Get ready to fulfill those sugar cravings because I’m diving headfirst into a world of delectable delights!
This ultimate guide is overflowing with sweetness, offering you 25 opportunities to whip up your own amazing confections.
From timeless classics to inventive twists, prepare to unleash your inner candy maker and embark on a journey to sugary paradise!
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams
If you’re looking for an amazing treat, you can’t go wrong with these! And what’s great is that no one has to know just how simple they are to put together.
I am a fan of both the flavor and texture of graham crackers, however any cookie will do for this. The real magic here is the peanut butter and white chocolate coating.
Avoid natural peanut butter, though, as smooth peanut butter is a must here, and it won’t melt smooth. I enjoy pairing it with dark chocolate, but a blend of dark and milk would also be amazing.
2. Peppermint Patties Recipe
Everybody loves those cool and decadent York Peppermint Patties! I know I just cannot get enough of that filling. That’s why I’ve even used it as a decadent chocolate cake filling!
For this one, the texture is a key part, and you’ll want to mix in the powdered sugar until a soft dough appears. Although, in the past, I have made it slightly softer and even piped it into a yummy homemade Oreo cookie sandwich.
For even more yumminess, dip one end in chocolate.
3. Homemade Jelly Beans
Okay, I’ve gotta be honest with you, this recipe isn’t perfect. Compared to what you’re used to, they’re a bit softer, and the coating isn’t as smooth or set.
That said, just the thought of whipping up some delicious margarita jelly beans was enough to pull me in! Here’s an amazing little shortcut I found: pour the mixture into a handful of straws, just as you may have seen for jelly worms.
After they’ve set, take out the long jelly-bean sticks, then portion them out. The final step is creating the coating.
For 10–15 minutes, the beans need to be “tumbled” in a sugar syrup. The good news is, you can do this right in front of your TV!
4. Candied Orange Peel Recipe
I am still completely shocked by the number of folks who just toss out the citrus peel. It’s fantastic candied.
Not only that, but it will last for months in the freezer and is also a great way to decorate a cake. Though I will admit that it can be kind of time-consuming to make.
For you to get rid of any trace of bitterness, the water needs to be boiled and freshened up several times. That said, once it’s tossed in sugar and boiled in simple syrup, it’s a vibrant treat that everyone will devour.
5. Easy Crockpot Candy
To be frank, I appreciate everything about this title! What better than easy candy I’m able to make in my slow cooker?
Just throw everything in the pot, then let it melt. What’s important is to stir the mixture, then cook it all without a lid so that no water is able to seep in.
When it’s all mixed, use a spoon to portion out some bite-sized bits on some parchment paper and sprinkle with a little bit of sea salt.
6. Saltine Cracker Toffee
One year, I vividly remember getting a tiny bag of this as a holiday gift. After only one bite, I just had to request the recipe.
What’s interesting is that, yet again, it’s such a simple blend that ends up working so beautifully. The salty crackers make an amazing base for the decadent toffee and dark chocolate that goes on top.
The key here is remembering that you won’t need any salt in the toffee if you’re making it with saltines. While a sprinkle of sea salt is delightful, in this case, it may just be too much.
7. Easy Buckeye Recipe
While I can’t recall the first time I gave these a try, I just enjoy their overall look. They look amazing when they’re nestled into a delightful cookie platter, or even with fun candy eyes for Halloween!
While the filling is very similar to what you’ll find in a peanut butter fudge, it will end up being slightly softer. For perfectly round little portions, I enjoy using an ice cream scoop.
What’s important is that you use a toothpick when you’re dipping it all into the chocolate. Also, be sure that you leave the top uncovered.
8. Samoa Truffles
Do you get a little bit crazy when it’s Girls Scout cookie season? Do you keep a box stashed away in the freezer just for a rainy day? I get it, and I’m right there with you.
That’s why I’m a huge fan of this recipe in particular. In just a half an hour, you can enjoy that Samoa flavor all throughout the year!
That heavenly filling of toasted coconut and caramel is truly amazing, and I would probably eat it directly out of the bowl. Though, if you’re able to hold off, dipping it in chocolate will give you the most delectable little bites.
9. Cool Whip Candy
Is there any time you’ve ever bitten into a wonderful candy bar and ended up wondering, “what is that texture that’s so amazing?” Anytime I can’t figure something out, as a baker, I just go ahead and Google it.
Now, I’m certain that all those huge companies don’t actually use Cool Whip to create that creamy, rich filling, but trust me, it really works! Make sure that you warm up your arm, though, because it’s going to need some folding!
10. Lemon Drop Candies
When you’re making hard candies such as this at home, it’s important that everything you’ll need is ready to go before you even get started. What this means is that you’ll need to have all the equipment you’ll need on hand and scale everything out.
Given that you’ll be boiling sugar, it’s crucial that you move as fast as you can when the mix ends up reaching the right temperature. What’s amazing about this recipe is that you’re not even shooting for perfectly round little portions.
They’re able to be rustic and also different shapes; it’s the flavor that counts!
11. Chocolate Covered Pretzels
While I have so much love for these pretzel bites, I’ve gotta say that I don’t always have the patience to dip every one of my pretzels. I move forward with such amazing intentions, and I usually get a dozen or two that are perfect.
Then, though, I end up getting bored and decide to pour the chocolate into the piping bags and stripe them instead. Then again, it’s nice to have a blend, right?
Whether or not they have sprinkles, these look amazing, and I’m especially a fan of those pretzel rods!
12. Homemade Mallomars
When was the last time that you enjoyed a mallomar? I’ll bet you really enjoyed it, whenever it was.
