There’s something truly magical about a sweet treat that bursts with color, texture, and that perfect chewy softness. This Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe does exactly that, blending the whimsy of festive gumdrop-like Dots with creamy white chocolate and marshmallows for a nostalgic, joyful bite. Trust me, once you try it, this candy will become your holiday classic.

A pile of white fudge squares stacked on a white plate sits on a white marbled surface. Each fudge square has colorful jelly candies embedded inside, with bright green, red, orange, and yellow rounded pieces visible on the surfaces and edges. Around the plate, there are scattered colorful jelly candies matching those inside the fudge. In the background, there is a blurred yellow box with blue and white letters partially visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe is one of those sweet holiday surprises that’s both easy and impressive. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, chewy, and colorful—kind of like the edible equivalent of holiday cheer!

Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of things that you likely already have or can find easily.
Festive and fun: The bright Dots candy adds that iconic Christmas pop and playful texture.
Customizable: You can tweak the candy or chocolate type to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Great for gifting: It wraps beautifully and makes a unique homemade gift that stands out.

The image shows multiple square pieces of a white creamy dessert with colorful jelly chunks embedded inside. Each piece has a smooth, solid white base layer with bright spots of red, green, orange, and yellow jelly pieces scattered throughout in no specific order. The pieces are placed on a white marbled surface, and small round jelly candies in red, orange, and yellow colors are also spread around the main squares. The texture of the dessert looks soft and slightly shiny, with a clean, fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. Each ingredient plays a specific role—creating that soft texture, sweet richness, and those festive bursts of flavor.

Flat lay of a small pile of colorful gumdrop candies, a heap of soft white mini marshmallows, a few tablespoons of pale yellow unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white chocolate chips, all arranged neatly and symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dots Candy: These little gumdrop-like candies give the nougat irresistible chewy bursts of fruity sweetness. Look for the classic assorted flavor bag for authentic Christmas vibes.
Mini Marshmallows: These melt down to create the chewy base of the nougat while adding lightness and softness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and richness without overpowering the sweet flavors.
White Chocolate Chips: The smooth, sweet white chocolate melts perfectly into the marshmallows creating the nougat’s luscious base.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe is how easy it is to make your own spin on it. I like experimenting with different candy types or adding a sprinkle of nuts for a bit of crunch.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate for a different twist—just melt it the same way. It adds a richer depth that’s equally wonderful.
Allergy friendly: If you need a dairy-free or vegan version, try dairy-free butter and dairy-free white chocolate chips. The texture stays just as lovely.
Extra festive: Sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top instead of Dots for a minty crunch that’s perfect for the holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. This makes removing the nougat a breeze once it’s set, and it prevents sticking. Having your pan ready before you start melting anything is a total game-changer because this candy mixture sets pretty quickly once combined.

Step 2: Melt White Chocolate Chips Gently

Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds. This slow stirring is crucial to prevent the chocolate from burning or becoming grainy. When the chocolate is smooth and glossy, set it aside but don’t let it harden.

Step 3: Melt Marshmallows and Butter

Quickly toss your mini marshmallows and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for about 2 minutes, or until the marshmallows puff up. Remove and stir immediately until you see a smooth, velvety mixture—this usually takes about 1 minute. Don’t rush this, as a smooth texture here means a perfect nougat later.

Step 4: Combine Chocolate, Dots, and Marshmallow Mixture

As soon as the marshmallow mix is smooth, add the melted white chocolate and stir fast but gently to combine everything. Then fold in all but ⅓ cup of the Dots candy, mixing them evenly through the nougat base. This timing is key—you want everything warm but not too hot, or the candy will start melting and lose its shape.

Step 5: Spread and Finish with Dots

Using cooking spray on your hands helps prevent sticking as you press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. After it’s nicely spread, press the remaining Dots candy into the top surface for that signature colorful look and extra festive pop. I like pressing firmly but gently so the candies stick without crushing.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Pop your pan into the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the nougat is fully set and firm. When ready, lift it from the pan using the parchment edges and slice into squares. I find a sharp knife warmed under hot water cuts through the nougat cleanly without smushing the sides.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few go-to tips that make this Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe come out perfectly every time.

Stirring is everything: Make sure to stir the white chocolate frequently as it melts to avoid burning and getting grainy—that can really ruin the texture.
Use room temperature ingredients: Butter and marshmallows that aren’t too cold melt more evenly, which helps the nougat bind better.
Timing is key: The mixture needs to be warm enough to stir easily but not so hot that the Dots candy melts when added.
Chill fully: Don’t rush the chilling process—give it those full 4 hours or even overnight to get that perfect chew and firm slices.

How to Serve Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe

Christmas Candy Dots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra holiday sparkle when serving this nougat. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible glitter sprinkles on top makes it feel extra festive, especially if you’re gifting it or serving at parties.

Side Dishes

This candy pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine — the cool creamy drink balances the sweet chewiness so well. Also, serving it alongside a cheese platter with mildly flavored cheeses and crisp crackers can create a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I like wrapping little squares in colorful wax paper tied with simple twine or placing them in clear cellophane bags with festive ribbons. For parties, arranging the nougat bites on a tiered candy tray with other homemade sweets really makes your dessert table pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Christmas Candy Nougat in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. I find it stays fresh and chewy for up to two weeks when wrapped well, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When thawed at room temperature, the texture is almost as good as fresh—just be sure to keep moisture out to avoid sticky candy.

Reheating

Usually, I don’t reheat nougat since it’s best enjoyed as is, but if it gets too firm in the fridge, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften up before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other candies besides Dots?

Absolutely! While Dots give that classic gumdrop feel and colorful look, you can substitute similar gummy or chewy candies. Just make sure they hold up when mixed into warm marshmallow mixtures.

Why does the nougat sometimes get sticky?

Sticky nougat usually means it hasn’t been fully chilled or stored properly. Make sure to chill it for the full time and keep it in an airtight container away from humidity to maintain the perfect chewy texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! To make a vegan version, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil and substitute the white chocolate chips with a vegan-friendly white chocolate alternative. Be sure the marshmallows you use are also vegan or use plant-based marshmallow options.

How long does the nougat last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this nougat stays fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze wrapped pieces to keep freshness for a few months.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Christmas Candy Nougat with Dots Recipe enough. It’s one of those rare holiday treats that’s easy, fun, and guaranteed to bring smiles. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or as a festive gift, the joy this candy spreads is unforgettable. Grab your Dots and marshmallows, and give this a try—you won’t regret it!