Now that Valentine's Day is around the corner, does anyone else feel like they're being haunted by candy hearts and boxed chocolate? These treats basically define the romantic holiday — but honestly, I'd rather make homemade candy gifts for Valentine's Day. It's a more meaningful approach to the usual set of presents, especially if you've been in a relationship for a long time.
If you're intimidated by the thought of making candy, though, don't fret. The process is surprisingly easy and cheap, and you don't need fancy ingredients or equipment. Some recipes call for store-bought candy, which is useful if you're scrambling for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift.
Obviously, homemade candy ideas are also a must for celebrating Galentine's Day. The ladies in our lives are nothing short of amazing, so they definitely deserve more than a generic pink and red package of questionable chocolates. And if you're throwing a Galentine's Day party in honor of your squad, serve your homemade treats as dessert or party favors. Better yet, turn it into an activity and make it together.
The list of 15 candy recipes is just the beginning. Don't be afraid to personalize each one with ingredients like edible glitter, sprinkles, and of course, a meaningful card or message.
1Rose-Flavored Rock Candy
Aside from being the go-to flowers of Valentine's Day, roses are known for their sweet and delicate flavor. And thanks to this simple tutorial by A Beautiful Mess, you can infuse homemade candy with notes of this iconic bloom.
2Homemade Tootsie Rolls
Tootsie Rolls might not seem like a romantic candy, but when it's homemade, how can you resist? Follow this recipe by A Cozy Kitchen, then wrap each one piece with wax paper. Add a strip of washi tape or ribbon for extra flair.
3Pretzel Bark Candy
If you're intimidated by the thought of making an edible gift, try this pretzel bark recipe by Brown Eyed Baker. It's one of those beginner-friendly recipes that is almost impossible to mess up. All you need to do is melt and pour.
4Strawberry Marshmallow Fudge
For the person that loves a little bit of everything, make this strawberry marshmallow fudge by My Baking Addiction. It involves fruit-flavored marshmallows, Nutella, rice crisps, and dried strawberries? Now, that's what I call love.
5Gummy Candy
DIY gummy candy is surprisingly easy to make. All you need are basic ingredients and silicone molds, which are available in countless shapes like robots and skulls. The possibilities are literally endless. To make a batch for Valentine's Day, check out the recipe by A Beautiful Mess.
6Strawberry Pistachio Nougat
Fans of sweet and salty flavors will adore this strawberry pistachio nougat. It's also beautiful to look at, so that certainly doesn't hurt. Find the full recipe at A Cozy Kitchen.
7Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
It's no secret that peanut butter cups have a cult following. And if your Valentine's Day recipient happens to be a fan, consider making this homemade version by Willow Bird Baking. Something tells me you'll get some serious brownie points.
8Spring Flower Lollipops
OK, so maybe it isn't spring yet. But how gorgeous are these lollipops by Sprinkle Bakes? You can definitely use real flowers, but be sure to use the organic kind from an herb shop or nursery. Violas, pansies, and roses are lovely edible options.
9Vegan Caramel
Know a vegan with a sweet tooth? Make their heart skip a beat with these vegan caramels by The Kitchn. Ingredients like Medjool dates and almond butter bring in lots of flavor and even more nutrition.
105-Ingredient Crockpot Bars
If you've never used a Crockpot to make candy, you're missing out. All it takes is five ingredients but there is so much room for customization. Half Baked Harvest has the lowdown.
12Heart Lollipops
If recipes from scratch isn't your style, visit Studio DIY and make these heart lollipops. All you need to do is melt store-bought candy, so there's no way you can mess it up.
13Hot Chocolate On A Stick
The only thing better than a cup of hot chocolate is hot chocolate on a stick. Yes, you read that right. In this tutorial, Chocolate Covered Katie worked some serious magic by combining ingredients like hot cocoa mix, maple syrup, and coconut milk. Yum.
14Edible Glitter Chocolate Bars
We all know that one person who is basically a real-life unicorn. And with Studio DIY's recipe for glitter chocolate bars, they can also poop actual glitter. Dreams really do come true.
15DIY Rock Candy
Studio DIY does it again with a recipe for homemade rock candy. I can imagine lovers of crystals adoring this treat, and they're the epitome of a gram-worthy gift.
