4-Ingredient Christmas Nougat Bars – Easy Gumdrop Nougat

This 4-ingredient Christmas nougat is a soft, chewy, colorful holiday candy you can make without a candy thermometer. Melted marshmallows and white chocolate create a creamy, sweet base that is studded with festive red and green gumdrops. These easy gumdrop nougat bars look beautiful on cookie trays, make lovely homemade gifts, and are a fun no-bake Christmas treat to make with kids.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Set Time: Overnight | Makes: about 36 pieces | Pan: 9×13-inch

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Nougat Bars

• Just 4 ingredients. Marshmallows, butter, white chocolate chips and gumdrops.
• No candy thermometer. Everything melts gently over simmering water.
• Festive and colorful. Red and green gumdrops give the classic Christmas look.
• Make-ahead holiday candy. Perfect for cookie exchanges and edible gifts.

Ingredients for Gumdrop Nougat

• 2 bags (10 oz each) miniature marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 bags (11 oz each) white chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups red and green gumdrops, halved

How to Make 4-Ingredient Nougat Bars

1. Line the pan. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides so the nougat is easy to lift out later.
2. Cut the gumdrops. Cut the red and green gumdrops in half and set them aside.
3. Set up a double boiler. Add a few inches of water to a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Set a heat-safe bowl on top, making sure the bottom does not touch the water.
4. Add the ingredients. Add the miniature marshmallows, white chocolate chips and melted butter to the bowl.
5. Melt gently. Heat, stirring often with a silicone spatula, until the marshmallows and white chocolate are completely melted and the mixture is thick and smooth.
6. Cool slightly. Remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Fold in the gumdrops. Add the halved gumdrops and gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
8. Spread in the pan. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it into the corners, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Let it set. Leave the nougat to set overnight, or until completely firm.
10. Lift and cut. Lift the nougat out using the parchment overhang and cut it into small bars or bite-size squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts.
11. Serve. Arrange on a plate and enjoy, or pack into tins as homemade Christmas gifts.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Nougat

• Keep the heat low. Too much heat can make white chocolate thick or grainy.
• Prep the gumdrops first. Cut them before you start melting so everything is ready when you need it.
• Use parchment paper. It makes the finished nougat much easier to lift from the pan.
• Be patient. Let the nougat set overnight before cutting for clean, firm pieces.
• Use a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts, or lightly grease it, if it gets sticky.

Easy Variations

• Other holidays: Use pastel gumdrops for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or red, white and blue for the 4th of July.
• Add nuts: Fold in 1 cup of chopped pistachios, almonds or pecans with the gumdrops.
• Dried fruit: Swap some gumdrops for dried cranberries or chopped candied cherries.
• Flavor boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract after melting.

How to Store Nougat

Store the nougat in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Separate the layers with parchment paper so the pieces do not stick together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my white chocolate grainy?

White chocolate is sensitive to heat. Melt it slowly over gentle simmering water and stir often. If it seizes, it is usually because the heat was too high or a drop of water got into the bowl.

Can I melt it in the microwave?

Yes. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until smooth. Go slowly so the white chocolate does not burn.

How long does nougat take to set?

It needs at least 4 to 6 hours, but overnight gives the firmest, cleanest-cutting bars.

Can I make this nougat as a Christmas gift?

Yes. Cut it into squares, wrap in wax paper or cellophane, and pack in tins or jars with a ribbon.

More Christmas Candy to Try

• Christmas Crack Toffee
• Crockpot Christmas Crack
• Butter Pecan Fudge
• Maple Vanilla Candied Pecans
• Strawberry Milk Fudge