MINI GUMDROPS RECIPES

Steps:

• Lightly spray candy molds or miniature muffin cups with cooking spray.
• In large bowl, sprinkle gelatin on 1/2 cup cold water; set aside.
• In small saucepan, heat 3/4 cup water and 2 cups sugar to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 5 minutes until sugar is dissolved and mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat; carefully add to gelatin mixture, stirring until gelatin is dissolved.
• Divide mixture into 4 small bowls (or more, depending on how many colors/flavors you want). Tint each bowl with 4 to 5 drops food color, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon extract. Carefully spoon mixture into molds. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight until set.
• Carefully remove gumdrops from molds, using a butter knife as needed to coax gumdrops from molds. Roll gumdrops in sugar; place on waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours to crystallize slightly. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
• In large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy; scrape side of bowl. Beat in egg just until smooth. Beat in vanilla. On low speed, beat flour mixture into sugar mixture until well blended. Stir in 3/4 cup of the quartered gumdrops.
• Shape dough into 60 (1-inch) balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets; flatten each ball to 1 1/2-inch circle. On each dough round, sprinkle sparkling sugar and place 3 quartered gumdrops.
• Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are set and light brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 20 minutes. Store covered in airtight container.