Bright, chewy, and delightfully nostalgic, Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies bring festive charm to any holiday gathering. These old-fashioned cookies are loaded with colorful gumdrops, giving every bite a fruity pop and soft texture that’s both fun and irresistible. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a cookie swap, or just want something retro to add to your dessert tray, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
With a buttery sugar cookie base and bursts of chewy spice or fruit-flavored candies, these cookies taste like Christmas memories in edible form. They’re easy to make, look cheerful on any holiday table, and can be customized with your favorite gumdrop colors or shapes. Bonus: no need for frosting or decoration—they’re already dressed for the occasion!
What Kind of Gumdrops Should I Use?
Stick to the smaller spice drops or fruit-flavored gumdrops—both work beautifully. If using spice drops, expect hints of clove, cinnamon, and anise. For a sweeter, kid-friendlier version, go for fruit gumdrops with lemon, cherry, and lime flavors. Avoid the large, sugar-coated gumdrops unless you chop them into smaller bits.
Ingredients for the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups mini gumdrops, chopped (or spice drops)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How To Make the Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Fold in Gumdrops
Gently fold in chopped gumdrops and nuts (if using). The dough will be speckled with bright candy bits.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve and Store These Holiday Cookies
Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter, tuck them into festive tins for gifting, or pile them high on your Christmas dinner table. They’re also perfect for cookie exchanges or freezing for later.
To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in layers between parchment paper for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop the gumdrops from sticking to the knife when chopping?
Lightly coat your knife with a bit of cooking spray or dip it in flour before chopping.
Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze scooped cookie dough on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
What if I don’t have gumdrops?
You can swap in chopped gummy bears, dried fruit, or even mini marshmallows for a twist.
Do these cookies spread while baking?
They spread slightly, but remain fairly puffy and soft.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute, but be sure it includes xanthan gum for texture.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies, you might also enjoy these playful and nostalgic treats:
- Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
- Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies
- Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can bake them again next year (or every month if you like a little Christmas all year long!).
And if you try them, tag me or leave a comment! Did you use fruit gumdrops or the spicy ones? Any fun flavor combos? I love seeing your creative spins.
Explore more of my daily sweet ideas over on Pinterest @NinaDishes
Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Retro Christmas Gumdrop Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with festive color. Chewy gumdrops tucked into a classic sugar cookie dough make these a nostalgic favorite for holidays and beyond.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups mini gumdrops, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture.
4. Gently fold in chopped gumdrops and nuts if using.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and place 2 inches apart.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
8. Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Lightly coat your knife with cooking spray when chopping gumdrops to avoid stickiness.
You can freeze dough balls and bake as needed straight from the freezer.
Spice gumdrops give a more traditional flavor, while fruit ones offer a playful twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, gumdrop cookies, retro holiday treats
