While store-bought candies can be convenient, you’re opting for something more personal – a homemade treat that speaks to your sweetheart’s taste. You’re taking the first step to create a unique gift. What sweet surprises await you?
1. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Bites
Indulge in sweet and tangy chocolate-dipped strawberry bites.
Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles
Instructions
- Wash and dry the strawberries, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
- Stir in the shortening to thin the chocolate.
- Dip each strawberry piece into the melted chocolate, coating about 3/4 of the strawberry.
- Roll the dipped strawberry in chopped nuts or sprinkles, if desired.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the chocolate-dipped strawberries for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
2. RaspberryHeart Marshmallow Treats
RaspberryHeart Marshmallow Treats are sweet Valentine’s Day goodies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup marshmallows
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup pink candy melts
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- Fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
- Dip each marshmallow into the melted white chocolate, coating completely.
- Place the chocolate-covered marshmallow on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Drizzle a small amount of raspberry jam on top of the marshmallow.
- Melt the pink candy melts in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
- Dip the top of the marshmallow into the melted pink candy, creating a heart shape.
- Place a fresh raspberry on top of the heart-shaped candy.
- Allow the treats to cool and harden completely before serving.
3. Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Rich, creamy peanut butter covered in smooth chocolate makes a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- Optional: chopped peanuts or sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate the peanut butter mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
- Stir in the shortening to help the chocolate set.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the peanut butter mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat the peanut butter completely.
- Tap off any excess chocolate by gently tapping the fork against the side of the bowl.
- Place the chocolate-covered peanut butter cups on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter cups for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
4. Candy-Coated Cherry Cordials
Rich, chocolatey cordials filled with a sweet cherry surprise.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup maraschino cherries
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan and heat to 300°F.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add gelatin and stir until dissolved.
- Stir in maraschino cherries and let cool.
- Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler.
- Dip cooled cherry mixture into melted chocolate.
- Place on parchment paper and refrigerate until set.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
5. Valentine’s Day Fudge Creations
Rich, velvety fudge perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and white chocolate chips until melted.
- Fold in the chopped strawberries and pecans.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Allow the fudge to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set.
- Cut the fudge into small squares and serve.
6. Handmade Caramel Apple Slices
Tender apple slices smothered in rich, velvety caramel.
Ingredients
- 4-6 apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Insert wooden sticks or skewers into each apple slice.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a medium saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the caramel turns a deep amber color.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly pour in the remaining 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Dip each apple slice into the warm caramel, coating completely.
- Place the coated apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles before the caramel hardens.
7. Coconut Lime Truffle Bites
Tempting Coconut Lime Truffle Bites are a sweet Valentine’s Day treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and unsalted butter.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice until well combined.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into small balls.
- Roll each ball between your hands to shape into smooth truffles.
- Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for an additional 15 minutes.
- Melt a small amount of white chocolate or confectioners’ coating in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval.
- Dip the end of a fork or dipping tool into the melted chocolate and coat each truffle, tapping off any excess chocolate.
- Place the coated truffles on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
8. Sweetheart Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
Sweetheart Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are a delicious Valentine’s Day treat.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Pair two cookies together with frosting or jam in the middle to create a sandwich.
- Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles.
9. Cranberry White Chocolate Bark
Sweet and tangy cranberry white chocolate bark perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
- Stir in the shortening and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the melted white chocolate on the prepared baking sheet.
- Immediately sprinkle the dried cranberries and chopped pecans over the white chocolate.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set.
- Break the bark into pieces and serve.
10. Rose Petal Pistachio Brittle
Delicate rose petal and crunchy pistachio come together in a sweet brittle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pistachios
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rose petal jam
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried rose petals
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in pistachios, rose petal jam, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer.
- Sprinkle dried rose petals over the top of the brittle mixture.
- Allow mixture to cool and set completely, about 30 minutes.
- Break brittle into pieces and serve.
Conclusion
You’ll go from store-bought to swoon-worthy with these 10 homemade Valentine’s Day candies. Amidst the chaos of everyday life, create something sweet and tender, like Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Bites or Raspberry Heart Marshmallow Treats, to show your love and care – a poignant contrast to the ordinary, making it an extraordinary celebration.
