Nougat is such a fun treat that’s perfect for the holidays! It’s denser than a marshmallow but softer than fudge, and loaded with gumdrops for a festive sweet. I make my marshmallow nougat recipe in the microwave to make it quick and convenient, as well as delicious!
What is Marshmallow Nougat?
Marshmallow nougat is a type of soft, chewy confection made by combining marshmallow with butter and white chocolate, along with flavorings and mix-ins as desired of course!
The resulting texture is softer and more pliable than traditional nougat, but firmer than marshmallow alone.
I love to make this easy microwave version because it makes the recipe quick and easy. It’s a favorite no bake treat for Christmas, as I add in gumdrops, seasonal Dots candies, or similar things to make it extra festive! If you prefer a nuttier option, then be sure to check out my Pistachio Nougat!
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Ingredients Needed for Marshmallow Nougat
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 2 Tbsp butter (I use salted)
- 2 cups holiday Dots gumdrop candies
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to compensate
- Adding an extract for flavoring is optional, but vanilla, almond, or peppermint are good choices. Use about 1 tsp of your chosen flavor
- Instead of Dots, you can use red and green gumdrops, fruit snacks, or any similar fruity gummy candy. I use red and green for the holidays, but you can customize your nougat for other occasions using different colors!
- Want to add nuts? Try peanuts, pistachios, or walnuts!
How to Make Gumdrop Nougat Candy in the Microwave
- Line a 13×9 baking dish with wax paper (or parchment paper) sprayed with nonstick spray. Yes, you need both, it’s very sticky!
- Add the white chocolate chips, marshmallows, and butter to a large, microwave-safe bowl
- Cook on high for 1 minute. Stir, then cook in additional 30-second increments, stirring after each, until mixture is smooth and creamy (usually about 2 minutes total)
- Fold in the Dots (or whatever mix-ins you’re using)
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing into an even layer (you can use a spatula or your hands, if you spray them with nonstick spray). Work quickly, as it will start to set up rather fast
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to set (overnight is totally fine), or in the freezer for about 2 hours (it needs to be cold, but not frozen)
- When ready to slice, keep the nougat cold. Transfer it from the dish to a cutting board, remove the paper, then slice it into about 1” cubes with a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray
- Store with wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, or wrap pieces individually in wax paper. Enjoy!
Ideas For Using Nougat
While marshmallow nougat is delicious enjoyed on its own as a confection, you can also incorporate it into other desserts. Here are some of my favorite uses:
- Chopped and added into frosting for a cake layer, or added to the top of a cake for a chewy, decorative element
- Added into homemade ice cream in pieces (like a festive Rocky Road)
- Used in cookies or bars as a colorful twist that adds varying textures
- Spread pieces over chocolate bark
- Mix with nuts and dried fruits for a seasonal trail mix
- Skewer with fresh fruit for a holiday inspired fruit kabob
Recipe FAQs
What is the Main Ingredient in Nougat?
Traditionally, the main ingredient in nougat is sugar or honey, combined with egg whites. However, marshmallow nougat has a base of marshmallow, as the name suggests, which serves as a shortcut to preparation.
Mix-ins usually include chocolate, fruit, nuts, or candies.
Is Nougat Just Marshmallow?
No, nougat is not just marshmallow. While both are soft and chewy, nougat includes chocolate and other ingredients, which give it a more complex flavor and firmer texture.
Marshmallows, on the other hand, are primarily made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, resulting in a spongy consistency.
What Kind of Candy is a Nougat?
Nougat is a type of confection known for its chewy texture and sweet flavor.
It is often used as a filling in popular candy bars like Snickers, Milky Way, and Toblerone, where it pairs well with chocolate, caramel, and nuts.
What is Nougat Similar to?
Nougat is similar to torrone (an Italian candy made with honey, nuts, and egg whites) and divinity (a Southern U.S. confection made with egg whites, sugar, and nuts).
