Making candy at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. You don’t need to be a professional chocolatier to create tasty treats in your own kitchen. With some simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, you can whip up delicious homemade candies.
These 30 homemade candy recipes offer a variety of options for sweet lovers of all kinds. From chocolate-covered treats to fruity gummies, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find classic favorites like fudge and peanut butter cups, as well as unique creations that will impress your friends and family. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these delightful homemade candies.
Chocolate truffles are decadent treats you can easily make at home. Start by heating cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.
Refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours until it’s firm enough to scoop. Roll the chilled ganache into small balls. You can coat them in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate.
For extra flavor, try adding vanilla extract or liqueur to the ganache. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for unique tastes. Store your homemade truffles in the fridge and enjoy them as a special treat.
Peanut butter fudge is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat you can make at home. You’ll need sugar, milk, butter, and peanut butter as the main ingredients.
Start by melting butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and milk, then bring to a boil. Stir the mixture for about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and mix in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour the fudge into a lined 8×8 inch pan. Let it cool and set.
Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares with a sharp knife. Enjoy your homemade peanut butter fudge!
Caramel toffee is a delicious treat you can make at home. You’ll need sugar, butter, cream, and a candy thermometer.
Start by melting sugar in a pan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. When it turns golden brown, add cream and keep stirring.
Next, add butter and cook until the mixture reaches 280-285°F on your candy thermometer. Pour it onto a lined baking sheet and let it cool.
For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top while it’s still warm. Once cooled, break the toffee into pieces and enjoy your homemade candy.
Rock candy sticks are a fun and easy homemade treat. To make them, you’ll need sugar, water, wooden skewers, and food coloring if desired.
Start by making a sugar syrup. Dip skewers in water and roll them in sugar to create seed crystals. This helps the candy form.
Pour the cooled syrup into jars. Suspend the prepared skewers in the syrup using clothespins. Make sure they don’t touch the bottom.
Let the jars sit undisturbed for several days. Sugar crystals will slowly form on the skewers. Once they reach your desired size, remove and enjoy your homemade rock candy sticks.
Coconut macaroons are sweet, chewy treats that are easy to make at home. You’ll need shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and egg whites.
Mix the coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
Preheat your oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the sheets. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Let the macaroons cool on a wire rack before serving. These delicious cookies have a crisp exterior and soft, coconutty interior that melts in your mouth.
Peppermint bark is a festive holiday treat you can easily make at home. Start by melting dark chocolate in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.
Spread the melted dark chocolate on a lined baking sheet. Let it cool until firm.
Next, melt white chocolate the same way. Mix in some peppermint extract for flavor. Spread this over the dark chocolate layer.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while the white chocolate is still soft. Press them in gently.
Let the bark cool completely, then break it into pieces. You can store your homemade peppermint bark at room temperature for about a week.
Salted caramel is a sweet and salty treat you can make at home. You’ll need sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt.
Start by melting sugar and corn syrup in a pan. Cook until it turns golden brown. Meanwhile, heat cream, butter, and salt in another pan.
Slowly mix the warm cream mixture into the caramel. Be careful, as it may splatter. Cook until it reaches the right temperature on a candy thermometer.
Pour the caramel into a lined baking pan. Let it cool completely. Cut into squares and wrap in wax paper.
Enjoy your homemade salted caramels as a snack or give them as gifts.
Chocolate-covered cherries are a classic homemade candy you can easily make. You’ll need cherries, chocolate, and a sweet filling.
Start by wrapping each cherry in a flattened sugar filling. Freeze them for 30 minutes to set.
Melt chocolate chips with a bit of oil in a double boiler. Dip the wrapped cherries in the melted chocolate and let them cool.
For best results, make these treats ahead of time. The centers become more liquid the longer they sit. You can use any type of jarred cherries you like.
Homemade chocolate-covered cherries make great gifts. They’re perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Marshmallow pops are a fun and easy candy treat you can make at home. To create them, you’ll need marshmallows, lollipop sticks, and melted chocolate or candy coating.
Start by pushing a stick into each marshmallow. Then dip the marshmallows in melted chocolate, covering them completely. Let excess chocolate drip off.
While the chocolate is still wet, you can add toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes. Stand the pops upright to dry, using a foam block or jar filled with uncooked rice.
For variety, try using different types of chocolate or candy melts. You can also stack multiple marshmallows on each stick for a bigger treat.
Lemon drops are tangy, sweet candies you can make at home. To start, mix sugar, water, and corn syrup in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
Remove from heat and add lemon juice, zest, and yellow food coloring. Stir in some citric acid for extra tartness. Pour the hot mixture onto a prepared surface to cool.
Once cooled slightly, cut or shape the candy into small pieces. Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Store your homemade lemon drops in an airtight container.
These bright, zesty candies make great gifts or party favors. With practice, you’ll perfect your own lemon drop recipe.
Taffy pulls are a fun way to make candy at home. You start by cooking sugar, water, and other ingredients to form a thick syrup. Once cooled slightly, you stretch and fold the taffy repeatedly.
