Grandma Few's tried and true family recipe for Old-fashioned Gumdrop Cookies! Loaded with gumdrops, coconut and oatmeal they are sweet, delicious and a nostalgic cookie that everyone loves!
Next time try this recipe for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies!
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💭 Recipe backstory
I know we've all agreed by now that family recipes are the best right?
Especially when it comes to baking!
I'm very excited today because I wanted to share another super delicious family recipe with you for gumdrop cookies!
This is Dan's Grandma Bertha's recipe and I'm so happy to share it with you! I've shared several of her recipes in the past like her Butter Cookies Recipe, Persimmon Cookies and Banana Bread Recipe. YUM!!!
If you're looking for Christmas Cookies these are perfect! They are fun and festive for the holiday season!
🗒️ Ingredients
- gumdrops - sweet sugar-coated gumdrops are perfect, the old fashioned kind!
- brown sugar and white sugar - brown sugar adds caramel molasses flavor and sweetness from the white sugar.
- butter - unsalted butter will ensure the cookies aren't over salted.
- eggs - will add richness and flavor.
- flour - all-purpose flour is the best choice for these cookies.
- oatmeal - use old-fashioned oats, not quick-cooking oats. It will change the texture of the cookies and they may turn out dry.
- coconut - unsweetened shredded coconut, though you could also substitute with flaked.
- sea salt - table salt will make these cookies over-salted.
- baking soda and baking powder - for leavening.
- vanilla extract - for flavoring.
I love that they are loaded with oatmeal, coconut and gumdrops! These cookies are soft, chewy and delicious!
🔪 Instructions
The steps to make these old-fashioned gumdrop cookies are super simple.
- Preheat the oven.
- Measure the dry ingredients and sift.
- Cream together the butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs until creamy.
- Add the dry ingredients in three batches.
- Stir in the oatmeal, coconut and gumdrops.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto a prepared cookie sheet.
Equipment
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- Pyrex 4-Piece Glass Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons - I love the shape of these because they fit into spice jars
🙋♀️ FAQ's
I used the classic sugar-coated gumdrops, so yummy! You can also use gummy bears. Gummy worms would be super fun for Halloween, really you can use your favorite candy!
Drop cookies onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper using spoons or an ice cream scoop. I've made these cookies both ways and preferred using spoons. Yes, the cookies are not perfectly round, but it was easier to control the size.
No, there's no need to chop the candies, but certainly, you can if you want there to be little bits candy in every bite!
👍 Tips
Although you can chop up the candy, I did not. I really liked chomping on big chunks of gumdrops! These cookies are super chewy and delicious!
Every bite should have a nibble of candy, right? Cut gumdrops into smaller pieces if desired. I will dice about a third of them. These are loaded with candy!
There are many types of flavored gumdrops, spice drops, gummy bears, etc. All of these will work great in these cookies!
Although Grandma's recipe didn't call for it, I studded the tops of the cookies with gumdrops.
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Storage
Store cookies on the countertop in an airtight container.
You can freeze these cookies also! Double-wrap the cookies and freeze up to three months.
Gumdrop recipes
Do you love gum drops? Here are a few more recipes and ideas you may enjoy!
- How about making your own gumdrops? They only take a handful of ingredients to make and I know they will be a great treat!
- Gumdrop Fudge - this fudge looks like stained glass and would be perfect for the holidays!
- Gumdrop Ornaments - who wouldn't love one of these, this would be a great teacher's gift!
- Gumdrop Cake - so pretty and festive, sweet and delicious too!
- And of course, gumdrops make the perfect decoration when you make a Gingerbread House!
Related recipes
Still have a sweet tooth? I don't blame you! 😋 Here are some of my favorite recipes from the blog - all family recipes that are tested and approved!
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Recipe - soft and chewy inside with crispy edges, I dare you to eat just one! Or try the 3 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies - so simple and just delicious!
- Frosted Butterscotch Cookies - these are out of this world and topped with homemade brown butter frosting.
- Dazzling Shortbread Cookies - drizzled with white chocolate and dunked in confetti sprinkles, these are great with coffee or tea!
- Old Fashioned Brown Sugar Cookie Recipe - each cookie is stuffed with jam and baked until golden brown. These cookies are soft and chewy!
Gumdrop Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 1 cup coconut shredded
- 1 cup gum drops plus more to top the cookies with if desired!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda, set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter, eggs, white sugar, brown sugar and vanilla.
- Using a mixer, slowly incorporate the flour mixture in a couple of batches into the creamed mixture until completely mixed.
- Stir in the coconut, oatmeal and gumdrops.
- Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet.
- Optional: Dot the top of the cookie dough with additional gumdrop pieces before baking.
- Remove from oven, allow to rest on baking sheet for five minutes before removing and placing on wire rack.