Its texture is also somewhat comparable to marshmallows, but it’s denser, or saltwater taffy, though it is actually less chewy in comparison.
Tips and Tricks for Making Nougat Candy
- Nougat sets up quickly. Make sure to have your dish lined and sprayed, and have your mix-ins measured in advance so you can work quickly
- The biggest problem you’ll have is sticking nougat. Make sure to let it chill properly so it sets. Usually 2 hours in the freezer is great for me, but if you’re still struggling, let it get colder
- Spray everything in nonstick spray – your hands, your dish, your knife. Once it’s finally set and cut it’s not too bad, but before that treat it like it will stick to everything!
- If you’re struggling to get remnants out of the bowl, scrape the sides with something rigid, and then soak it in hot water
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store marshmallow nougat in an airtight container at room temperature (in a cool, dark place) for up to 2 weeks
- Either wrap pieces individually in wax paper, or stack in layers and add a sheet of wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking
- For longer term storage, you can refrigerate for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 12 months. In both cases, wrap the nougat well in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer safe bag or airtight container to help retain moisture. Allow to thaw completely before unwrapping. I don’t think the texture is as good this way, but it works if you need a longer term solution!
- Grinch Rice Krispie Treats
Final Thoughts
This marshmallow nougat is one of my favorite holiday candy recipes because it’s such an easy recipe to make (albeit sticky), tastes great, and looks so festive!
Plus, you can make it ahead and do reasonably large batches, so it’s great for holiday entertaining. It looks lovely on a cookie tray, and is a great no bake alternative if you don’t have an oven (plus it’s less finicky than fudge)!
I cut mine into perfect bite size pieces for easy serving, and this gumdrop nougat is always a hit. So, if you’re looking for something new for the cookie exchange this year, give this microwave nougat candy recipe a try!
Easy Marshmallow Nougat Recipe (No Bake Christmas Treat)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 2 Tbsp butter (salted)
- 2 cups holiday Dots gumdrop candies
Instructions
- Line a 13×9 baking dish with wax paper (or parchment paper) sprayed with nonstick spray. Yes, you need both, it’s very sticky!
- Add the white chocolate chips, marshmallows, and butter to a large, microwave-safe bowl3 cups white chocolate chips, 16 ounces mini marshmallows, 2 Tbsp butter
- Cook on high for 1 minute. Stir, then cook in additional 30-second increments, stirring after each, until mixture is smooth and creamy (usually about 2 minutes total)
- Fold in the Dots (or whatever mix-ins you’re using)2 cups holiday Dots gumdrop candies
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing into an even layer (you can use a spatula or your hands, if you spray them with nonstick spray). Work quickly, as it will start to set up rather fast
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to set (overnight is totally fine), or in the freezer for about 2 hours (it needs to be cold, but not frozen)
- When ready to slice, keep the nougat cold. Transfer it from the dish to a cutting board, remove the paper, then slice it into about 1” cubes with a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray
- Store with wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, or wrap pieces individually in wax paper. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can also use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to compensate
- Adding an extract for flavoring is optional, but vanilla, almond, or peppermint are good choices. Use about 1 tsp of your chosen flavor
- Instead of Dots, you can use red and green gumdrops, fruit snacks, or any similar fruity gummy candy. I use red and green for the holidays, but you can customize your nougat for other occasions using different colors!
- Want to add nuts? Try peanuts, pistachios, or walnuts!
- Nougat sets quickly. Make sure to have your dish lined and sprayed, and have your mix-ins measured in advance so you can work quickly
- The biggest problem you’ll have is sticking nougat. Make sure to let it chill properly so it sets. Usually 2 hours in the freezer is great for me, but if you’re still struggling, let it get colder so it hardens more
- Spray everything in nonstick spray – your hands, your dish, your knife. Once it’s finally set and cut it’s not too bad, but before that treat it like it will stick to everything!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, mix-ins added, size of squares (I get about 60 1” squares) and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
