Gumdrop Cookies bring together the fun sweetness of gumdrops and a hint of cinnamon to create something really special. They have crunchy walnuts inside which make every bite interesting and yummy. These cookies are super easy to bake because you don’t have to chill the dough. Just mix, drop them on a tray, and bake! They’re perfect for anyone, whether you’re new to baking or a cookie expert.

Baking these Gumdrop Cookies is like going back in time to the cozy, happy holidays of the past. The bright gumdrops in these cookies remind us of the good old days. They have a sweet mix of cinnamon and sugar that makes them perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays, or just enjoying on a quiet, chilly evening. The walnuts in the cookies give a nice little crunch that’s a fun surprise in every bite. The best part? These cookies are super easy to make because you just drop the dough onto the baking sheet – no need to chill it first. This means less time worrying in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays!
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More Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas
Looking for more yummy cookies with nuts to bake this Christmas? I’ve got you covered with these amazing recipes. Give them a try for even more holiday cheer:
- Check out these Pecan Tassies for a bite-sized treat that’s full of nutty goodness.
- Love white chocolate? Then these White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are a must-try.
- For a classic favorite, you can’t go wrong with these Pecan Sandies.
- The Maple Pecan Cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the sweet taste of maple.
- And don’t forget about Rugelach – these cookies are a holiday staple that everyone loves.
Each of these recipes brings its own unique flavor to your holiday table, so be sure to try them all!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick to Make: One of the best things about this Gumdrop Cookies recipe is its simplicity. It’s a straightforward, no-chill recipe, meaning you can mix your dough and start baking right away. This ease makes it perfect for busy holiday baking or a quick treat at any time.
- Unique Flavor and Texture Combination: The combination of sweet gumdrops, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts in these cookies creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The gumdrops add a chewy, fruity element, the cinnamon gives a hint of spice, and the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch.
- Nostalgic and Festive: There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about these cookies. The use of gumdrops can bring back fond memories of childhood or past holidays. Plus, their colorful appearance and warm, inviting flavors make them an ideal treat for festive occasions, especially around Christmas.
Key Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
- Butter: This is what makes your cookies soft and gives them a rich, buttery taste. Using it at room temperature makes mixing a breeze.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: These two sugars do more than just sweeten your cookies. Granulated sugar makes them crisp, while brown sugar adds a nice chewiness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Egg: It’s like glue that holds all your cookie ingredients together. Plus, it helps make your cookies tender.
- Flour: This is the main building block of your cookies. It gives them structure, so they don’t just fall apart when you pick them up. Use plain all purpose flour here.
- Salt: A little salt in a sweet recipe might seem odd, but it’s actually super important. It balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
- Baking Soda: This is your cookie’s rising agent. It helps them puff up a bit in the oven, so they’re not too flat. Make sure that your baking soda is fresh!
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm and cozy spice to the cookies, making them taste even more like a hug in cookie form.
- Walnuts: These add a fantastic crunch to your cookies. Each bite with a piece of walnut is like a little surprise of texture.
- Gumdrops: The star of the show! Gumdrops add a chewy texture and fun pops of color. Plus, their fruity flavor pairs really well with the cinnamon and nuts. I used fruit-flavored gumdrops, but spiced gumdrops are also delicious in this recipe.
How to Make Gumdrop Cookies
Making these tasty Gumdrop Cookies is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:


- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients will give your cookies their structure and flavor.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a separate large bowl. Once these are well combined, add in the egg and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and mix until just combined.



- Chop Walnuts and Gumdrops! Give your walnuts a rough chop with a knife on a cutting board. Gumdrops are sticky on the inside so they’re a little tricky to chop, I recommend using kitchen shears to make the job easier.
- Add the Fun Bits: Now, with a spatula fold in the chopped walnuts and gumdrops. These add the signature texture and bursts of color to your cookies.
- Prepare for Baking: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. This method is why they’re called drop cookies – it’s as simple as dropping the dough onto the sheet!


- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Enjoy: After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hard part, waiting to taste your delicious creation!
Top Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storing and Freezing Tips
- Cool Completely: Always allow your cookies to cool completely after baking. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.
- Choose the Right Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from absorbing odors from other foods.
- Keep Them Separate: If you have different types of cookies, store them separately. Different textures (soft vs. crispy) can affect each other if stored together.
- Room Temperature is Best: Store the container in a cool, dry place. Gumdrop Cookies stored this way will typically last for up to a week.
Freezing for Longer Storage:
- Initial Freeze: After the cookies have cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. This step ensures the cookies don’t stick together in the bag or container.
- Packaging for the Freezer: Transfer the individually frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible from freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label Your Cookies: Write the date and cookie type on the container or bag. These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their quality.
- Thawing for Enjoyment: To enjoy, take out the number of cookies you need and let them thaw at room temperature. They’ll be ready to eat in just a few hours, tasting as fresh as when they were first baked.

Recipe FAQs
Yes, any color or flavor works, as long as they’re the regular chewy kind. I used fruit flavored, but spiced gumdrops would also be delicious.
You can omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll be good for up to a week.
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work fine.
I hope you enjoy making and eating these Gumdrop Cookies as much as I do. Don’t forget to rate and review the recipe, and I’d love to see your creations! Share a picture with me and pin this recipe for others to find.
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