Homemade candy is a sweet treat that brings joy to both kids and adults. Making your own candy lets you control the ingredients and create unique flavors.

You can make classic favorites or try new recipes to impress your friends and family.

With 30 homemade candy recipes, you’ll find options for every taste and skill level. These recipes cover a range of candy types, from chocolate truffles to gummy candies.

You’ll learn tips and tricks to make perfect candy at home. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious homemade treats.

1. Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge is a creamy, sweet treat that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients: sugar, milk, butter, and peanut butter.

Start by melting butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and milk, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often.

Take the pan off the heat and mix in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour this mixture over powdered sugar in a bowl. Stir until smooth.

Spread the fudge in a lined baking dish. Let it cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your homemade peanut butter fudge!

2. Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles are a delicious homemade candy you can easily make. You only need a few ingredients to create these rich, creamy treats.

Start by mixing melted chocolate with warm cream to form a ganache. Let it cool and firm up in the fridge.

Once chilled, scoop out small portions and roll them into balls. You can coat your truffles in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate.

For extra flavor, try adding vanilla extract or a splash of liqueur to the ganache. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for unique tastes.

3. Salted Caramel Candy

Salted caramel candy is a sweet treat with a perfect balance of flavors. You can make this delicious candy at home with just a few ingredients.

To start, you’ll need sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Mix the sugar, corn syrup, and cream in a heavy-bottomed pot.

Heat the mixture while stirring until it reaches 245°F (118°C).

Remove the pot from heat and add butter and salt. Pour the caramel into a prepared pan lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely before cutting into pieces.

For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the right temperature. You can adjust the salt to your liking, making the caramels more or less salty.

4. Almond Brittle

Almond brittle is a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for the holidays. You can make this candy at home with just a few ingredients.

To create almond brittle, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add almonds, sugar, and syrup, then cook until the mixture turns caramel-colored.

For a simpler version, try melting coconut oil with maple syrup and coconut sugar. Stir in slivered almonds and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Some recipes call for corn syrup, water, and salt. Boil these ingredients until they reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Then mix in butter, baking soda, and toasted almonds.

You can enjoy your homemade almond brittle as a snack or give it as a gift during the holiday season.

5. Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are sweet, chewy treats that are easy to make at home. You’ll need shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, egg whites, and a pinch of salt.

Mix the coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

These macaroons are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can dip them in melted chocolate for extra flavor.

6. Butterscotch Toffee

Butterscotch toffee is a sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of butter and brown sugar. You can make this classic candy at home with just a few ingredients.

To create butterscotch toffee, you’ll need to cook sugar, butter, and corn syrup until they reach the hard crack stage. This process requires careful attention to temperature.

Once cooked, you can pour the mixture onto a prepared surface to cool. After it hardens, break the toffee into pieces for a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth candy.

For added flavor, try sprinkling sea salt on top or dipping the pieces in chocolate. Homemade butterscotch toffee makes a great gift or party treat.

7. Lemon Drops

Lemon drops are a classic hard candy with a tart and sweet flavor. You can make these at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by mixing sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it reaches 310°F on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat and let it cool briefly. Add lemon flavoring, yellow food coloring, and citric acid for extra tang.

Pour the hot mixture onto a prepared surface and let it cool. Once hardened, break it into small pieces.

Dust the candies with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Store your homemade lemon drops in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

8. Mint Patties

Mint patties are a refreshing homemade candy you can easily make. You’ll need powdered sugar, condensed milk, peppermint extract, and chocolate for coating.

Mix the sugar, milk, and extract to form a dough. Shape it into small discs and chill them in the freezer.

Melt chocolate chips with a bit of shortening or coconut oil. Dip the chilled patties in the melted chocolate and let them set.

For best results, store your homemade mint patties in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and firm, ready for a cool treat anytime.

9. Rock Candy

Rock candy is a fun and tasty homemade treat. To make it, you’ll need sugar, water, and some patience.

Start by making a sugar syrup. Heat water and add sugar until it’s fully dissolved. Pour the syrup into clean jars.

Dip a stick or string into the syrup and coat it with sugar. Hang it in the jar, making sure it doesn’t touch the sides.

Leave the jars in a cool, quiet spot for about a week. Sugar crystals will slowly form on the stick.

When the crystals are big enough, take out your rock candy. Let it dry before enjoying your sweet creation.

10. Pecan Pralines

Pecan pralines are a beloved Southern candy that you can easily make at home. These sweet treats combine crunchy pecans with a rich, caramelized sugar coating.