They’re pretty sinful, with that light, crisp base, decadent middle, and rich chocolate coating. If you ever intend to make your own marshmallows, it should definitely be for this recipe.
I promise you, it’s not that hard!
13. Stained Glass Candy
This recipe is a bit more involved. That said, you will need a useful candy thermometer; I tend to opt for a bigger version that hooks right on the pan’s side.
What’s great here is that you can make it as vibrant as you want. Plus, should you be able to find some flavored oils, it can be just about any flavor, from raspberry to mint.
14. Homemade Caramels
While it’s definitely cheap and simple enough to pick up a bag of caramel candies from the store, they just don’t really compare to what you can make at home. Thanks to the use of evaporated milk, this recipe ends up being especially flavorful, and when you’re making it at home, you have the ability to throw in all sorts of fun extras, such as chopped nuts or mini-chocolate chips.
15. Homemade Almond Joy Candy Bars
You’re simply not going to believe how easy this recipe is, and the taste is just like the real thing. Just six ingredients make up the filling: condensed milk, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, almonds, and shredded coconut.
What I tend to do is chop my almonds up, then scatter them over the top, rather than using just one almond for each portion. After it’s set, just cut it all into bars, then dip them in some amazing dark chocolate.
16. The Easiest Microwave Cashew Brittle Recipe
Is there anyone in your life who may be afflicted by a peanut allergy? If so, you’re not alone!
It’s a shame, I know, for those who aren’t able to enjoy peanut butter, as there are just so many awesome recipes that are absolutely full of the stuff. With that in mind, it really makes sense to experiment with familiar favorites but using different additions.
Given that cashews are so incredibly creamy and nutty, you won’t even miss the peanuts! Just a bit of sea salt on top and, possibly, a drizzle of rich chocolate is all that’s needed.
17. Churro Toffee Disneyland Copycat Recipe
If there is one thing we have the 2020 lockdown to appreciate, it’s got to be the release of each of those amazing Disney Park recipes. While I’ve heard of these sugary snacks before, I’ve never actually been able to try them out for real.
Obviously, making them right at home is the next best thing! It can feel a bit scary making English toffee in the beginning, but what’s important is that you trust yourself and move carefully with that super hot pot.
With this one, what’s key is that you use the highest-quality white chocolate you can get your hands on, then go wild with the cinnamon sugar!
18. Gummy Recipe
It’s pure genius how a batch of these soft and amazing gummies comes from that flavored drink you love! All you’re going to need here is your drink of choice, some gelatin, and corn syrup to keep it all stable.
Just be sure that you don’t use a soft drink unless it ends up going flat. The bubbles will impact the results, and you won’t get an amazing gummy.
If you’re more of a vegan, agar agar makes an amazing substitute for gelatin. Just be sure that you remember it will have a more firm texture.
19. Southern Pecan Pralines
I find myself having a deep and abiding love for pralines. You just can’t resist them, between that creamy coating and those lightly toasted pecans.
You’re going to need that useful candy thermometer once again. When you’re mixing in the nuts, be sure not to over-mix; otherwise, you’ll lose the texture that’s oh-so-smooth.
When all of it is mixed together, you’ll need to move fast to scoop out those sugary portions. If you would prefer, you can also pour that mix into a lined baking dish, then portion it out into squares.
20. Scottish Tablet
You may find yourself wondering why there’s another batch of fudge on this amazing list. Well, for starters, what can be wrong with just a little too much?
That said, what it really comes down to is that Scottish tablet, in addition to many other fudges from the UK, have a texture that’s much different from what we tend to be used to. What we typically see is a very creamy, chewy fudge; many UK fudge recipes are going to leave you with something that’s much more crumbly.
Biting into it will cause it to break right in half before it ultimately melts right in your mouth. What’s important to note is that there’s a LOT of sugar in this!
21. Homemade Gumdrops
I really had no clue it could be so easy to whip up some chewy gumdrops right in my own kitchen. Yes, there’s a bit of boiling sugar that’s needed, I know.
What’s also required is that you make them whatever crazy colors you can to make yourself happy. In terms of the equipment, just be sure that you grab some silicone and oven-proof candy molds.
There are quite a few of them that I have, and I just adore using the fun shapes. What’s important is that, once they’re set, you’ll roll them in a little bit of sugar before setting them out to let them crystalize for a couple of days.
22. Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtles Candy
There’s just so much to appreciate about these turtles, and they’re just so simple to throw together at the last minute. Whenever you’re working with nuts, it’s a fantastic idea to toast them ahead of time.
What this will do is enhance the overall flavor, and it should only take a matter of minutes. If you just can’t find the time to whip up your own caramel, feel free to just melt some amazing candies down.
23. Easy Homemade Lollipops
There’s really nothing at all wrong with making use of shortcuts as you cook. Why not work smarter, and not harder, right?
Of course, you’ll find that certain recipes need more complicated and more extended techniques. But the truth is that, when it comes to candy, it really just needs to be sweet!
For this, you’re just going to need some cute candy molds (just be sure that they are oven-safe) plus some hard candies. All you’ll have to do is fill those molds with the hard candies, then bake the molds until your candy melts. It’s that simple!
24. Oh Henry Bars (Scotcharoos)
More often than not, these are referred to as peanut butter Rice Krispie treats. What’s interesting is that the name comes from an old candy bar from way back when.
Whatever the name may be, it’s hard to beat the overall blend of crispy cereal with crunchy peanut butter, decadent butterscotch, and yummy chocolate.