Thank you SO much for being here—truly. Every time you stop by to bake with me, it feels like we’re sharing sugary holiday magic in the same cozy kitchen. And today? Ohhh, this one is a nostalgia bomb in the best possible way! These Four Ingredient Nougat Bars are soft, chewy, colorful, and totally irresistible—everything a festive treat should be.
They’re no-bake, ridiculously simple, and dangerously easy to snack on. Anything but boring!!
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What These Nougat Bars Are All About
This classic holiday recipe transforms marshmallows, white chocolate, butter, and gumdrops into a chewy, Christmas-colored nougat that tastes like childhood. Sweet, creamy, and studded with red and green jewels—these bars brighten any cookie tray or dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 ingredients!
- No baking required
- Fast: done in minutes
- Festive, nostalgic, and kid-friendly
- Perfect for gifting, parties, and cookie exchanges
- Easy to customize with mix-ins
What Do These Nougat Bars Taste Like?
They’re:
- sweet and creamy
- lightly chewy
- vanilla-forward from the white chocolate
- studded with fruity pops from the gumdrops
- melt-in-your-mouth soft
Think classic holiday nougat meets a simplified, extra-festive version you can whip up anytime.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick and beginner-friendly
- Uses pantry staples
- Freezer-friendly
- Great for big batches
- Hugely popular on holiday trays
Full Ingredients List
- 2 packages miniature marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 packages white chocolate chips
- 1½ cups red and green gumdrops
Tools You’ll Need
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Parchment-lined baking dish or tray
- Sharp knife for slicing
Additions & Substitutions
Candy Swaps
- chopped nuts
- dried cranberries or cherries
- mini M&Ms
- chocolate chips
- toffee bits
Chocolate Variations
- milk chocolate chips
- dark chocolate chips
- butterscotch chips
- swirl two types for a marbled look
How to Make Four Ingredient Nougat Bars (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Marshmallow Mixture
Add mini marshmallows and melted butter to a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave 1–2 minutes, until puffed and soft.
Stir until smooth.
2. Melt the White Chocolate
In another bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and silky.
3. Combine the Mixtures
Pour melted white chocolate into the marshmallow mixture.
Stir until fully combined—it will be thick and sticky.
4. Add Gumdrops
Fold in the red and green gumdrops gently until evenly distributed.
5. Form the Bars
Line a baking dish or tray with parchment (leave overhang).
Press the nougat mixture into an even layer using a spatula or greased hands.
6. Chill
Refrigerate 1–2 hours, or until firm.
7. Slice & Serve
Lift the nougat slab out using the parchment.
Place on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares with a sharp knife.
What to Serve With Nougat Bars
- Holiday cookie platters
- Hot chocolate
- Peppermint bark
- Christmas brunch spreads
- Snack trays for parties
Tips for Perfect Nougat Bars
- Cut gumdrops in half for easier biting (optional).
- Use parchment with overhang for easy lifting.
- Grease your hands lightly when pressing the mixture into the pan.
- Chill long enough for clean slices.
- Store in the fridge to maintain firmness.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 2–3 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: 1–2 weeks
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap well and thaw in the fridge)
General Information
- Time: 10 minutes prep + chilling
- Serves: 12–20 depending on slice size
- Difficulty: Super easy
- Texture: Chewy, soft, creamy, candy-filled
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flavored marshmallows?
Yes—vanilla, strawberry, or even peppermint work well.
Can I use big marshmallows instead of minis?
Absolutely. Just measure by weight and melt the same way.
Do gumdrops melt in the mixture?
No, they stay intact and soft—just like classic nougat candies.
Can I use marshmallow fluff instead?
No, it changes the texture and doesn’t set as well.
Conclusion
These Four Ingredient Nougat Bars are the easiest festive treat you’ll ever make—soft, chewy, colorful, and bursting with nostalgic holiday charm. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to your cookie tray, and endlessly customizable.
And if you love quick, no-bake holiday treats… just wait. I’ve got more sweet magic coming your way!
Share Your Holiday Treats!
Made these?
Leave a review and tag your nougat bar photos on Pinterest! They always brighten my day.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Square — 20 Squares)
- Calories: ~150
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
Enjoy every chewy, colorful bite!