To make pecan pralines, you’ll need brown sugar, butter, cream, and pecans. Cook the sugar mixture until it reaches the soft ball stage, then stir in the pecans.

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper and let them cool. The result is a delicious candy with a satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Pecan pralines make great gifts or party favors. You can also enjoy them as a special dessert or snack. With some practice, you’ll master this classic Southern confection.

11. Gummy Bears

Making gummy bears at home is easier than you might think. You’ll need gelatin, flavored Jello, water, and silicone molds.

Start by mixing gelatin and Jello in a saucepan with water. Heat the mixture on low, stirring until everything dissolves.

Pour the liquid into molds using a dropper or small spoon. Try to avoid creating bubbles.

Place the molds in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Once set, pop out your homemade gummy bears.

Store your treats in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for a few weeks.

12. Buttermints

Buttermints are a classic homemade candy that’s easy to make. You’ll need butter, powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and salt.

Mix the soft butter with salt, then add condensed milk and beat to combine. Gradually add powdered sugar until a dough forms. Knead in peppermint extract to taste.

Roll the dough into small balls or shapes on a powdered sugar-dusted surface. You can also tint portions of the dough different colors for variety.

Let the mints dry at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying. Store them in an airtight container. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for holidays or special occasions.

13. Maple Cream Candy

Maple cream candy is a sweet treat made from pure maple syrup. To make it, you’ll need to boil maple syrup until it reaches the right temperature.

Once boiled, let the syrup cool slightly before stirring vigorously. This creates a creamy texture as the sugar crystals form.

Pour the mixture into molds or spread it on a baking sheet. Let it set until firm.

You can add chopped nuts for extra crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well with the maple flavor.

Store your maple cream candy in an airtight container. It makes a great gift or snack to enjoy with coffee or tea.

14. Coffee Caramels

Coffee caramels blend rich coffee flavor with smooth, chewy caramel. To make them, you’ll need a candy thermometer and some patience.

Start by melting butter and sugar in a saucepan. Add cream and coffee, then cook until the mixture reaches the right temperature.

Pour the hot caramel into a lined pan and let it cool completely. This can take several hours or overnight.

Once set, cut the caramel into small squares. Wrap each piece in wax paper or cellophane for a polished look.

These treats make great gifts or party favors. You can adjust the coffee strength to suit your taste preferences.

15. Marshmallow Swirl

Marshmallow swirls are a tasty twist on classic homemade marshmallows. You can create these fluffy treats by adding flavored swirls to your base marshmallow mixture.

Try adding a salted caramel swirl for a sweet and salty combination. Another option is to mix in a dark chocolate swirl for a rich contrast.

To make the swirls, prepare your marshmallow base as usual. Then, fold in your chosen flavor using a figure-eight motion. This creates beautiful swirls throughout the marshmallow.

Pour the mixture into a prepared pan and let it set. Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy your unique homemade marshmallow swirls.

16. Honeycomb Candy

Honeycomb candy is a sweet treat that’s fun to make at home. You’ll need sugar, honey, water, and baking soda.

Mix the sugar, honey, and water in a pot. Heat the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).

Take the pot off the heat and quickly stir in baking soda. The mixture will foam up.

Pour it onto a lined baking sheet and let it cool. Once hard, break it into pieces.

The result is a crunchy, airy candy with a honeycomb-like texture. You can enjoy it plain or dip it in chocolate for extra flavor.

17. Raspberry Jellies

Raspberry jellies are a delightful homemade candy. You can make these sweet treats with just a few ingredients.

To start, mix pectin, water, and baking soda in a small bowl. In a separate pan, combine sugar and raspberry jam.

Cook both mixtures over heat, stirring regularly. The pectin mixture will foam up at first, then thin out. The sugar mixture should reach a rapid boil.

Pour the cooked mixture into a lined pan. Let it cool and set for several hours.

Once firm, cut the jelly into small squares. You can coat them in sugar or dip them in chocolate for extra flavor.

These candies make great gifts or party treats. They’re perfect for raspberry lovers and candy enthusiasts alike.

18. Cherry Cordial Chocolates

Cherry cordial chocolates are a sweet treat you can make at home. They have a cherry center wrapped in chocolate. To make them, start with maraschino cherries.

Soak the cherries in cherry liqueur or juice overnight. This adds extra flavor. Next, make a sugar syrup and let it cool. Dip each cherry in the syrup and let it dry.

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Dip the coated cherries in the melted chocolate. Place them on a lined baking sheet to set.

You can add coconut oil to the chocolate to make it smoother. For best results, chill the cherries before dipping in chocolate.

