Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy

There is something special about old-fashioned homemade candy. One bite can bring back memories of holiday gatherings, candy dishes sitting on the kitchen counter, and sweet treats shared with family and friends. Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy is one of those nostalgic recipes that feels like it belongs in a treasured family recipe box.

With its creamy white chocolate base, soft marshmallow texture, and colorful pieces of chewy gumdrops, this candy is as pretty as it is delicious. Each little square has a sweet, chewy bite with bursts of fruity flavor throughout. The colorful gumdrops create a beautiful contrast against the pale nougat, making every piece look like a tiny holiday confection.

The best part? You only need four simple ingredients: white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, butter, and gumdrops. There is no candy thermometer, no complicated sugar syrup, and no lengthy cooking process. The mixture comes together on the stovetop or in the microwave, then chills until firm enough to slice into neat little squares.

Whether you're preparing a Christmas candy tray, making homemade gifts, or simply craving something sweet and nostalgic, this easy jelly nougat is a wonderful treat to keep in mind.

Why You'll Love This Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat

Only four ingredients: Everything comes together with simple grocery-store ingredients.
No candy thermometer required: This is an easy nougat-style candy rather than traditional cooked nougat.
Beautifully colorful: Gumdrops add cheerful pops of color to every slice.
Soft and chewy: Melted marshmallows create a pleasant, tender texture.
Perfect for gifting: Cut the chilled candy into small squares and arrange them in festive tins or candy boxes.
Great for holidays: It's especially lovely for Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthdays, and family celebrations.

Ingredients You'll Need

You only need four ingredients to make this colorful homemade candy.

3 cups white chocolate chips: These create the creamy, sweet base that holds everything together.
3 cups mini marshmallows: Marshmallows give the candy its soft, chewy, nougat-like texture.
2 tablespoons butter: Butter helps the mixture melt smoothly and adds richness.
1 ½ cups gumdrops: Cut into small pieces for colorful bursts of fruity flavor throughout the candy.

A note about the gumdrops: Choose firm, chewy gumdrops rather than very soft or sticky jelly candies. If possible, use gumdrops without a sugary coating that is likely to dissolve into the mixture. You can use several colors for a festive appearance.