🛒 What You’ll Need: Pantry Staples, Maximum Joy
Grab these cozy ingredients—you probably already have most:
For the Base:
½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
10 oz (about 4 cups) mini marshmallows
1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips (or chunks)
For the Festive Touch:
¾ cup red and green gumdrops, chopped into small pieces
→ Or sub with any color for birthdays or parties!
Optional upgrades:
½ tsp vanilla extract (for depth)
Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)
Crushed peppermint on top (for holiday flair!)
That’s it.
No eggs.
No corn syrup.
No gelatin.
💡 Pro tip: Use high-quality white chocolate—it melts smoother and tastes richer!
🔥 How to Make It: Step-by-Step, Bite-by-Bite
Let’s cook this like we’re making edible confetti—one golden forkful at a time.
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper (for easy lift-out).
Lightly grease the paper with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Melt the Magic
In a large saucepan:
Melt butter over medium-low heat.
Add mini marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth (~3–4 mins).
👉 Don’t rush—low heat prevents scorching.
Step 3: Add White Chocolate
Remove from heat.
Stir in white chocolate chips until completely melted and creamy.
Optional: Stir in vanilla and pinch of salt.
Step 4: Fold in Gumdrops
Gently fold in chopped gumdrops until evenly distributed.
⚠️ Work fast—the mixture sets quickly as it cools!
Step 5: Press & Chill
Pour into prepared pan.
Use a greased spatula—or a greased piece of parchment paper—to press mixture evenly into corners.
👉 This trick keeps your hands clean and ensures a smooth top.
Refrigerate at least 2–3 hours, preferably overnight, until completely firm.
✅ Why this matters: If not fully chilled, bars will be too sticky to cut cleanly.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
Lift out using parchment overhang.
Cut into squares with a sharp knife (wipe blade between cuts).
Serve cold—from the fridge—for best texture.
Bonus: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks—or freeze for 3 months!
💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Success
Tip
Why It Works
✅ Grease your tools
Prevents sticky mess on spatulas and knives
✅ Chop gumdrops small
Distributes chewiness evenly
✅ Use fresh marshmallows
Stale ones won’t melt smoothly
✅ Make ahead: Assemble 1–2 days ahead—flavors deepen overnight
✅ Gluten-free? Use GF-certified marshmallows & gumdrops
Still delicious!
🍽️ When to Serve These Golden Gems
🎄 Holiday cookie platters (they steal the show!)
🎁 Homemade gifts in festive tins
🎉 Christmas morning snacks with cocoa
🫶 To someone who says, “I don’t eat candy” —watch them ask for three
Because once they taste that marshmallow-chew, fruity-sweet magic?
They’ll be converted.
❤️ Final Thought: Great Food Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need 17 ingredients or a culinary degree to make something magical.
Sometimes, all it takes is:
A bag of marshmallows
A block of white chocolate
And the courage to say: “Today, I’m making joy.”
And when your partner says, “Did you get this from a bakery?”
Or your kid hugs you after the first bite…
You’ll know:
You didn’t just make candy.
You made memories.