Christmas Nougat Candy with Dots Recipe

Ingredients

• 284 g (10 oz)Dots candy
• 300 g (1¾ cups)white chocolate chips
• 284 g (10 oz)mini marshmallows
• 28 g (2 tablespoons)unsalted butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the pan

   Line an 20 × 20 cm (8 × 8-inch) pan with parchment paper so the nougat can be lifted out easily once set.

2. 2

   Melt the chocolate

   Put the white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds. Stop when smooth and creamy, then set aside.

3. 3

   Warm marshmallows

   Place the mini marshmallows and unsalted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until the marshmallows puff up and rise to the top of the bowl.

4. 4

   Stir the mixture

   Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir thoroughly until the butter has melted completely and the marshmallows form a smooth mixture.

5. 5

   Add the chocolate

   Quickly pour the melted white chocolate into the marshmallow mixture and stir well, working promptly so it is evenly combined before it cools.

6. 6

   Mix in the Dots

   Set aside ⅓ cup of the Dots candy and gently stir the rest into the mixture, distributing the sweets throughout.

7. 7

   Fill the pan

   Immediately transfer the sticky mixture to the prepared pan. Spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then spread the mixture evenly over the pan.

8. 8

   Decorate the top

   Scatter the reserved ⅓ cup of Dots candy over the surface and gently press them into the nougat.

9. 9

   Let it set

   Leave the nougat at room temperature for about 4 hours 25 minutes, or until firm enough to cut into squares.

What is Christmas nougat candy?

Nougat is a sweet confection found in many traditions, while this version is a simple American-style, no-bake holiday candy rather than a traditional cooked nougat. White chocolate and melted marshmallows make a soft, chewy base, with Dots adding fruity flavour and bright colour.

The method works because the mixture is spread into a lined pan while still warm, then left to firm up before cutting. Keeping some Dots for the top gives the squares a colourful finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 190 calories, 1g protein, 28g carbs, 8g fat.

The marshmallows and white chocolate provide most of the carbohydrates, while the chocolate and butter account for much of the fat; this candy contains little protein. Serve a square alongside fruit or a protein-rich snack if you want a more balanced plate.

Choosing the ingredients

White chocolate chips: use chips that melt smoothly, stirring at regular intervals to help them melt evenly without scorching.

Mini marshmallows: their small size makes them quick to warm and easy to stir into a smooth mixture with the butter.

Dots candy: reserve the stated ⅓ cup for the decoration, and stir the rest in gently so the sweets remain spread throughout the nougat.

Microwave with care

Chocolate: stir every 30 seconds during the 2 minutes 30 seconds of heating. The bowl may retain heat, so stir well and check that the chips are smooth before setting it aside.

Marshmallows: heat them with the butter for 2 minutes, watching for them to puff up. Stir thoroughly afterwards so the butter is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Work quickly when combining

Warm marshmallow mixture: once the melted chocolate is added, stir promptly so it combines evenly before the candy mixture cools and becomes harder to spread.

Sticky mixture: transfer it to the lined pan straight away. Spraying your hands with cooking spray helps you spread it without the mixture clinging as much.

Getting the texture right

Even layer: spread the mixture across the pan so the nougat sets to a consistent thickness and is easier to portion into squares.

Firm enough to cut: allow about 4 hours 25 minutes at room temperature, as directed, and check that the centre has set before cutting. The finished candy should hold its shape while retaining a chewy bite.

Serving and gifting

Cut the set nougat into squares for a festive sweet platter, or arrange pieces in a small tin or gift box. The colourful Dots on top make each piece easy to spot among other holiday treats.

Serve alongside coffee, tea or other small sweets. For cleaner portions, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts if the mixture sticks.

Recipe notes & tips

• Line the pan with parchment paper before heating the ingredients so it is ready when the mixture is warm.
• Stir the chocolate every 30 seconds as it microwaves to help it melt evenly.
• Have the reserved Dots ready before combining the warm ingredients.
• Spray your hands with cooking spray before spreading the sticky mixture.
• Let the nougat set fully at room temperature before cutting it.

Variations

• Different gumdrops: Use another small, chewy gumdrop candy in place of Dots for a different mix of colours and fruit flavours.
• Festive topping: Scatter a few extra colourful sweets over the top before the nougat sets.
• Small portions: Cut the set nougat into bite-sized pieces for a party platter.
• Gift pieces: Wrap individual squares after they have set for easy sharing.
• Mixed sweets: Serve the squares with other small holiday candies for a varied dessert board.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overheating the chocolate: Stir every 30 seconds and stop once it is smooth to help prevent scorching.
• Skipping the stirring: Mix the melted marshmallows and butter thoroughly so the butter is fully incorporated.
• Waiting to combine: Add the chocolate promptly after melting so the warm mixture is easier to stir.
• Pressing too hard: Gently press the reserved Dots into the surface so they decorate the top without being buried.
• Cutting too soon: Let the nougat set for about 4 hours 25 minutes, or until firm, before slicing.

How to store

Once set, store the squares in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They are best enjoyed within about a week; avoid warming them to reheat, as the nougat can soften and become sticky.

Frequently asked questions