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.
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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.