Orange Gumdrops Candy for Christmas from the Farmhouse
Brighten up your holiday season with these charming *Orange Gumdrops Candy for Christmas from the Farmhouse*! Made with the zesty freshness of real orange juice and zest, these homemade gumdrops are a nostalgic treat with a vibrant citrus twist. Soft, chewy, and coated in a sparkling layer of sugar, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess. With just a handful of simple ingredients, including unflavored gelatin and optional orange food coloring for an extra pop, this easy candy recipe is perfect for gift-giving or festive snacking. Create a touch of farmhouse magic as you craft these jewel-like candies, perfect for capturing the warmth and joy of Christmas celebrations.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Unsweetened orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Orange zest
- 2.5 tablespoons Unflavored gelatin
- 0.5 cup Water
- 0.25 cup Light corn syrup
- 3 drops Orange food coloring (optional)
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and orange zest. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the mixture and let it bloom for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 0.5 cups of water, and 0.25 cups of light corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and stop stirring. Allow the mixture to reach 240°F (soft-ball stage). This will take about 10–12 minutes. Be careful not to let the syrup caramelize.
Once the syrup reaches 240°F, remove it from heat and carefully stir in the orange juice and gelatin mixture until fully dissolved. Add 3 drops of orange food coloring if desired to enhance the vibrant color.
Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish or a silicone mold. Smooth the top with a spatula if necessary. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 6–8 hours, or until fully set.
Once set, remove the gumdrops from the mold or slice them into small cubes using a sharp knife. Roll each piece in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
Store the gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. These make beautiful holiday gifts or a festive treat for your own celebrations!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2266 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.6 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 56 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 570.0 g | 207% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 564.6 g | ||
| Protein | 21.3 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 37 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 488 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
