If you’ve ever dreamed of a candy that’s as festive as it is delicious, wait until you try this White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that’s ridiculously simple but feels totally special—perfect for holiday gatherings or an everyday sweet treat. Once you taste it, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for this combo of creamy white chocolate, pillowy marshmallows, and festive pops of chewy gumdrops. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll want on speed dial!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No baking required, making this a perfect last-minute treat you can mix up in minutes.
- Festive & Fun: The colorful gumdrops add a cheerful holiday vibe that’s hard to resist.
- Kid-Approved: My kids absolutely adore this candy, and it’s a great recipe to make together.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite candies or add nuts for some crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Recipe is in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a part in creating that soft, sweet, and chewy texture you’ll love biting into. When shopping, I recommend grabbing high-quality white chocolate chips—they melt smoother and give the best creamy texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the white chocolate melt smoothly without seizing.
- White chocolate chips: Go for good quality chips for maximum creaminess and sweetness.
- Mini marshmallows: Their size helps them melt evenly and blend perfectly with the white chocolate.
- Red and green gumdrops or chewy candy: Adds a festive pop of color and a chewy, fruity contrast to the soft candy.
Variations
I love how versatile the White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Recipe is! Sometimes I like to switch things up depending on the occasion or my pantry situation. This flexibility means you can really personalize the candy to your taste or dietary needs.
- Chocolate Twist: I once added crushed peppermint candies into the mix for a refreshing holiday kick—so good with the white chocolate base!
- Nutty Upgrade: Adding toasted pecans or almonds gives a satisfying crunch that really complements the softness.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and a vegan butter substitute to make it friendly for lactose-intolerant friends.
- Seasonal Candy Swap: Instead of gumdrops, try dried cranberries or candied ginger for a different flavor profile.
How to Make White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan With Care
Start by lining an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly greasing it. I like to grease the parchment paper itself so the candy doesn’t stick when it’s time to slice it up. This little step saves you from a sticky mess later—it’s a tip I picked up after a frustrating batch years ago!
Step 2: Melt the Magic
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Microwave initially for 1 minute, then stir carefully with a greased spatula to keep everything silky smooth. Continue microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until your mixture is silky, fully melted, and combined. Be patient here; rushing can cause the chocolate to seize or scorch, which ruins the texture.
Step 3: Mix in the Festive Goodies
After the mixture cools just a touch—about a minute—you’ll fold in the chopped red and green gumdrops. If you add them while it’s too hot, they’ll melt and lose their fun chewiness. This step is where your candy starts to get its personality, and I always find it’s the most fun part!
Step 4: Press and Chill
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a spatula. Don’t be shy about compacting it firmly—this helps your candy hold together when you slice it later. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can wait that long.
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy
Once chilled, lift your candy out using the parchment paper, peel off the paper, and slice into small, bite-sized pieces. I like mine about one-inch squares—perfect for sharing or just sneaking a few at a time. Store the leftovers in an airtight container and watch them disappear surprisingly fast!
Pro Tips for Making White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Recipe
- Use a Greased Spatula: I always grease my spatula or spoon with a little butter before stirring melted chocolate—it prevents sticking and helps you stir smoothly.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Letting the candy set fully makes slicing clean and easy, avoiding a gooey mess.
- Choose Your Candies Wisely: Fruity gumdrops contrast beautifully with the creamy white chocolate—skip that and you’ll miss the best texture pairing.
- Mind Your Microwave Timing: Melting in bursts and stirring in between minimizes the risk of burning your white chocolate, which is super sensitive.
How to Serve White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a few extra crushed gumdrops or a tiny dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving—it makes the candy feel even more festive and pretty. For a little extra flair, some finely chopped pistachios add a lovely green hue and a crunch that complements the softness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This candy shines on its own, but if I’m serving it at a party, I like to pair it with simple hot beverages—think peppermint hot chocolate or a nice cup of coffee. It balances the sweetness and makes the candy feel even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gifts or special occasions, I love wrapping individual pieces in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbons. Another fun idea is to serve the candy in little mason jars or decorative tins—you get a beautiful presentation and a portable treat all in one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s cool, or in the fridge if my kitchen gets warm. It keeps well for about a week, although honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this candy! I wrap pieces individually in parchment or wax paper, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want a treat, just let them thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. They hold their texture surprisingly well after freezing.
Reheating
If your candy gets a little firm in the fridge, I like to sit it out for a few minutes before serving so it softens slightly. Avoid microwaving leftover pieces because it can change the texture and make the marshmallows chewy in an odd way.
FAQs
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Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
You can, but mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, which helps create a smoother candy texture. If using regular marshmallows, consider chopping them into smaller pieces before melting.
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What if I don’t have gumdrops? What else works?
Feel free to swap with other chewy candies like chopped soft caramels, dried fruit, or even small chocolate chips. Just pick candies that won’t melt during mixing to keep that lovely chewy texture.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan white chocolate chips and a plant-based butter substitute. Make sure your marshmallows are vegan friendly too, as many contain gelatin.
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How long should I chill the candy?
At least 4 hours is best, but overnight chill time helps the candy set firmer and makes slicing a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a sweet reminder of those cozy holiday moments with family. It’s simple, fun to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Next time you want a festive treat that’s easy but totally delightful, give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked just like I was the very first time I made it.
Print
White Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 13 minutes
- Yield: Serves 24 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Christmas Candy is a festive, no-bake treat featuring a luscious blend of melted white chocolate, marshmallows, and colorful red and green gumdrops. This easy recipe comes together quickly in the microwave and sets into a delightful, chewy candy perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1 cup red and green gumdrops or chewy candy, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper. Set aside to prepare the candy mixture.
- Melt ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir with a greased spatula, then continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Cool and mix candies: Allow the melted mixture to cool for about 1 minute to prevent melting the gumdrops. Fold in the chopped red and green gumdrops or chewy candies evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer and set: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to press it into an even, flat layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight until firm.
- Slice and store: Once set, lift the candy slab out of the dish using the parchment paper. Remove the paper and slice the candy into small bite-sized pieces. Store the pieces in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use greased utensils to prevent sticking while stirring melted chocolate and marshmallows.
- Chopped gumdrops can be substituted with other festive candies like mini M&M’s or crushed peppermint for variety.
- Ensure the mixture has cooled slightly before adding gumdrops to avoid candy melting and color bleeding.
- Store candy at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
- This candy is a kid-friendly, no-bake dessert perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (assuming 24 pieces)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg

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