This pulling process adds air bubbles and gives taffy its signature chewy texture. It’s a great activity to do with friends or family. Everyone can take turns pulling the taffy.
As you work the candy, it will become lighter in color and harder to pull. When it’s ready, cut it into small pieces to enjoy. You can add flavors like peppermint or fruit extracts for variety.
Taffy pulls let you create a classic candy right in your kitchen. It takes some effort, but the results are worth it.
Candied orange peel is a sweet treat that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need oranges, sugar, and water.
Start by peeling the oranges and cutting the peel into thin strips. Boil the peels in water three times, draining between each boil. This removes bitterness.
Next, simmer the peels in a sugar syrup for about 20 minutes. The peels will become soft and translucent.
After simmering, coat the peels in sugar. Spread them on a rack to dry for 1-2 days.
Store your candied orange peels in an airtight container. They’ll keep for about a month. You can enjoy them as a snack or use them in baking.
Cinnamon hard candy brings a spicy-sweet kick to your homemade treats. You can make this classic candy with just a few simple ingredients.
To create cinnamon hard candy, you’ll need sugar, light corn syrup, water, cinnamon oil, and red food coloring. Mix the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a pot and heat until it reaches the hard crack stage.
Once the mixture is ready, add cinnamon oil and food coloring. Be careful when adding the oil, as it can sting your eyes. Pour the hot mixture onto a prepared baking sheet and let it cool.
After cooling, break the candy into pieces. Store your homemade cinnamon hard candy in airtight containers or cellophane bags to keep it fresh.
Chocolate nougat is a sweet treat that combines rich chocolate with a chewy, nutty texture. You can make it at home with a few key ingredients.
Start by melting chocolate and mixing it with sugar, cocoa powder, and corn syrup. Whip egg whites separately until they form soft peaks.
Gradually add hot sugar syrup to the egg whites while whisking. This creates the nougat’s signature texture. Fold in the chocolate mixture and any nuts you like.
Spread the nougat on a lined baking sheet and let it set for 24 hours. Once firm, cut it into squares and enjoy your homemade chocolate nougat candies.
Maple pecan fudge brings together two delicious flavors in one sweet treat. You’ll need white chocolate chips, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, maple extract, and chopped pecans.
Melt the chocolate chips, brown sugar, and condensed milk in the microwave. Stir in maple extract and fold in the pecans. Pour the mixture into a lined pan and let it cool.
For extra crunch, try toasting the pecans first. Melt butter and brown sugar in a skillet, then add pecans and stir until coated. Cook for a few minutes until toasted.
Cut the cooled fudge into squares. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Sour cherry balls are a delightful homemade candy. You’ll love their tangy-sweet flavor and chewy texture. To make them, start with bottled cherries drained of their syrup.
Mix softened butter with powdered sugar and coconut. Roll the cherries in this mixture to form balls. Chill them to set.
For extra flair, dip the balls in melted chocolate. Let the chocolate harden before serving. These treats combine the tartness of cherries with rich sweetness.
Sour cherry balls make great gifts or party snacks. You can customize them by using different types of chocolate or adding nuts to the coating.
Espresso caramels blend rich coffee flavor with sweet, chewy candy. You can make these treats at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by combining heavy cream, butter, sugar, and espresso powder in a saucepan. Cook the mixture until it reaches 246°F (119°C) on a candy thermometer.
Pour the caramel into a lined pan and let it cool. Once set, cut it into small squares.
For extra flavor, try adding cocoa powder to make chocolate espresso caramels. You can also dip the finished candies in melted chocolate for a deluxe treat.
These caramels make great gifts or party favors. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Lavender white chocolates blend floral notes with creamy sweetness. To make them, infuse heavy cream with dried lavender. Strain the cream and mix it with melted white chocolate.
Chill the mixture until firm. Roll it into small balls and dip them in melted white chocolate. Let the chocolates set in the fridge.
You can dust the truffles with powdered sugar or drizzle them with more white chocolate. These treats make great gifts or party favors.
For best results, use high-quality white chocolate and food-grade lavender. Store your lavender white chocolates in an airtight container in the fridge.
Pumpkin spice fudge is a tasty fall treat you can make at home. You’ll need sugar, evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, butter, and pumpkin pie spice.
Mix the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir constantly while cooking. Use a candy thermometer to check when it reaches soft-ball stage (234-240°F).
Remove from heat and add white chocolate and marshmallow creme. Pour into a lined pan. Let it cool completely before cutting.
For extra flair, top with pecan pralines or pumpkin-shaped candies. This fudge has a rich, creamy texture and warm autumn flavors.
Cherry almond bark is a sweet treat that combines chocolate, cherries, and almonds. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
To make cherry almond bark, melt chocolate in a double boiler. Stir in dried cherries and toasted almonds. Spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet and let it cool.
You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate for this recipe. Dried cherries add a tart flavor, while almonds provide crunch. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of almond extract.
