Hänsel and Gretel are living with their parents in a simple house next to a large forest. One day, while deeply engrossed in their play, they begin to follow a lively squirrel. Accompanied by a deer and a hare, they move further and further into the forest and suddenly find themselves standing in front of the candy cottage of the evil witch.

She bewitches the children with her cane, so they cannot leave her garden. Gretel has to do all the housework, while Hänsel is locked away with the goose to be fattened.

Despite this seemingly hopeless situation, Gretel joins forces with the squirrel and they decide to defend themselves. Gretel, the squirrel and the goose overpower the witch. Her cane is broken and she and her candy cottage vanish.

Hänsel and Gretel can return home, unharmed. Accompanied by the goose and squirrel, they return, and the worried parents and their children are reunited.