Marshmallow Nougat Christmas Treat

Marshmallow Nougat brings together the chewy goodness of marshmallows with the creamy richness of white chocolate to create something truly magical. Neither as airy as a marshmallow nor as dense as fudge, this delightful confection hits that perfect textural sweet spot while the colorful gumdrops scattered throughout add both visual appeal and bursts of fruity flavor. Best of all, this microwave version makes what's traditionally a complex candy surprisingly approachable for home cooks.

Last Christmas I made several batches of this nougat for gift bags and found myself constantly sneaking pieces from the container. There's something irresistible about that perfect chewy texture combined with the fruity gumdrops. My niece, who normally shies away from 'fancy' desserts, declared it her new favorite and insisted I teach her how to make it herself!

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• White Chocolate Chips: Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor and meltability. Lower quality chips often contain less cocoa butter and more stabilizers, which can affect the final texture.
• Mini Marshmallows: These melt more quickly and evenly than their larger counterparts. Fresh marshmallows work best, as older ones can dry out and affect the texture.
• Butter: I use salted butter to balance the sweetness, but unsalted works well too if you add a pinch of salt.
• Holiday Dots or Gumdrops: Look for candies with vibrant colors and a soft texture. Avoid candies with a hard sugar coating as they won't blend as seamlessly into the nougat.

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Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan Properly

Line a 13×9 baking dish with wax paper or parchment paper, leaving some overhang. Spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pre-Melt Preparation

Measure all ingredients before starting. Cut gumdrops into smaller pieces to distribute flavor evenly.

Step 3: Microwave the Mixture

Combine white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then continue in 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins Quickly

Immediately fold in gumdrops or mix-ins while the mixture is still warm. Stir gently to avoid crushing candies.

Step 5: Transfer and Smooth

Pour mixture into the prepared pan. Use a greased spatula to spread evenly. Lightly press down with greased hands for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Let It Set

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. If short on time, freeze for 2 hours (but do not fully freeze).

Step 7: Cutting and Storing

Use the parchment overhang to lift nougat out of the pan. Cut into squares with a greased knife, wiping clean between cuts. Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.

My first attempt at this recipe taught me that patience truly is a virtue when making nougat. I was impatient and tried to cut it after just an hour in the refrigerator, resulting in a sticky mess. Now I always make it the day before I plan to serve or gift it, allowing plenty of time for it to set completely.

Even with careful preparation, nougat can sometimes present challenges. If you find your nougat is still too sticky to work with even after proper chilling, place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes just before cutting. This firms it up enough to handle without freezing it completely.

Creative Serving Ideas

Beyond simply eating it as is (which is certainly delicious!), I've discovered numerous ways to incorporate this nougat into other desserts. During the holidays, I often chop it into small pieces and fold it into vanilla ice cream along with a ribbon of raspberry sauce for a festive frozen treat.

It also makes a wonderful addition to cookie bars – I sometimes press small pieces into the top of chocolate brownie batter before baking for a colorful, chewy contrast to the fudgy brownies.

Storage Wisdom

While the recipe states that nougat can be stored at room temperature, I've found that keeping it in the refrigerator maintains the optimal texture, especially in warmer climates or during summer months. The chilled nougat has a particularly satisfying chew that many of my friends and family prefer.

If you do refrigerate it, simply allow pieces to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.

I discovered these refinements through both happy accidents and frustrating failures, like the time I tried to rush the process by increasing the microwave power and ended up with an unevenly melted mixture. Each batch taught me something new about the perfect timing, temperature, and technique needed for flawless nougat.

This marshmallow nougat has become one of my signature holiday treats, one that friends and family now expect in their gift baskets each year. What started as a simple experiment with a microwave shortcut has evolved into a beloved tradition and a recipe I'm constantly refining. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming such simple ingredients into something so special—a sweet, chewy, colorful confection that brings joy with every bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different mix-ins instead of gumdrops in this nougat recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize this nougat with nuts like pistachios or walnuts, dried fruits, or different colored candies to match any holiday or occasion.

→ How long does this marshmallow nougat keep?

When stored properly in an airtight container with wax paper between layers, this nougat will keep for about 2 weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator.

→ Why is my nougat so sticky and hard to work with?

Nougat is naturally sticky! Make sure to chill it thoroughly (freezer for 2 hours works best), and spray everything with nonstick spray - your knife, hands, and work surface - before cutting.

→ Can I add flavoring to this marshmallow nougat?

Yes, you can add 1 teaspoon of extract like vanilla, almond, or peppermint to customize the flavor. Add it after melting the marshmallow mixture but before adding the gumdrops.

→ How do I package this nougat for gifting?

Cut the nougat into squares and wrap each piece individually in wax paper, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Place in a decorative tin or box lined with tissue paper for a beautiful homemade gift.