinnamon-spiced surprise.

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 stick to fruity gumdrops or go for the spice mix? Try different colors or add a little almond extract for fun?

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 on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies bring the holiday spirit alive with every bite. They’re colorful, soft, and just the right amount of chewy, making them a joyful addition to your seasonal baking list. Whether you’re keeping tradition alive or introducing a new favorite, this cookie is sure to warm hearts and bring smiles.

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