dragée

Dragée is a confection consisting of a small kernel, typically an almond, enrobed in a hard sugar shell. The term comes from French and is used in English to refer to both the candy itself and the decorative sugar-coated almonds commonly given as favors at weddings and other celebrations. In many English-speaking countries, the sugar-coated almonds used as wedding favors are known as Jordan almonds, dragees, or dragées, reflecting regional naming traditions.

Historically, dragées have been produced in Europe since the medieval and early modern periods, evolving from sugar-coated nuts and seeds into a widely recognized confection. While almonds are the most common core, other nuts or seeds may be used. The shells are often tinted in pale or bright colors for festive occasions, and there are varieties with metallic or pearlized finishes for ceremonial display.

Production typically involves coating the core in a sugar syrup and repeatedly applying successive layers in a rotating pan or conveyor system, a process known as sugar panning. The mixture is dried between passes until a hard, smooth shell forms. Modern production can create both traditional almond-based dragées and larger, decorative sugar-coated pieces used for cake decoration or confectionery garnishes.

Uses and cultural significance vary by region. Dragées are popular wedding favors and cake toppers in many European countries, and they appear in religious ceremonies and seasonal celebrations. They are also used as decorative bakery ingredients, offering a range of colors and finishes to suit design preferences.