19. Orange Slices

Orange slices make a delightful homemade candy. To make them, start by washing and slicing oranges into 1/4-inch rounds. Boil the slices in water for a few minutes to remove bitterness.

Next, create a simple syrup by mixing equal parts sugar and water. Simmer the orange slices in this syrup until they become translucent and candied.

Let the slices cool and dry on a wire rack. For extra sweetness, roll them in sugar. You can also dip them in melted chocolate for a fancier treat.

These candied orange slices are great on their own or as a garnish for desserts and drinks.

20. Cinnamon Hard Candy

Cinnamon hard candy is a sweet treat you can make at home. You’ll need sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon oil or extract.

Mix sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat and quickly stir in cinnamon flavoring. Pour the hot syrup onto a greased baking sheet.

Let the candy cool completely. Break it into pieces once hardened. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

This homemade candy has a strong cinnamon flavor and a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for holiday gifts or as a special treat for yourself.

21. Toffee Apples

Toffee apples are a classic fall treat you can easily make at home.

Start by washing and drying your apples, then insert wooden skewers or lollipop sticks into the stem ends.

In a heavy-bottomed pan, mix sugar, water, and a bit of vinegar.

Heat the mixture gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then bring it to a boil without stirring.

Cook the syrup until it reaches 150°C (302°F) or turns golden in color.

Dip each apple into the hot toffee, coating it evenly. Let excess toffee drip off before placing the apples on parchment paper to cool and harden.

22. Pistachio Nougat

Pistachio nougat is a sweet treat that combines chewy nougat with crunchy pistachios. You can make this candy at home with just a few ingredients.

The main components are honey, sugar, egg whites, and pistachios. Some recipes also add almonds for extra crunch.

To make pistachio nougat, you’ll cook honey and sugar to create a syrup. Then you’ll whip egg whites and slowly add the hot syrup.

Finally, you’ll fold in toasted pistachios. The mixture is then poured into a lined pan to set.

This homemade candy has a light green color from the pistachios. It’s softer and chewier than store-bought versions.

Pistachio nougat makes a great gift or dessert for special occasions. You can cut it into small squares to serve.

23. Hazelnut Crunch

Hazelnut crunch is a sweet treat that combines the rich flavor of hazelnuts with a satisfying crunch. You can make this candy at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by toasting hazelnuts to bring out their flavor. Chop them finely or leave some larger pieces for extra texture.

Mix the hazelnuts with melted chocolate and a crunchy element like rice cereal or crushed wafers. Spread the mixture in a pan lined with parchment paper.

Let it cool completely before breaking or cutting into pieces. You can also shape the mixture into balls for a truffle-like treat.

For added indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or dust with cocoa powder.

Store your hazelnut crunch in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.

24. Mango Taffy

Mango taffy brings a tropical twist to this classic candy. To make it, you’ll need sugar, corn syrup, water, and mango flavoring.

Cook the sugar mixture to soft-crack stage, around 270°F (132°C). Add mango flavoring and food coloring if desired.

Pour the hot syrup onto a buttered surface and let it cool slightly. Once it’s safe to handle, start pulling and folding the taffy.

Keep stretching until it becomes lighter in color and harder to pull. Cut into pieces and wrap in wax paper.

Your homemade mango taffy will be chewy, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavor.

25. Apricot Jelly Squares

Apricot jelly squares are a tasty treat that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need apricot preserves, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour as the main ingredients.

Start by mixing the butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, then stir in the flour and baking powder.

Spread half the batter in a baking pan. Top with a layer of apricot preserves, then add the remaining batter.

Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Let the squares cool before cutting. These sweet and fruity bars are perfect for dessert or as a snack with tea.

26. Lavender Honey Lollipops

Lavender honey lollipops are a sweet treat that combines floral and honey flavors. To make them, you’ll need sugar, honey, and dried lavender buds.

Mix these ingredients with water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it reaches the right temperature for candy making.

While it cooks, prepare lollipop molds and sticks. Pour the hot candy mixture into the molds and add the sticks.

Let the lollipops cool completely before removing them from the molds.

You can adjust the lavender flavor by using more or less dried buds. For a twist, try adding a drop of vanilla extract to the mix.

27. Vanilla Bean Caramels

Vanilla bean caramels are a sweet treat you can make at home. They combine rich caramel flavor with the aromatic taste of real vanilla beans.

To make these candies, you’ll need heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla beans.

Heat the cream with split vanilla beans to infuse the flavor.

