Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

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Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies are a burst of holiday nostalgia in every bite. These buttery, soft sugar cookies are studded with jewel-toned gumdrops that melt slightly as they bake, creating pockets of chewy, fruity joy. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or cozy evenings by the tree, they bring back cherished memories of grandma’s kitchen and vintage recipe cards.

With their charmingly cracked tops and pops of bright color, these cookies don’t just taste festive—they look the part too. Whether you’re whipping them up with little helpers or baking in solitude with holiday tunes playing, Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies add whimsy and warmth to your seasonal lineup.

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Why You’ll Love This Retro Christmas Cookie

These cookies are incredibly simple to make but deliver that wow factor thanks to their texture and candy-studded appearance. The mix of soft sugar cookie dough with chewy fruit gumdrops is unexpectedly delightful—a balance of old-school sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth comfort. Plus, they keep well, making them ideal for make-ahead holiday treats.

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What Kind of Gumdrops Should I Use?

Look for the classic spiced gumdrops or fruit-flavored gumdrops you find in the baking aisle during the holidays. Avoid the ones coated heavily in sugar or those that are too hard. Chop them into small pieces to distribute evenly through the dough. If you can only find large gumdrops, simply halve or quarter them before folding them into the cookie batter.

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Ingredients for the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

To create these sweet festive gems, you’ll need a few baking staples and colorful gumdrops:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure to hold the chewy gumdrops.
• Baking soda: Gives the cookies a subtle lift and light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness with a touch of contrast.
• Unsalted butter: The rich, creamy base for a soft and chewy cookie.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to that golden, crackled exterior.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the dough.
• Chopped gumdrops: The star of the show! Adds fruity chew and festive color.

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How To Make the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 6: Fold in the Gumdrops

Gently stir in the chopped gumdrops, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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How to Serve and Store Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

These festive cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with a cold glass of milk or a mug of cocoa. They make a fantastic addition to cookie platters and holiday dessert tables. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for serving a small gathering or gifting.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just let them thaw at room temp when you’re ready to enjoy.

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What to Serve With Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies?

Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

The chocolatey warmth of hot cocoa is the perfect contrast to the fruity chew of gumdrop cookies.

Chai Spiced Tea

The spices pair beautifully with the sweet nostalgia of these vintage cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a modern twist, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a festive ice cream sandwich.

Eggnog

A holiday classic drink that adds a creamy and spiced pairing to the sweet bites.

Peppermint Bark

Add to a platter with peppermint bark for a colorful and flavor-packed dessert spread.

Mulled Wine

For the adults at the party, a warm glass of spiced mulled wine brings the holiday spirit.

Sugar Cookie Dip

Serve with a sugar cookie-inspired dip for an over-the-top dessert tray.

Cheese Platter

Yes, really! The sweet-savory mix can surprise and delight when paired thoughtfully.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies, you’ll enjoy these other whimsical and festive treats:

• Try these Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a buttery melt-in-your-mouth classic.
• Indulge in Banana Bread Cookies for a fruity, cakey twist on a cookie staple.
• These Lemon Churro Cookies combine citrus zing with a warm cinnamon sugar hug.
• If you’re a peanut butter fan, Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies deliver rich, nutty nostalgia.
• For a creamy treat, don’t miss these Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake bites.

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Save This Pin 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 go classic with spice gumdrops or fruity for a twist? Maybe you added a dash of cinnamon?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Share your thoughts, and let’s inspire each other to bake more joy!

Explore beautifully curated holiday cookie ideas and vintage sweets on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest and discover your new seasonal favorites.

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