12 DIY Valentine’s Day Candy Recipes (Better Than Store-Bought!)

You’re looking for a way to make Valentine’s Day sweeter, and homemade candies are a great option.

You’ll find that making your own treats can be easier than you think, and they’re often more delicious than store-bought ones.

With a few simple ingredients, you can create unique candies that impress, but which recipes will you choose to try first?

1. Chocolate Dipped Strawberry

Indulge in a classic romantic treat with chocolate dipped strawberries.

Ingredients

• 12 large strawberries
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly to remove any dirt or moisture.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
3. Stir in the shortening and vanilla extract to create a smooth chocolate mixture.
4. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, coating about 3/4 of the strawberry.
5. Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Refrigerate the strawberries for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
7. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.

2. Creamy Caramel Fudge

Rich and indulgent, creamy caramel fudge is a perfect Valentine’s Day treat.

Ingredients

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Combine sweetened condensed milk, sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter, sea salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until set.
8. Cut the fudge into small squares and serve.

3. Valentine Candy Bark

Valentine Candy Bark is a sweet and easy-to-make treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed conversation hearts
• 1 cup chopped Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles
• 1 tablespoon shortening

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Melt the milk chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. Pour the melted white chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer.
5. Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the white chocolate layer.
6. Sprinkle the crushed conversation hearts and chopped sprinkles over the top of the chocolate layers.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
8. Break the bark into pieces and serve.

4. Handmade Peanut Brittle

Crispy peanut brittle perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanuts
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Combine peanuts, corn syrup, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt.
6. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a thin layer.
7. Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
8. Break the peanut brittle into pieces and serve.

5. Rich Chocolate Truffles

Indulge in decadent Rich Chocolate Truffles, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring occasionally.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
3. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until well combined.
5. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop the mixture into balls.
7. Roll each ball between your hands to shape into smooth truffles.
8. Roll the truffles in confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts to coat.
9. Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Serve the truffles chilled, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

6. Sugar Cookie Candies

Sugar Cookie Candies are sweet treats that combine cookie and candy elements.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring
• Sprinkles or other decorations

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan and heat to 300°F.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Add gelatin and vanilla extract, stirring until dissolved.
4. Add food coloring to tint the candies.
5. Pour mixture onto a greased surface and let set.
6. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
7. Decorate with sprinkles or other decorations.

7. Fruit Leather Candy

Sweet and tangy fruit leather candy made at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed fruit juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 150°F (65°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine fruit juice, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the water.
6. Let the mixture cool slightly, then pour it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Place the baking sheet in the oven and dehydrate for 3-4 hours, or until the mixture has reached the desired consistency.
8. Remove the fruit leather from the oven and let it cool completely.
9. Peel the fruit leather off the parchment paper and cut it into strips or rolls.
10. Store the fruit leather candy in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

8. Homemade Lollipop

Sweet and tangy homemade lollipops perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• Food coloring
• Flavorings such as vanilla or fruit extracts
• Lollipop molds

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then increase heat to medium-high.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
5. Remove from heat and carefully add food coloring and flavorings.
6. Pour the mixture into lollipop molds and allow to cool and set.
7. Once set, remove from molds and enjoy.

9. Coconut Cream Candy

Rich coconut cream candy for a sweet Valentine’s Day treat.

Ingredients

• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine coconut milk, granulated sugar, unsweetened shredded coconut, and salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Roll the coconut mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar to coat.
8. If desired, roll the sugar-coated balls in chopped nuts for extra texture.
9. Place the coconut cream candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set before serving.

10. Cinnamon Sugar Candy

Sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar candy for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture reaches 300°F.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon extract and ground cinnamon.
7. Let the mixture cool slightly, then pour onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Allow the candy to cool and set at room temperature.
9. Break the candy into pieces and add food coloring if desired.

11. Whipped Cream Candy

Sweet and airy Whipped Cream Candy is a delightful treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the candy.
5. Spoon the whipped cream mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
6. Pipe small stars onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the candy.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy.

12. Vanilla Bean Caramels

Rich, creamy caramels infused with the sweetness of vanilla beans.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and sea salt in a medium saucepan.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel turns a deep amber color.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until melted.
7. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and stir them into the caramel mixture.
8. Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and let cool to room temperature.
9. Once set, remove the caramel from the parchment paper and cut into small squares.
10. Dust the caramels with confectioners’ sugar and serve.

Conclusion

You’ve just made Valentine’s Day sweeter with these DIY candies. Did you know 58% of Americans prefer homemade treats? Now, you’re part of that stat, creating unique goodies like creamy caramel fudge and rich chocolate truffles that surpass store-bought ones – it’s a sweet win!