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It’s no secret that the holidays are a sweet time of year, and nothing encapsulates the festive spirit quite like a slice of creamy, sweet nougat candy. Whether you’ve tried it before or you’re curious to experience this classic Christmas candy-making tradition, there’s no denying that nougat candy is an indulgence that you won’t want to miss. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this sweet treat so special, from its history to the simple no-bake recipe that you can whip up. Learn why nougat has been around for centuries, why it’s a popular candy in wintertime, and how to make your own mouthwatering gumdrop nougat at home. Let’s take a bite into the history and deliciousness of this festive treat!

If you have a sweet tooth, you might enjoy these other recipes. Chocolate twist bread, no-bake peanut butter pie, or pink lemonade bars. 

Nougat Candy 

Do you ever have a treat you eat that reminds you of childhood? This nougat candy is just that. Give this easy recipe a try, for any occasion. 

Brach’s Jelly Nougats

Brach’s Jelly Nougats have a long history and are a popular candy that has been enjoyed for many decades. The Brach’s candy company, founded by Emil J. Brach in 1904, has a rich history of producing a variety of confectionery products.

The exact origins of Brach’s Jelly Nougats are not extensively documented, but they likely emerged as part of Brach’s efforts to expand its product line and offer a diverse range of candies. Nougat itself is a chewy confection made from sugar or honey, nuts, and egg white. It has been a traditional candy ingredient for centuries, and variations of nougat have been produced in different cultures.

Brach’s Jelly Nougats typically consist of a chewy nougat center with embedded colorful jelly pieces. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a popular choice among candy lovers. Over the years, Brach’s has maintained its commitment to quality and innovation, introducing new flavors and variations to meet changing consumer preferences.

It’s worth noting that the specifics of the candy’s history, including when it was first introduced and any changes to the recipe over time, might not be readily available in public records. Candy companies often evolve their product lines, adapting to market trends and consumer demands. Nonetheless, Brach’s Jelly Nougats remain a nostalgic and beloved treat for many people.

Ingredients

• 2 TBSP Butter
• 16 OZ Bag of Mini Marshmallows
• 18 OZ White Chocolate Chips
• 2 Cups Dots or Gumdrops
• **I made a half sized recipe in the video. The full recipe makes a lot of candies and is perfect for a cookie exchange. If making it just for your family, you can probably half the recipe. I have the measurement noted in the recipe notes section for half of the recipe.

How to Make

Step 1: Start by adding your butter, marshmallows, and chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. You want to melt the mixture until everything is fully melted. 

Step 2: Then you will stir in your gum drops or dots candy, stir and then pour into the pan as directed. The full directions for this recipe are in the printable recipe card below. 

How Long Does It Take This Candy To Set Up 

I refrigerate this nougat in the fridge overnight. You want the gumdrop nougat to firm up a bit. Or if you go to cut it, the mixture will be too soft and not hold its shape. 

If you want to speed up the setting up you can place in the freezer for a short while. But, in general, it is best to plan to make this a day in advance of when you plan to serve it up. 

What Can You Use Instead of Dots Candy or Gumdrops When Making Nougat Candy

Nougat candy recipes often include various mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or candies like dots. If you’re looking for alternatives to dots candy in nougat, you can get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste. Here are some alternatives you can consider:

1. Chopped Nuts:
   • Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts can add a nice crunch and flavor to nougat.
2. Dried Fruits:
   • Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or raisins can provide a sweet and chewy texture.
3. Chocolate Chips or Chunks:
   • Use white, milk, or dark chocolate chips or chunks to add a rich and indulgent element to the nougat.
4. Caramel Bits:
   • Incorporate small caramel bits for a gooey and caramel-flavored twist.
5. Candied Citrus Peel:
   • Finely chopped candied orange or lemon peel can add a citrusy flavor and chewy texture.
6. Toffee Bits:
   • Crushed toffee bits can contribute a buttery and toffee-like taste.
7. Coconut Flakes:
   • Toasted or untoasted coconut flakes can add a tropical flavor and a bit of texture.
8. Pretzel Pieces:
   • Crushed pretzel pieces can bring a salty and crunchy contrast to the nougat.
9. Cookie Pieces:
   • Crushed cookies, such as shortbread or graham crackers, can add both texture and flavor.
10. Dried Cherries or Blueberries:
    • These can provide a burst of fruity flavor and a chewy texture.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create a nougat that suits your preferences. Keep in mind that the size and texture of the mix-ins can affect the overall consistency of the nougat, so adjust accordingly based on your desired outcome.

Tips For Cutting Candy Nougat 

The one thing I found when cutting candy nougat is having a really sharp knife is helpful. You will want to make sure it is nice and sharp so when you slice into the gumdrops it gives you that clean cut. Otherwise, you might find your knife gets stuck and can kind of mess up the look of the candy. 

Can I Use Milk Chocolate In Replace Of White Chocolate 

Absolutely! If you are wanting a chocolate swap in this recipe, go right ahead. I love the white chocolate but milk chocolate or even semi-sweet chocolate would be an awesome pairing. 

Just use the same amounts of chocolate whether you use white or milk chocolate. 

How to Store 

Get your pieces sliced, smaller sized slices is best. This is a pretty sweet candy. Then you can place in an airtight container. If you go to stack put parchment or wax paper in between the layers so they don’t stick together. 

If you don’t do that, you will find your nougat all sticks together. I then store it in the fridge, or place in the freezer if you want to store it for a longer period of time! 

You can let the candy warm up to room temperature before eating if you don’t want to eat it cold from the fridge. 

Does This Recipe Double 

Go right ahead and double this nougat gumdrop recipe if you need. Just grab an extra pan or larger pan for it to set up in. Then slice and serve as you normally would! 

I have also included the measurements for a half recipe in the notes section of the recipe card. I recommend using a full recipe if you need a lot for a cookie exchange, etc. If you are making for just your family and or a small family gathering, you can probably use the half recipe.

I have done this when we are having guests over for events or the holidays. This is one of the first candies to disappear! 

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Nougat Candy

Nougat candy is a festive and colorful candy that is very popular around Christmas time. Gumdrop nougat is sweet, creamy, and so addictive. I bet you can’t eat just one slice of this sweet no-bake candy.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 TBSP Butter
• 16 OZ Bag of Mini Marshmallows
• 18 OZ White Chocolate Chips
• 2 Cups Dots or Gumdrops

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, pour in your chocolate chips. Add the mini marshmallows & the butter.
2. Place bowl in the microwave. Microwave 90 seconds. Remove the bowl and stir to help combine the ingredients. Place back in the microwave and microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each time. You do not want to over microwave, use a spatula to help mix the chocolate & marshmallows to reach a smooth consistency.
3. Add in the dots or gumdrops. Use a spatula to combine.
4. Pour into a 9 X 13 baking dish lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

**You can do a half recipe by using a 10oz bag of mini marshmallows, 11oz bag of mini chocolate chips, 1 cup of dots, and 1 TBSP Butter. Spread into a 7x11 dish or slightly smaller.

***I got about 40 pieces from the half-sized recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

20

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 292Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 58mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 0gSugar: 39gProtein: 2g

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