1930’s Gumdrop Cookie Bars
In the 1930s, kitchens across America buzzed with innovation and resourcefulness. Families found joy in creating treats that brought a sense of warmth and comfort to their homes during challenging times. Among these nostalgic treasures is the delightful 1930’s Gumdrop Cookie Bars recipe. With its colorful gumdrops and a tender, cake-like texture, this dessert is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
The Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 cups sifted cake flour
Note: If you don’t have cake flour, substitute by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift together thoroughly. - ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup chopped gumdrops (assorted flavors, omit licorice)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Beat the eggs thoroughly in a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar and water, then beat again until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Sprinkle a portion of the flour mixture over the chopped nuts and gumdrops to coat them lightly.
- Gradually add the remaining flour mixture to the eggs and sugar, folding gently to maintain a light texture.
- Carefully fold in the flour-coated nuts and gumdrops.
- Spread the batter thinly and evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.
Tips for Success:
- Storage: To keep your gumdrop cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for about a week.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different gumdrop flavors (just skip the licorice!) or nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to suit your taste.
- Serving Suggestion: These bars are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a lovely treat for a cozy afternoon or a nostalgic addition to a dessert platter.
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe not only delivers a unique and satisfying dessert but also serves as a sweet link to the past. Gumdrop Cookie Bars are a testament to the creativity and joy that flourished in American kitchens during the 1930s. Their vibrant colors and delightful chewiness are sure to brighten any gathering and spark conversations about cherished family traditions.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake a piece of history! Share your results and any creative twists you add to this classic recipe in the comments below.
Looking for more DIY gift ideas? Check out my Brownie Mason Jar Mix or M&M Mason Jar Cookies for more inspiration.
1930’s Gumdrop Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 cups sifted cake flour If you don't have cake flour then remove 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replace it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then sift the mixture together thoroughly to combine
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup chopped gum drops of assorted flavors, omit licorice
Instructions
- Beat eggs thoroughly: add sugar and water, beat again. Sift dry ingredients, and sprinkle a portion of it over nuts and gum drops, add the remaining flour to eggs and sugar mixture. Fold in nuts and gum drops. Spread thinly in greased and 9 x 13 pan and bake in moderate oven (325ºF) for 30 minutes.Allow to cool before slicing. Gumdrop cookie bars, when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, will typically last for around a week. The key is to keep them sealed to prevent them from drying out, as the gumdrops can lose their moisture and become hard.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
