Vintage Red & Green Nougat Candy

Soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday cheer, Vintage Red & Green Nougat Candy is one of those nostalgic treats that brings back the magic of Christmas past. With its creamy white nougat base studded with jewel-toned gumdrops, this candy is as festive to look at as it is fun to eat. Whether you’re making it for gifting, party trays, or your own sweet stash, this old-school favorite is bound to be a hit.

Behind the Recipe

I discovered this candy years ago tucked in a vintage cookbook from the 1950s, hand-noted with smudged ink and sugar stains — the best kind of recipe, if you ask me. My grandmother used to keep a tin of these in her kitchen during December, and every time I bite into one, I’m taken right back to that warm, twinkly kitchen. Making it now has become part of our family holiday tradition, and let me tell you, nothing lights up a cookie tray like these bright little bites.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Vintage nougat candies have roots in European confections, but the red and green gumdrop version we know today became popular in mid-20th century American kitchens. Simple, inexpensive, and shelf-stable, this candy was often made in large batches for sharing. It’s a spin-off from classic nougat recipes, using marshmallows and white chocolate for ease while capturing the same chewy charm.

Why You’ll Love Vintage Red & Green Nougat Candy

There’s something playful and charming about these little squares of holiday joy. Here’s why they’ll win you over:

Versatile: Great for cookie platters, candy jars, or edible gifts.

Budget-Friendly: Uses just a few pantry staples and inexpensive candy.

Quick and Easy: No candy thermometer, no fuss — just melt, mix, and chill.

Customizable: Switch up colors or flavors of gumdrops for different seasons.

Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults — seriously, they disappear fast.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays chewy and fresh for weeks in an airtight container.

Great for Leftovers: Cut into small bites for decorating other desserts.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want that perfect chewy texture and glossy finish? Keep these tips in mind:

• Use soft, sugar-coated gumdrops (not jellies or spiced drops).
• Cut gumdrops with a lightly oiled knife to avoid stickiness.
• Let the nougat chill completely before slicing — overnight is ideal.
• Line your pan well with parchment for easy removal.
• Use high-quality white chocolate for smooth melting and taste.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy gear required, just some basic tools:

Medium Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting ingredients.

Rubber Spatula: For stirring and smoothing the mixture.

8×8 or 9×9 Inch Pan: Creates perfect thickness.

Parchment Paper: Essential for easy lift-out.

Sharp Knife: For clean, even candy squares.

Ingredients in Vintage Red & Green Nougat Candy

This festive treat comes together with just a handful of pantry ingredients:

1. Mini Marshmallows: 2 1/2 cups. Provides the chewy base for the nougat.
2. White Chocolate Chips: 2 1/2 cups. Melts into the marshmallow for creaminess and structure.
3. Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons. Adds richness and keeps things smooth.
4. Red and Green Gumdrops: 1 to 1 1/2 cups, chopped. Brings festive color and fruity sweetness.
5. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds depth of flavor and balances the sweetness.
6. Salt: A pinch. Just enough to round out the flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need a swap? Try these:

White Chocolate Chips: White almond bark or melting wafers.

Mini Marshmallows: 20 large marshmallows.

Gumdrops: Any soft sugar-coated candy or fruit slices.

Butter: Coconut oil or margarine.

Ingredient Spotlight

Gumdrops: These colorful candies not only look festive, but they add little pops of fruity flavor and texture that make each bite fun.

White Chocolate Chips: Choose a good-quality chip that melts smoothly — this is the glue that holds everything together.

Instructions for Making Vintage Red & Green Nougat Candy

This candy comes together in just a few simple steps — no baking, no boiling sugar, just sweet, nostalgic magic.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for lifting later.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, marshmallows, and butter.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Melt the mixture over low heat (or microwave in 30-second bursts), stirring constantly, until completely smooth.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let cool for 3–5 minutes. Gently fold in the chopped gumdrops.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula. Smooth the top and press lightly to even it out.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Lift out the nougat and cut into small squares with a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The nougat is soft, chewy, and slightly firm to the bite — never sticky or tough. The gumdrops stay tender and colorful, giving bursts of fruity sweetness and a beautiful stained-glass effect with every slice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To get that perfect candy-shop look and feel, try these:

• Lightly dust your knife with powdered sugar or spray with oil before cutting.
• Let the nougat come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Use parchment paper for both lining the pan and wrapping individual squares for gifting.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls for the best results:

• Don’t overheat the chocolate or it can seize. Stir gently and melt slowly.
• Avoid overly soft or syrupy gumdrops — they’ll bleed color and get mushy.
• Don’t slice before it’s fully chilled, or it will be too sticky to cut cleanly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 36 pieces
Calories per serving: 90

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Vintage nougat candy is perfect for early prep. Once cut, store the pieces in layers with parchment between them in an airtight tin. They keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or a bit longer in the fridge. This makes them great for gifting or party prep.

How to Serve Vintage Red & Green Nougat Candy

Display these festive bites on a holiday cookie tray, pack them in clear treat bags with ribbon, or tuck them into small tins for the perfect edible gift. They’re also beautiful served alongside hot cocoa or spiced cider.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extra? Turn it into something new:

• Chop and stir into vanilla ice cream for a candy-studded holiday treat.
• Use chunks as a topping for cupcakes or holiday bark.
• Mix into cereal treats for a colorful twist.

Additional Tips

• For a more natural look, use fruit juice–sweetened gumdrops or organic candy.
• Add a drop of peppermint or almond extract for a flavor twist.
• Chill before cutting, but serve at room temperature for best chew.

Make It a Showstopper

Cut into even cubes and arrange in neat rows or little candy cups. Add a dusting of edible glitter or fine powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Place them in decorative tins lined with tissue paper for beautiful gifting.

Variations to Try

• Peppermint Swirl: Add crushed peppermint instead of gumdrops.
• Rainbow Version: Use assorted fruit gumdrops for year-round color.
• Nutty Nougat: Stir in chopped toasted almonds or pistachios with the gumdrops.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle the set nougat with melted dark chocolate.
• Marshmallow-Heavy: Use more marshmallows for a gooier texture.

FAQ’s

Q1: Do I need a candy thermometer?
A1: Not at all! This is a no-cook candy that sets in the fridge.

Q2: Can I use colored mini marshmallows?
A2: Yes, though it may affect the final color of the nougat.

Q3: What type of gumdrops work best?
A3: Use sugar-coated, soft fruit gumdrops. Avoid spiced or jelly-style ones.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
A4: Try using coconut oil and dairy-free white chocolate.

Q5: How do I cut it cleanly?
A5: Use a sharp knife sprayed with oil or dusted with powdered sugar.

Q6: How long does it last?
A6: Up to 2 weeks stored properly in an airtight container.

Q7: Can I freeze nougat candy?
A7: It’s not ideal — the texture may change, but it can be done in a pinch.

Q8: Can I use marshmallow fluff?
A8: You can, but the texture will be softer and slightly sticky.

Q9: Is this gluten-free?
A9: Check labels, but most gumdrops and ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, just use a larger pan and chill slightly longer.

Conclusion

Vintage Red & Green Nougat Candy is a festive classic that delivers on looks, flavor, and nostalgia. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat for sharing during the holidays or sneaking from the tin with a cup of cocoa. Trust me, it’s worth every chewy, colorful bite.

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