First Step: Prepare Your Equipment
Lightly coat an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish with cooking spray. If using a metal dish, chill it beforehand to help the gumdrops set faster. Have small star-shaped cookie cutters dusted with sugar ready for shaping later.

Second Step: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar, ¾ cup (180 ml) unsweetened applesauce, 3 ounces (85 g) flavored gelatin powder, ¼ ounce (7 g, one envelope) unflavored gelatin, and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 1 minute to allow the gelatin to bloom properly.

Third Step: Cook the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly as the mixture heats. Bring it to a boil and maintain a gentle boil for 1 full minute to ensure proper setting. Remove the mixture promptly from heat when done.

Fourth Step: Pour into Mold and Chill
Immediately pour the hot gelatin mixture into the prepared, chilled baking dish. Refrigerate the dish for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight until the gumdrops have completely set into a firm gelatin.

Fifth Step: Shape the Gumdrops
Dust a clean cutting board or flat surface with some of the reserved sugar. Use a spatula to loosen the edges of the gelatin, then invert the set gelatin onto the sugared board. Use small, sharp cookie cutters dusted with sugar to cut the gumdrops into star shapes consistent with patriotic themes. If cookie cutters are unavailable, cut the gelatin into squares or rectangles.

Final Step: Dry and Store
Place the cut gumdrops onto sugared wax paper on a flat surface. Allow them to dry at room temperature for about 8 hours until they develop a slightly sticky but traditional chewy texture. Finally, roll each gumdrop in the remaining sugar to prevent sticking, then store the candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.