If you ever popped a sugar-covered gumdrop in your mouth, only to bite down and practically lose a tooth, you may have thought the gumdrops were ruined. Sugar, gelatin and water are the primary ingredients in gumdrops. When the gumdrops contain too much gelatin, they harden. Exposure to open air begins to evaporate the water in the candies, leaving too much gelatin to maintain the soft, gooey texture. You can soften gumdrops easily by replacing the lost water.
Soften With Warm Water
Fill a medium-size mixing bowl with warm water. Place a piece of wax paper on a cookie sheet.
Place the hard gumdrops in the hot water for 20 to 30 minutes, until they reach the desired softness.
Remove the softened gumdrops from the water. Set them separately on the wax paper on the cookie sheet.
Let the gumdrops dry completely for 5 to 10 minutes.
Place the newly softened gumdrops in the plastic bag, and secure the zipper closure.
Soften in the Microwave
Place a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate.
Set hard gumdrops in a row on the plate.
Sprinkle the gumdrops lightly with warm water.
Microwave on low for 10 seconds. Check for desired softness. Heat for additional 5-second intervals until you achieve the desired texture.
Let the warm gumdrops cool for up to 10 minutes. Store the soft gumdrops in the plastic bag with zipper closure.