Easy Candy-Coated Gumdrop Nonpareil Treats
Transform ordinary gumdrops into festive candy-coated treats with smooth white chocolate coating and colorful rainbow nonpareil sprinkles. These bite-sized confections make perfect party favors, holiday gifts, or decorative dessert table additions. The simple dipping technique creates a professional candy shop appearance while requiring minimal skill and equipment. Ready in under an hour with just four ingredients.
Ingredients
- 16 large gumdrops
- 3 tablespoons rainbow nonpareils sprinkleschopped nuts1:1textureallergy
crunchy coating
- 1 cup white candy meltsdark chocolate chips1:1flavor
richer chocolate taste
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
Instructions
- 1
Line a baking tray with wax paper and skewer the flat side of each gumdrop with a toothpick
- 2
Pour rainbow nonpareils sprinkles into a small dish and set aside
- 3
Place candy melts and vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe container
- 4
Microwave at 70 percent power for 90 seconds, then stir
- 5
Continue microwaving at 15 second intervals until fully melted and smooth
- 6
Hold toothpick and submerge gumdrop into melted candy melts, completely covering
- 7
Tap toothpick on container side to remove excess candy melt
- 8
Immediately dip top of gumdrop into rainbow nonpareils
- 9
Rest gumdrop sprinkle-side down on baking tray
- 10
Repeat with remaining gumdrops
- 11
Let candy melts dry to touch for about 10 minutes
- 12
Carefully remove toothpicks
- 13
Dab leftover melted candy melts to fill toothpick holes if desired
- 14
Let gumdrops dry fully for about 30 more minutes
Tips
Work quickly when dipping as candy melts set fast. Keep melted coating warm between batches for smooth coverage.
Use different colored candy melts and matching nonpareils for themed variations like Christmas red and green.
Store finished candies in airtight container at room temperature to prevent coating from becoming sticky.
Good to Know
airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
make up to 3 days in advance, store covered
at room temperature as individual treats or arranged on serving platter
Common Mistakes
heat candy melts slowly to avoid seizing and becoming grainy
work quickly when dipping to prevent coating from hardening before adding sprinkles
tap off excess coating to avoid thick, uneven layers
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
crunchy coating
FAQ
Can I use different flavored gumdrops?
Yes, any flavor gumdrops work well. Fruit flavors pair nicely with white chocolate coating while maintaining the colorful appearance through the coating.
What if my candy melts become too thick?
Add more vegetable shortening, half teaspoon at a time, and reheat briefly. The shortening thins the coating for easier dipping and smoother coverage.
How long do these candies keep?
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause coating to become sticky or develop condensation.