5 Easy Candy Recipes for Homemade Treats

If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy creating treats at home, making your own candies can be both a rewarding and delicious endeavor. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can concoct an array of delightful candies that are sure to impress both family and friends. Here are five easy candy recipes that you can whip up in your kitchen for a treat that's not only fun to make but also delightful to eat.

Fudge Bonbons

Begin your candy-making adventure with this simple yet scrumptious fudge bonbon recipe:

• 1/4 cup butter - Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk - Add the milk to the melted butter.
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - Stir in the chocolate chips until melted.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Add the vanilla extract.
• 1 1/4 cups crushed nuts or cookies - For texture and flavor.
• 1 package (14 ounces) caramels - Unwrap and melt for the bonbon's center.

Steps:

1. Combine butter, milk, and chocolate chips in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the chocolate is fully melted.
2. Remove from heat, add the vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly.
3. Chill the mixture in a refrigerator for about an hour.
4. Once chilled, roll the mixture into small balls, flatten slightly, and use your finger to create a small well in the center of each.
5. Fill the well with melted caramel.
6. Refrigerate again until the caramel sets. Dip in melted chocolate for a final touch, if desired.

✅ Note: For a vegan or dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut milk, vegan chocolate, and dairy-free caramels.

Homemade Lollipops

Lollipops are not just for kids! Here’s how you can make colorful and flavorful lollipops right in your kitchen:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup corn syrup
• 2/3 cup water
• Assorted food coloring and flavor extracts

Steps:

1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Use a candy thermometer to heat the mixture to the hard-crack stage (about 300°F).
3. Once reached, remove from heat. Add food coloring and flavor extract (like vanilla, peppermint, or cinnamon).
4. Pour the hot mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets with lollipop sticks already placed.
5. Let them cool completely before removing.

Homemade lollipops can be customized with various flavors and colors, making them a hit at any gathering or simply as a fun kitchen project with the kids.

Peppermint Patties

These minty treats are perfect for holiday parties or an afternoon pick-me-up:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
• 5 to 6 cups powdered sugar
• Chocolate coating (melting wafers or baking chocolate)

Steps:

1. Mix the condensed milk and peppermint extract in a bowl.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, kneading until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, flatten slightly, and refrigerate to set.
4. Dip in melted chocolate and allow to harden on wax paper.

Peppermint patties can be stored in the fridge for a refreshing burst of flavor any time of year.

Gummy Bears

Create your own gummy candies with this straightforward recipe:

• 1/3 cup water
• 1 package of unflavored gelatin
• 1 ounce fruit juice concentrate (flavor of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

1. Bloom the gelatin in the water for a few minutes.
2. Add the sugar and juice concentrate, heat until the gelatin and sugar are fully dissolved.
3. Use a dropper to fill candy molds with the mixture.
4. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until set.

Gummy Bears are not only a delight to eat but also fun to mold into various shapes for added visual appeal.

Rock Candy

Craft beautiful rock candy sticks with this enchanting recipe:

• 2 cups water
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• Food coloring and flavor extract (optional)

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar, heating until sugar dissolves. Add food coloring and flavor if using.
2. Pour the hot sugar solution into a jar with a string or stick tied across the top.
3. Let it sit undisturbed for several days to form crystals.

Rock candy is not only a delicious treat but also a fun science experiment that teaches kids about crystal formation.

These homemade candy recipes are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're an engaging way to spend time in the kitchen. Crafting sweets can be a delightful family activity, providing both education and entertainment. The joy of creating something tasty from scratch is unparalleled, and these recipes ensure that your kitchen adventures are sweet, satisfying, and successful. Enjoy the process, and don't hesitate to experiment with flavors or add personal touches to make these candies your own.

Do I need special equipment to make candy at home?

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Not necessarily! While a candy thermometer can be helpful, many recipes like fudge or rock candy can be made without one. However, for lollipops and hard candies, precise temperature control is important, so a thermometer is recommended.

Can I store these homemade candies for later?

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Yes, most of these candies can be stored. Fudge and peppermint patties should be refrigerated, while gummies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Rock candy should be kept in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the crystals.

How can I prevent my candy from becoming grainy?

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Prevent graininess by ensuring that sugar is fully dissolved, using corn syrup or cream of tartar to inhibit crystallization, and avoiding stirring once the mixture has reached the boiling stage.