Once cooled and hardened, break the bark into pieces. Store in an airtight container. Cherry almond bark makes a great gift or dessert for parties.
Mango chili lollipops offer a unique twist on classic candy. You’ll need sugar, mango nectar, and corn syrup as the main ingredients.
Heat these in a saucepan until the mixture reaches 275°F. This is known as the soft-crack stage. Remove from heat immediately.
Place lollipop sticks in molds before pouring the hot mixture. For extra flavor, consider adding a mango candy flavoring.
To give your lollipops a spicy kick, sprinkle them with a Mexican fruit seasoning like Tajín. This adds chili, lime, and salt to complement the sweet mango.
Candied orange slices are a sweet treat you can make at home. You only need oranges, sugar, and water to create these chewy citrus delights.
Start by slicing oranges thinly. Simmer the slices in water to remove bitterness. Then cook them in a sugar syrup until they turn translucent.
Let the slices dry before enjoying. These candied oranges make great decorations for cakes and desserts. You can also dip them in chocolate for an extra special touch.
Try using different citrus fruits like lemons or grapefruits for variety. Candied orange slices make nice gifts during the holidays too.
You can make fluffy vanilla marshmallows at home with a few simple ingredients. Start by sprinkling gelatin over cold water in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat this mixture until it boils, then cook for 1 minute. Pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture while whisking.
Beat the marshmallow mixture on high speed for 10-12 minutes until it’s thick and white. Add vanilla extract near the end of mixing. Pour into a prepared pan and let it set for a few hours.
Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy your homemade vanilla marshmallows.
Mint chocolate truffles are a delightful treat you can make at home. Start by melting dark chocolate with condensed milk in a double boiler. Mix until smooth.
Add mint extract to the chocolate mixture for flavor. Let it cool and firm up in the fridge for a few hours.
Shape the chilled mixture into small balls. Roll them in cocoa powder, melted chocolate, or crushed candy canes for coating.
For extra flair, drizzle melted white chocolate over the truffles. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy these cool, creamy candies.
Essential Tips for Making Homemade Candy
Making candy at home can be fun and rewarding. With the right knowledge, tools, and safety practices, you can create delicious treats in your own kitchen.
Understanding the Basics of Candy Making
Candy making is all about sugar and temperature control. You’ll need to learn about different sugar stages, from soft ball to hard crack. Each stage happens at a specific temperature range.
Use a candy thermometer to check the sugar syrup temp. This helps you get the right texture for your candy.
Pay attention to humidity. It can affect how your candy sets. Dry days are best for making candy.
Stirring is key in some recipes, while others need no stirring at all. Follow your recipe closely.
Let cooked candy cool before shaping or cutting. This prevents burns and helps the candy keep its form.
Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need
Stock your kitchen with these basic candy-making tools:
Candy thermometer
Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Silicone spatula
Candy molds
Parchment paper
Cooling racks
For ingredients, always use fresh, high-quality items:
Granulated sugar
Light corn syrup
Heavy cream
Butter
Flavorings (vanilla, peppermint, etc.)
Food coloring (optional)
Measure ingredients exactly. Candy making needs precision.
Keep your work area clean and organized. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Safety Tips When Working with Sugar
Hot sugar can cause serious burns. Always be careful when handling it.
Wear long sleeves and closed-toe shoes to protect your skin.
Keep a bowl of ice water nearby. If you get burned, put the area in the water right away.
Don’t taste hot candy. It can burn your mouth badly.
Use oven mitts when handling hot pans or pouring hot sugar.
Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen when making candy.
Clean up spills right away. Sugar hardens fast and can be slippery.
Don’t get distracted. Candy making needs your full attention to be safe and successful.
Troubleshooting Common Candy Problems
Making candy at home can be tricky. Here are some tips to fix common issues you might run into during the candy-making process.
Why Your Candy Isn’t Setting Properly
Candy that won’t set is often due to not cooking it long enough. Use a candy thermometer to reach the right temperature. For most candies, you’ll need to hit the “hard ball” stage (250-265°F).
Humidity can also cause setting problems. Try making candy on dry days. If it’s humid, cook the candy 1-2 degrees higher than the recipe says.
Let the candy cool completely before cutting or shaping. This can take several hours, so be patient.
Dealing with Crystallization
Crystallization makes candy grainy and unpleasant. To prevent it, avoid stirring the mixture once it starts boiling. Use a wet pastry brush to wipe down the sides of the pan.
Adding corn syrup or cream of tartar can help stop crystals from forming. These ingredients break up sugar molecules.
If crystals do form, try reheating the candy with a little water. Cook it again to the right temperature.
Fixing Sticky or Grainy Candy
Sticky candy often means it didn’t cook long enough. Next time, use a thermometer and cook to a higher temperature.
For grainy candy, you may have stirred too much or let sugar crystals form. Try adding corn syrup to your recipe.
If your candy is too hard, you likely cooked it too long. Cook for less time in your next batch.
Store candy in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. This keeps it from getting sticky or stale.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
