17 Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day Candies To Make at Home

Remember those heart-shaped candies and homemade fudges that made Valentine’s Day special? Well, we’re bringing back the classics. These charming old fashioned Valentine’s Day candy recipes have been passed down through generations. Sweet, beautiful, and perfect for giving to someone special… or enjoying yourself.

A collage featuring six different old-fashioned Valentine’s Day candies: red peppermint bark dusted with powdered sugar, heart-shaped chocolate truffles in a pink heart-shaped box, layered peanut butter and chocolate fudge, marshmallow fudge with nuts, almond toffee, and pink candy bark with red heart-shaped decorations.

Candy Tips

  • Choose the right recipe for your skill level: If you’re new to candy-making, start with no-cook recipes like Chocolate Dipped Pretzels or Nonpareils.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your chocolate, butter, and flavorings makes a big difference in candy-making.
  • Don’t skip the thermometer: For candies that rely on precise temperatures, like caramels or brittles, a candy thermometer is a must. A must!
  • Customize for the occasion: Add Valentine’s flair with red and pink sprinkles, heart-shaped molds, or food coloring.
  • Experiment with flavors: Enhance your candies with extracts like peppermint, orange, or almond. You can also sprinkle sea salt over chocolate-based treats for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combo.
  • Package them beautifully: Use decorative bags, mason jars, or small gift boxes tied with ribbons for a pretty presentation. Add a handwritten note or tag for an extra personal touch.
Pieces of dark chocolate bark topped with crushed cookies, nuts, and red and pink sprinkles.

Valentine’s Easy Toffee

Valentine’s Easy Toffee is a quick, irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. It combines buttery toffee and a rich chocolate layer, finished with festive sprinkles for a fun holiday touch. This simple recipe is great for gifting or indulging at home!

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Fudge

It’s a timeless treat that’s rich, creamy, and nostalgic charm. Made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect balance of smooth chocolate and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. A classic recipe that’s always a family favorite!

Red cinnamon-flavored broken hard candy pieces dusted with powdered sugar.

Stained Glass Candy

Stained Glass Candy is a vibrant, colorful treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its glossy, jewel-like appearance and sweet, fruity flavors, it’s perfect for gifting or brightening up a candy dish. A fun and easy recipe to make for any special occasion!

Layered chocolate and vanilla fudge with almond pieces on a wooden cutting board.

Nut Goodie Fudge

This is a rich and indulgent treat packed with creamy chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy nuts. It’s a decadent combination that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Easy to make and even better to share, this fudge is always a hit!

White chocolate peanut butter balls with pink sprinkles and white drizzle.

Valentine’s Day No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Valentine’s Day No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are a sweet and simple treat everyone will love. They feature a creamy peanut butter filling coated in rich chocolate and decorated with festive sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or sharing, these bite-sized candies are as easy as they are delicious!

Classic Vanilla Fudge

Classic Vanilla Fudge is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe combines buttery richness with the smooth flavor of vanilla for a timeless dessert. It’s an easy-to-make candy that’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Chocolate candies in a green bowl, generously covered with multicolored nonpareil sprinkles.

Chocolate Nonpareils Candy

This recipe is a simple and elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It features smooth, rich chocolate discs topped with crunchy, colorful sprinkles. These bite-sized delights are great for snacking, gifting, or adding a festive touch to dessert tables!

Valentine’s Day Fudge

Valentine’s Day Fudge is a creamy, chocolatey treat with a festive twist. Swirled with pink and red accents and topped with heart-shaped sprinkles, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends!

Old-Fashioned Soft Stovetop Caramels

If you love homemade candy, you’ll adore these Old-Fashioned Soft Stovetop Caramels! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are rich with a classic caramel flavor. Perfect for wrapping up as gifts or enjoying any time you need a sweet indulgence.

White chocolate-coated lemon truffles dusted with powdered sugar.

White Chocolate Lemon Truffles

White Chocolate Lemon Truffles are a quick and easy dessert bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with creamy white chocolate and zesty lemon, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion.

Chocolate truffles in a heart-shaped box, each topped with a tiny pink heart.

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate Truffles are rich, velvety treats made with just a few simple ingredients. Their smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them an elegant and indulgent dessert. Perfect for gifting or satisfying your chocolate cravings!

Squares of pink white chocolate fudge with red candy pieces on top.

Valentine’s Day Nougat Candy

Valentine’s Day Nougat Candy is a soft, chewy treat with festive colors and flavors. Studded with bright red and pink candies, it’s as pretty as delicious. A fun and nostalgic candy perfect for celebrating the holiday!

Red sugar-coated gummy candies in ring and disc shapes on a wooden surface.

Homemade Valentine’s Day Gumdrops

Homemade Valentine’s Day Gumdrops are a fun and festive treat. They’re chewy, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavors, all in heart-shaped perfection. Coat them in sugar for a sparkling finish, and enjoy them as a cute snack or gift!

Dark chocolate-covered cherries with stems on a white plate.

Cherry Cordials

Cherry Cordials are a classic sweet treat with a rich chocolate shell and a juicy cherry center. Filled with a sweet, syrupy surprise, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. These indulgent candies are as beautiful as they are delicious!

Golden brown pieces of sucre à la crème on a white background.

Sucre à la Creme

Sucre à la Crème is a rich and creamy French-Canadian treat that melts in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients like sugar and cream, it has a buttery, caramel-like flavor. Perfect for sharing during the holidays or savoring as a sweet indulgence!

Chunks of chocolate fudge with whole peanuts and marshmallows.

Heavenly Hash Candy

This candy recipe is a delicious mix of creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts. This nostalgic treat combines texture and flavor in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser for holidays or any special occasion. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious!

Slices of toffee sprinkled with finely chopped nuts on a white plate.

Buttery English Toffee Candy

Buttery English Toffee Candy is a rich and crunchy classic that’s hard to resist. Made with caramelized butter and sugar, it’s topped with a layer of smooth chocolate and a sprinkle of nuts. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet indulgence!

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FAQs

Are these recipes suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Many of these recipes are straightforward and perfect for those new to candy-making. For instance, No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are simple and don’t require any baking.

How can I involve kids in making these candies?

Kids love helping in the kitchen! Choose simple, no-cook recipes like the dipped pretzels or nonpareils where they can help decorate or dip. For safety, keep them away from hot sugar or melted chocolate.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do! They’re perfect for adding a festive touch to your celebrations, whether gifting them to loved ones or treating yourself.

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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