In a separate pot, cook the sugar mixture to the right temperature. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy.

When done, mix in the vanilla cream and butter.

Pour the caramel into a lined pan and let it cool. Once set, cut into bite-sized pieces.

Wrap each caramel in wax paper to prevent sticking.

These homemade caramels make great gifts or special treats for your family. The vanilla bean adds a gourmet touch to classic caramel candy.

28. Whiskey Cordials

Whiskey cordials are a grown-up candy treat. You’ll need chocolate, whiskey, and powdered sugar to make these boozy delights.

Start by making a thick paste with powdered sugar and whiskey. Form small balls from this mixture and chill them.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Dip the chilled whiskey balls into the melted chocolate using a fork. Let excess chocolate drip off.

Place the coated cordials on wax paper to set.

For best results, let them rest in a cool place for a few hours before enjoying.

These candies pack a punch, so enjoy them responsibly. They make great gifts for whiskey lovers or a special treat for yourself.

29. Blueberry Fudge

Blueberry fudge is a delightful twist on traditional fudge. You can make this creamy treat using white chocolate or baking chips as the base.

To create blueberry fudge, you’ll need condensed milk, heavy cream, and white baking chips.

Melt these ingredients together in the microwave, stirring frequently.

For the blueberry flavor, you have options. Use fresh or frozen blueberries to make a sauce, or try freeze-dried blueberries for intense flavor.

Mix your chosen blueberry element into the fudge base.

Pour the mixture into a lined pan and let it set. Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy your homemade blueberry fudge.

30. Pumpkin Spice Candy

Pumpkin spice candy brings the warm flavors of fall to your homemade treats.

You can make pumpkin spice truffles by mixing cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin, and spices. Roll the mixture into balls and coat them in melted chocolate.

For a different twist, try pumpkin spice fudge. Combine sugar, milk, pumpkin, and spices in a saucepan. Boil the mixture, then cool and cut into squares.

Pumpkin spice caramels are another tasty option. Melt butter with sugar, pumpkin, and spices. Cook the mixture, then pour it into a pan to set. Once cooled, cut into bite-sized pieces.

These candies make great gifts or party favors during autumn. They capture the essence of pumpkin pie in a sweet, portable form.

History of Homemade Candy

Candy making has a rich history spanning thousands of years. You can trace its origins back to ancient civilizations and see how it evolved with new ingredients and techniques over time.

Early Candy Making

You might be surprised to learn that candy making dates back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians mixed fruits and nuts with honey to create sweet treats.

In ancient India, people made candy from sugar cane juice. The Romans enjoyed candied fruits and seeds coated in honey.

During the Middle Ages, sugar became more available in Europe. This led to new types of candy. Hard candies, made by boiling sugar syrup, became popular. Confectioners also started making fruit jellies and marzipan.

In the 1800s, candy making became easier for home cooks. New tools and recipes made it possible to create sweets at home.

Evolution of Ingredients

As candy making spread, new ingredients changed the types of sweets you could make.

In the 16th century, cocoa arrived in Europe from the Americas. This led to the creation of chocolate candies.

The Industrial Revolution brought machines that could process ingredients faster. This made candy cheaper and more widely available. New sweeteners like corn syrup were introduced in the late 1800s.

In the 20th century, artificial flavors and colors became common in candy. But many people still prefer natural ingredients for homemade sweets.

Today, you can find recipes using everything from traditional sugar to healthier alternatives like fruit purees.

Key Techniques in Candy Making

Making candy at home takes skill and precision. You need to master a few key methods to get the best results. These techniques help you create the right texture and avoid common pitfalls.

Temperature and Texture

Candy texture depends on how hot you heat the sugar. Use a candy thermometer to get it right.

For soft candies like fudge, heat to 235-240°F. For hard candies, go up to 300-310°F.

Watch for visual cues too. Soft ball stage looks like soft, sticky balls in cold water. Hard crack stage forms brittle threads.

Let cooked candy cool without stirring to prevent crystals. This gives a smooth texture.

For creamy candies, beat the mixture as it cools to add air.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t rush the cooking process. Heat sugar mixtures slowly and evenly.

Stirring too much can cause grainy candy.

Humidity affects candy making. Choose a dry day for best results.

Store finished candies in airtight containers.

Measure ingredients carefully. Even small changes can ruin a recipe.

Clean your pot and tools well. Any bits of sugar can make your candy crystallize.

Use a damp pastry brush to wipe down the sides of the pot while cooking.

Be careful with add-ins like nuts or fruit. Add them at the right time so they don’t burn or sink.