Bert’s Sweet and Chewy Gum Drop Cookies (VRP 014)

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Bert’s Gum Drop Cookies are a delightful throwback to when baking was all about creating simple, sweet treats that everyone could enjoy. These cookies combine the chewy texture of oatmeal with the surprising bursts of fruity flavor from gumdrops, making them a unique and nostalgic dessert. The combination of white and brown sugar gives the cookies a rich, caramel-like sweetness while adding nuts adds a satisfying crunch. Perfect for cookie jars, bake sales, or just an afternoon snack, Bert’s Gum Drop Cookies are sure to bring back fond memories and create new ones.

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Bert’s Gum Drop Cookies

Food History

Gumdrop cookies are a part of American culinary tradition that dates back to the mid-20th century. These cookies became popular as homebakers sought to create fun and colorful treats for children. Using gumdrops in baking was a creative way to add flavor and visual appeal to cookies, especially during the holidays or special occasions. Gumdrops, initially created in the 19th century, were first used as a candy treat on their own, but it wasn’t long before inventive bakers started incorporating them into various recipes. The chewy texture and fruity flavor of gumdrops made them an ideal addition to cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. As sugar became more accessible and home baking more popular, recipes like Bert’s Gum Drop Cookies began to appear in community cookbooks and on recipe cards passed down through generations.

Sweet Alert!

October 14 is National Dessert Day, and December 4 is National Cookie Day—the perfect time to indulge!

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Timeline

• 19th Century: Gumdrops are invented, becoming a popular candy treat in the United States.
• Early 20th Century: Gumdrops start being used in home baking, particularly in cookies and cakes.
• Mid-20th Century: Recipes for gumdrop cookies gain popularity, appearing in community cookbooks and on recipe cards.
• Today: Bert’s Gum Drop Cookies remain a nostalgic favorite, cherished for their chewy texture and bursts of fruity flavor.

Recipe Discussion

Bert’s Gum Drop Cookies perfectly blend sweetness, chewiness, and crunch. The recipe starts with creaming together the sugars and shortening, forming the dough’s base. The white and brown sugar mix creates a balance between sweetness and a slight caramel flavor, which is enhanced by the rich texture the shortening provides. Adding eggs and vanilla to the creamed mixture ensures that the dough is smooth and well-flavored. The dry ingredients, including flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and oatmeal, are combined separately before being gradually incorporated into the wet mixture. This method ensures that the dough is evenly mixed and the oatmeal is well-distributed, giving the cookies their signature chewy texture.

The addition of nut meats provides a contrast to the chewy texture, adding a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the gumdrops. Speaking of gumdrops, they are the show’s star, bringing bursts of fruity flavor and color to each bite. Cut the gumdrops into small pieces to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough and each cookie has a good balance of flavors.

Preparation Tips

• Choose the Right Gumdrops: Opt for small, soft gumdrops as they’re easier to cut and blend into the dough. Avoid using large or overly firm gumdrops, which can be difficult to chop and may not soften adequately during baking.
• Cutting Gumdrops: Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut the gumdrops into smaller pieces. To prevent sticking, lightly dust the gumdrops with flour before cutting.
• Nut Options: While the recipe suggests using nut meats, you can substitute with your favorite nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, depending on your preference.
• Baking: Watch the cookies while they bake. The edges should be slightly golden, but the centers should remain soft to ensure a chewy texture.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Recommended Kitchen Items

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• Silicone Baking Mat: A silicone baking mat helps ensure that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Kitchen Scissors: High-quality kitchen scissors are perfect for cutting gumdrops into small, manageable pieces without sticking.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy as they cool.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Treat: These cookies are perfect for holiday baking. For a festive touch, consider adding red and green gumdrops.
• Cookie Exchange: Bert’s Gum Drop Cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges or bake sales. Their unique flavor and nostalgic appeal make them a standout choice.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Use these cookies to make fun and colorful ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
• Afternoon Snack: For a satisfying afternoon treat, enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.

We have lots of recipes on the site that may be of interest to you. Use the links below to view other recipes similar to this Berts Gum Drop Cookies recipe.

• Dessert Recipes
• Cookie Recipes
• Gum Drop Cookie Recipes
• VRP014 – Red & White Tin Box

Nostalgic and Sweet

Bert’s Gum Drop Cookies are a delightful blend of nostalgia and flavor, offering a chewy texture with bursts of fruity sweetness. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tastes them. With their colorful gumdrops and comforting oatmeal base, they’re a treat that transcends generations and continues to be a beloved recipe in many households.

Berts Gumdrop Cookies Recipe