Brett Beemer says
Same recipe my grandmother used. I have always loved this recipe.
Debra Clark says
How funny Brett, I just made a batch today. They are so good!
Barney says
Can't find gum drops, use jelly bellies cut in half with razor blade. try cinnamon and pop corn.
Bowl Me Over says
That works! I've also used gummy bears and gummy worms (chopped up!), BUT I bet those jelly bellies are awesome. Great tip Barney, thank you!!!
Christa says
Hi - Plan on making these for my son's class tomorrow. I am assuming you used unsalted butter vs. salted? (Instructions just state butter)
Thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
Actually, I've used both. You're good either way Christa. Enjoy! These will be perfect for the party!
Margaret Beaulac says
I'm glad to see you've shared this recipe - and really encourage people to try it, these are delicious and very Christmasy. Only trouble is gumdrops aren't common anymore and I have a hard time finding them. This year I bought jellied fruit slices and I'm going to chop them up and hope for the best.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks for taking a moment to make that point, it's so true! Chopped gummy bears or gummy worms work great as well. I agree, they are perfect for the holidays! Enjoy the cookies Margaret!
Josie Kerr says
Mom Lyons used anise extract in her gum drop cookie recipe, but did not use coconut. I enjoy both recipes. Yummy.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Josie! I appreciate you taking a comment to comment on this recipe. Enjoy the Gumdrop Cookies, happy holidays!!
Christine says
These are my favorite cookies. My Mom always made the especially for me at Christmas! I just made them and they were delicious but a little flat. Any suggestions to remedy this? Thanks
Bowl Me Over says
I would use a silicone baking sheet next time (don't spray with non-stick cooking spray) and that might just help them to not spread out as much next time. Glad you're enjoying the recipe Christine!
Janet says
Mine spread out too much last year so I added about a 1/4 cup flour and I think they are perfect this year!!!
Beth says
Mine turned out really flat, too. They are still delicious nice and chewy though. Next time I will add a little more flour as someone suggested.
Kelsey says
What kind of oats, rolled or instant?
Bowl Me Over says
Use old-fashioned oats, not quick-cooking oats. It will change the texture of the cookies and they may turn out dry.
Amy says
I had never heard of gumdrop cookies before but had some leftover from making gingerbread houses and this was the funnest idea! They were so tasty!
Bowl Me Over says
Chewy and delicious - thank you!
jennifer stewart says
I didn't think it was possible to make gum drops better but you have totally done it! I can't stop eating these cookies!!
Nikki says
So pretty for Christmas. We loved adding them to our cookie tray this year!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful - I'm so glad you enjoyed these cookies!
Glenda says
I can’t see them temperature, is it 350
Bowl Me Over says
No, it's 375 - it's #1 in the instructions. Enjoy the cookies Glenda!
MICHAELA KENKEL says
These remind me so much of the cookies that my grandma made when I was growing up. I am so glad that I found your recipe! Thank you!!
Bowl Me Over says
Love the memories, enjoy Michaela!
Vonnie says
There are no eggs listed in the list of ingredients
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Vonnie, how did I miss that! I updated the recipe. I really appreciate you letting me know.
Jennifer A Stewart says
I love these! They are just like picking the gum drops off my grandma's tree!
Julie Menghini says
I can't wait to add these cookies to my holiday baking! They're one that I don't see on a lot of trays that will definitely wow my guests!
Bowl Me Over says
I just love this recipe! The cookies are chewy and loaded with all the goodies - enjoy Julie!
ColleenB.-Tx. says
WOW, talk about a vintage cookie recipe. My mother always made these around Christmas time. It has been years since I've had a gumdrop cookie. Time for me to get in the swing of things and start making these myself; after all I will turn 70 this year so better late than never; Right.
Thanks for sharing this recipe and bringing back old fond memories.
Your mom's hand written recipe; that I would have framed and put a little note along with. What a great keepsake to have.
ColleenB.-Tx. says
Back to school tip; Be yourself and treat others the way you would like to be treated and study hard to the best of your ability.
Bowl Me Over says
I love that Colleen! Talk about the BEST advice!
Judy says
Can you use coconut from the bag sweetness one not shredded one.?
Bowl Me Over says
I'm sorry Judy, I don't quite understand your question. If you're asking if you can you use sweetened coconut, then yes you can. If not, please write me another note.
Bowl Me Over says
Isn't it just wonderful? I think that's a great idea, I have several, I'll be sure to frame them as a keepsake. Thank you so much! Enjoy these cookies also! I just enjoyed one as an afternoon snack - delicious!!
Sue Barry says
What if I dont use the coconut? Should I keep rest of ingredients the same?
Bowl Me Over says
No, I would just eliminate the ingredient. They will be delicious!