Nerds Gummy Clusters Recipes: Jason Kelce’s Favorite Candy Creations
Nerds Gummy Clusters: those delightful little balls of sweet and tart joy that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of millions. And among those millions is none other than Philadelphia Eagles center, Jason Kelce, a self-proclaimed superfan of this delectable treat. While enjoying them straight from the bag is always a solid option, why not elevate your Nerds Gummy Cluster game with some creative and delicious recipes? This article explores several ways to incorporate these sweet and tangy gems into your baking and snacking repertoire. Get ready to unleash your inner confectionary artist and create some truly unforgettable treats inspired by Jason Kelce’s favorite candy!
Why Nerds Gummy Clusters?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes Nerds Gummy Clusters so special. These aren’t your average gummy candies. They combine the chewy goodness of a gummy center with the crunchy, tangy exterior of Nerds candy. This textural and flavor combination is simply irresistible. The contrast between the soft gummy and the hard, sweet Nerds creates a unique sensory experience that keeps you coming back for more. Furthermore, the vibrant colors and fruity flavors add to the overall appeal, making them a fun and playful treat for people of all ages. It’s no wonder Jason Kelce is such a big fan!
Recipe 1: Nerds Gummy Cluster Cookies
What’s better than a warm, gooey cookie? A warm, gooey cookie studded with Nerds Gummy Clusters, of course! This recipe takes your favorite cookie dough and elevates it to a whole new level of candy-coated deliciousness.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups Nerds Gummy Clusters, roughly chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.
3. **Add Vanilla and Eggs:** Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to prevent the batter from separating.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for proper leavening and flavor.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a chewy, rather than tender, texture.
6. **Fold in Nerds Gummy Clusters:** Gently fold in the chopped Nerds Gummy Clusters until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid overmixing at this stage to prevent the gummy clusters from breaking down too much.
7. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons onto Baking Sheet:** Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This will allow the cookies to spread out as they bake without running into each other.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set slightly and prevents them from breaking apart when you move them.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chill the Dough:** For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough allows the butter to solidify, which will prevent the cookies from spreading out too much in the oven.
* **Use Different Flavors of Nerds Gummy Clusters:** Experiment with different flavors of Nerds Gummy Clusters to create unique flavor combinations. Try using the tropical or rainbow variety for a fun twist.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra decadent treat, add some chocolate chips to the dough along with the Nerds Gummy Clusters. Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips would all work well.
* **Sprinkle with Extra Nerds:** Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with extra Nerds Gummy Clusters for a pop of color and added crunch.
Recipe 2: Nerds Gummy Cluster Bark
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires no baking! Nerds Gummy Cluster Bark is the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your cravings in a snap.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces chocolate (milk, dark, or white), chopped
* 1 ½ cups Nerds Gummy Clusters
* Optional: Sprinkles, sea salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate using your preferred method. You can use a double boiler, a microwave, or even a saucepan over low heat. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize up.
2. **Spread the Chocolate:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer, about ¼ inch thick. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, uniform surface.
3. **Sprinkle with Nerds Gummy Clusters:** Immediately sprinkle the Nerds Gummy Clusters evenly over the melted chocolate. Gently press the candies into the chocolate to help them adhere.
4. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle with sprinkles or sea salt for added flavor and visual appeal. A sprinkle of sea salt can help to balance the sweetness of the chocolate and candies.
5. **Chill:** Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate is completely set, about 30-60 minutes. The bark should be firm to the touch before you attempt to break it.
6. **Break into Pieces:** Once the chocolate is set, break the bark into pieces using your hands or a sharp knife. Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use Different Types of Chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate to create unique flavor combinations. Try using dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or white chocolate for a sweeter treat.
* **Add Other Candies:** In addition to Nerds Gummy Clusters, you can add other candies to the bark, such as pretzels, M&Ms, or chopped nuts. Get creative and use your favorite candies to customize the bark to your liking.
* **Make Swirls:** Before the chocolate sets, use a toothpick or knife to create swirls in the chocolate. This will add a decorative touch to the bark and create interesting patterns.
* **Drizzle with Melted Chocolate:** After the bark has set, drizzle it with melted chocolate of a different color for an extra touch of elegance.
Recipe 3: Nerds Gummy Cluster Popcorn Balls
Take your popcorn game to the next level with these fun and festive Nerds Gummy Cluster Popcorn Balls. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or any occasion that calls for a sweet and salty treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 cups popped popcorn
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 10 ounces marshmallows
* ¼ cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup Nerds Gummy Clusters
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the popcorn using your preferred method. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels before proceeding.
