The Best Homemade Candy Recipes

Craving candy? Why not make your own at home? Making candy at home is easy—especially if you have a kid helper by your side—and it makes for a sweet summer project. From an easy rock candy recipe to a taffy recipe you’ll want to bookmark, once you taste these candy recipes, you won’t ever want to go back to the store-bought stuff. All you need are a few common kitchen items and simple ingredients, so keep reading to find out more.

Videos From Tinybeans

Don’t forget any of these recipes! Click here to save on Pinterest.

Rock Candy

Rock Candy is not only a fun candy to eat, but it's a classic science experiment for kids. “Homemade Rock Candy is awesome! It is food science working at its finest,” said Matt Taylor of In the Kitchen with Matt.

Pixie Sticks

Here’s a better-for-you version of an old-school candy classic. Pixie Sticks are just as fun to make as they are to eat. This DIY Pixie Sticks recipe call for freeze-dried fruits instead of fake flavorings.

Sea Glass Candy

Make your own (edible) sea glass! Plus your kid helper will get a kick out of using a real hammer to crack the “glass” into pieces.

Lemon Drops

When life gives you lemons ... transform them into delicious candy! These easy-to-make Lemon Drops are the perfect balance between sweet and sour.

Candy Dots

This incredibly kid-friendly, fun and colorful recipe for classic candy dots calls for only three ingredients!

Gummy Worms

Gummy worms have just the right gross-out factor for fun-loving kids. This vegan recipe for gummy worms calls for fresh blueberries and fruit juice.

Peppermint Patties

Easy-to-make with just five ingredients, Homemade Peppermint Patties feature a creamy, peppermint center coated in semi-sweet chocolate.

Lollipops

Three simple ingredients meld to make these pretty pops! Kids will enjoy customizing with their own colorful add-ins.

Candied Orange and Lemon Peel

Transform orange and lemon peels into a healthy, classic candy treat. You can use the skin from any citrus you have on hand for this easy recipe.

Kool-Aid Taffy

Kool-Aid Taffy calls for powdered drink mix to give it a burst of color and flavor. If you love Starburst candies (and you’re not up for pulling taffy for hours), this recipe is for you.

Pate de Fruits

Pate de fruits have a perfectly intense fruitiness that is not at all gummy thanks to fruit puree, plus a gem-like presentation that makes them almost too pretty to eat.

Toffee

Rich and buttery, this recipe for homemade toffee takes just 30 minutes from start to finish but expect the toffee to be eaten up in less than five minutes ... it's that delicious!

Homemade Snickers-Style Bars

Chocolate, caramel and a rich homemade nougat melded into one delicious candy bar. This recipe for homemade Snickers-style bars is bound to become a family favorite.

––Amy Bizzarri

22 Crockpot Chicken Recipes Fit for Summer

13 Unique Popcorn Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet