INTRODUCTION
Shamrock Homemade Gummies with Jello are fun, bright, and easy to make. These green gummies look like tiny shamrocks. They taste sweet and fruity. Kids and adults both enjoy them. You only need a few simple ingredients and a shamrock cookie cutter. Make a batch for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a fun snack. If you enjoy home candy, you might also like the rich flavor of best homemade chocolate chip cookies, which are easy to make and loved by many.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is simple and quick. It uses common pantry items like sugar, applesauce, and Jell-O. There is no candy thermometer to watch. The texture is soft and chewy, but firm enough to cut into shapes. The shamrock shape makes the gummies festive and fun to serve. You can make a whole tray in under an hour of active time. The recipe is forgiving, so small changes still work well. If you want a bright fruity dessert to share, these gummies fit the bill.
HOW TO MAKE Shamrock Homemade Gummies with Jello
This recipe uses heat to dissolve sugar and gelatin, then chills to set. You will mix applesauce, sugar, lime Jell-O, and unflavored gelatin in a saucepan. Bring the mix to a boil and let it cook for one minute. Pour the hot mix into a lined baking dish and chill until firm. Once set, cut shamrock shapes with a cookie cutter. Dust and roll them in sugar so they do not stick. Serve fresh or store for later.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- 13×9 baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Shamrock cookie cutter
- Small bowl for sugar dusting
- Refrigerator space for chilling
- Parchment lined cookie sheet for setting cut gummies
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1.5 Cups Applesauce
2.25 Cup Sugar
2 Lime Jell-O (3 oz boxes)
2 Packs of Unflavored Gelatin
1 Shamrock Cookie Cutter
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Mix all of the ingredients in a saucepan over Medium to High heat. Stir until it reaches a boil. Boil for one minute., Remove from heat and pour into a parchment lined 13×9 baking dish. The parchment paper will allow for easier removal., Place the baking dish in the refrigerator to cool for 2 hours or until set. Once set, remove from the pan and dust the tops with sugar., Using your cookie cutter, cut out the shamrock shapes. To prevent sticking, dip the cookie cutter in sugar after cutting the first shamrock out., Take the gummy shamrock and roll in sugar to coat the bottom and sides. Set aside on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
HOW TO SERVE Shamrock Homemade Gummies with Jello
Serve these gummies on a small plate or in a clear jar for a party. They make a bright snack on a dessert table. Place them next to cookies or cupcakes for a full spread. If you give them as a gift, wrap them in wax paper and tie with a ribbon. The sugar coating keeps them from sticking together and makes them look pretty. For a themed table, arrange them on green napkins or in small paper cups.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Shamrock Homemade Gummies with Jello
Store the gummies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your home is warm, store them in the refrigerator to keep their shape. Do not store in a sealed container while still warm or moist. Layer them with parchment or wax paper so they do not stick. You can freeze the gummies for up to 1 month. Place them on a tray to freeze until firm, then move to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Note that freezing may change the texture slightly, but they will still taste good.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Add a small bowl of these gummies to a St. Patrick’s Day snack table.
- Mix them with green and white candies for a themed candy mix.
- Use them to top cupcakes for a festive look.
- Pack a few in small party favor bags for guests to take home.
These gummies pair well with light drinks like sparkling water or lemonade. For a more decadent spread, serve them alongside other treats like the delicate flavor of blueberry tart with white chocolate ganache to balance fruity and creamy notes.
VARIATIONS
You can make small changes to suit your taste or ingredients on hand.
- Flavor changes: Use different Jell-O flavors like lemon or lime for new colors and tastes.
- Fruit base swap: Swap applesauce for pear sauce or a mild fruit puree for a softer taste.
- Sugar coating: Try fine sugar or sanding sugar for different looks and textures.
- Size change: Use a smaller or larger cookie cutter to make bite-size or larger gummies.
- Mix-ins: Add finely grated citrus zest to the hot mix for extra flavor.
- Vegan option: Use agar-agar instead of gelatin, but note the setting method and ratios differ.
If you like to pair sweets with other snacks, try these gummies along with classic baked treats such as chewy maple cinnamon cookies with white chocolate for a mix of chewy and soft textures.
FAQs
Q: How long do the gummies take to set?
A: They usually set in 2 hours in the refrigerator. If your fridge is very cold, they may be firm sooner.
Q: Can I use less sugar?
A: You can lower the sugar, but the texture will change. Less sugar may make the gummies softer and less firm.
Q: Can I use flavored gelatin other than lime?
A: Yes. Any flavored gelatin works. The color and taste will change with the flavor.
Q: Do I have to use applesauce?
A: Applesauce helps add body and mild flavor. You can try pear puree, but the final texture may differ.
Q: Can I make these without unflavored gelatin?
A: You can try agar-agar, but cooking steps change and the result will be slightly different. Follow agar-agar instructions on the package for best results.
Q: How do I keep the cookie cutter from sticking?
A: Dip the cookie cutter in sugar after each cut. This helps prevent sticking and keeps shapes clean.
Q: How should I serve them at a party?
A: Arrange them on a small plate or in paper candy cups. They also look nice in a clear jar as a table decoration.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Shamrock Homemade Gummies with Jello
You can make these gummies a day ahead for best texture and convenience. Follow the full recipe, then keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. If you make them more than a day ahead, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. For parties, make them the night before and dust them with a little extra sugar right before serving. If you freeze them, thaw them in the fridge one day before you need them, and then bring to room temperature for best chew.
Notes and simple tips:
- Use fresh Jell-O boxes for best flavor.
- Line the baking dish with parchment for easy removal.
- Use a light hand with sugar dusting to avoid over-sweetening.
- If the mixture looks too thin after cooling, check your gelatin packs for expiration; old gelatin may not set well.
- Use a clean, sharp cookie cutter for clear shapes.
If you enjoy mixing sweet bites with elegant treats, consider pairing these gummies with a small dessert like the smooth and rich coconut dome with chocolate spread for a varied dessert table that offers both fruity and creamy choices.
Enjoy making these shamrock gummies. They are bright, simple, and bring a little fun to the table.
Shamrock Homemade Gummies with Jello
Ingredients
Method
- Mix all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium to high heat.
- Stir until it reaches a boil, then boil for one minute.
- Remove from heat and pour into a parchment lined 13x9 baking dish.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until set.
- Once set, remove from the pan and dust the tops with sugar.
- Using a shamrock cookie cutter, cut out shapes.
- To prevent sticking, dip the cookie cutter in sugar after cutting each shamrock.
- Roll each gummy in sugar to coat the bottom and sides.
- Set aside on a parchment lined cookie sheet.