2. **Melt Butter and Marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This step requires patience, as the marshmallows can take a while to melt completely. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent them from burning.
3. **Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Pour over Popcorn:** Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn and stir gently until the popcorn is evenly coated. Use a large spoon or spatula to avoid crushing the popcorn.
5. **Add Nerds Gummy Clusters:** Gently fold in the Nerds Gummy Clusters until they are evenly distributed throughout the popcorn mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the gummy clusters to break down.
6. **Shape into Balls:** While the popcorn mixture is still warm, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Shape the popcorn mixture into balls, about 3 inches in diameter. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to harden as it cools.
7. **Cool:** Place the popcorn balls on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper and let them cool completely before serving. This will allow the marshmallow mixture to set and the popcorn balls to hold their shape.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use Different Flavors of Popcorn:** Experiment with different flavors of popcorn, such as caramel or kettle corn, for a unique twist.
* **Add Other Candies:** In addition to Nerds Gummy Clusters, you can add other candies to the popcorn balls, such as M&Ms or sprinkles.
* **Use Food Coloring:** Add a few drops of food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture to create colorful popcorn balls.
* **Wrap Individually:** Wrap the popcorn balls individually in cellophane bags for easy storage and gifting.
Recipe 4: Nerds Gummy Cluster Ice Cream Topping
Transform your ordinary ice cream into an extraordinary dessert with a homemade Nerds Gummy Cluster ice cream topping. This easy-to-make topping adds a burst of flavor and texture to every spoonful.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Nerds Gummy Clusters, roughly chopped
* ¼ cup powdered sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the chopped Nerds Gummy Clusters, powdered sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
2. **Cook over Medium Heat:** Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens slightly. The cornstarch will help to thicken the mixture and create a smooth, glossy topping.
3. **Remove from Heat and Cool:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the topping cool completely. As the topping cools, it will thicken further.
4. **Serve over Ice Cream:** Spoon the Nerds Gummy Cluster topping over your favorite ice cream. This topping is delicious on vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or any flavor of ice cream.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Other Flavors:** Experiment with adding other flavors to the topping, such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest.
* **Use Different Types of Nerds Gummy Clusters:** Use different types of Nerds Gummy Clusters to create unique flavor combinations.
* **Make a Larger Batch:** This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch of topping.
* **Store in the Refrigerator:** Store the topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe 5: Nerds Gummy Cluster Trail Mix
Looking for a sweet and salty snack that’s perfect for on-the-go? This Nerds Gummy Cluster Trail Mix is the answer! It’s packed with energy-boosting ingredients and a touch of candy-coated fun.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Nerds Gummy Clusters
* 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.)
* 1 cup pretzels, broken into pieces
* ½ cup dried cranberries
* ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
2. **Mix Well:** Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. **Store in an Airtight Container:** Store the trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Other Dried Fruits:** Experiment with adding other dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, or mangoes.
* **Use Different Types of Nuts:** Use your favorite types of nuts in the trail mix.
* **Add Seeds:** Add seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, for added nutrients.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Jason Kelce’s Endorsement: A Candy Legend
Jason Kelce’s love for Nerds Gummy Clusters is well-documented. He’s been spotted enjoying them on the sidelines, sharing them with teammates, and even tweeting about his favorite candy. His genuine enthusiasm for this sweet treat has undoubtedly contributed to its popularity. Kelce’s unabashed love for Nerds Gummy Clusters adds to his relatable and down-to-earth persona, endearing him even further to fans. His endorsement, whether intentional or not, has solidified Nerds Gummy Clusters as a must-try candy for anyone looking for a delicious and fun snack.
Conclusion: Sweeten Your Life with Nerds Gummy Clusters
Nerds Gummy Clusters are more than just a candy; they’re a source of joy, inspiration, and endless culinary possibilities. Whether you’re baking cookies, making bark, or creating a custom trail mix, these little balls of sweet and tangy goodness can add a touch of magic to any recipe. So, take a page out of Jason Kelce’s book and embrace the deliciousness of Nerds Gummy Clusters. Experiment with these recipes, get creative in the kitchen, and discover your own favorite ways to enjoy this iconic candy. Who knows, you might just create the next viral Nerds Gummy Cluster sensation! From cookies to popcorn balls, bark to ice cream toppings, the possibilities are truly endless. And with Jason Kelce as your inspiration, you’re sure to create something truly special.
Enjoy your candy creations, and remember to share the love (and the Nerds Gummy Clusters) with your friends and family!