Buttercream Candies Recipe – A Classic Sweet Treat You’ll Love

Buttercream candies have a magical way of transforming any ordinary day into something special. I still remember the first time my grandmother taught me to make these melt in your mouth sweets in her tiny kitchen.

The way her eyes lit up as we rolled the creamy mixture into perfect little spheres, then watched them disappear beneath a glossy chocolate coating – it was pure kitchen magic. What started as a rainy afternoon activity became one of my most treasured memories and launched my lifelong love affair with homemade buttercream candies.

These delicate confections represent the perfect marriage of simplicity and elegance. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create professional-quality treats that rival any high-end chocolatier. The beauty of buttercream candy recipes lies in their versatility – whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, need a last-minute gift, or simply want to satisfy a sweet craving, these creamy buttercream treats deliver every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating quick candy recipes that look like they came from an expensive boutique but cost a fraction of the price. These easy buttercream confections require no special equipment, no candy thermometers, and absolutely no guesswork. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of silky-smooth candies that literally melt on your tongue.

The best part? You control every ingredient, which means no artificial preservatives or mysterious additives – just pure, wholesome sweetness. I’ve shared this recipe with countless friends over the years, and every single person becomes an instant convert. Once you master these basic buttercream candy tips, you’ll find yourself experimenting with different flavors and coatings, turning your kitchen into a candy wonderland.

Looking for something savory to balance all this sweetness? Explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to round out your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients List

Buttercream Filling	Amount
Unsalted butter, room temperature	½ cup (1 stick / 113 g)
Confectioners’ sugar	4 cups (500 g)
Whole milk, room temperature	3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Almond extract	½ teaspoon
Kosher salt	1 pinch

Chocolate Coating	Amount
Semi-sweet baking chocolate bars, chopped	4 bars (4 ounces each)
Vegetable oil	1 teaspoon

Need a lighter option for your meal planning? Find more healthy lunch ideas here to complement your sweet treats perfectly.

Step-by-Step Directions

Begin by setting up your workspace with all ingredients at room temperature – this ensures the smoothest possible texture for your buttercream candies. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This initial step creates the foundation for perfectly smooth candies.

Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture will look dry initially, but don’t worry – this is completely normal. Once all the sugar is incorporated, slowly pour in the milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the buttercream mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up – this step is crucial for successful chocolate coating.

While the candies chill, prepare your chocolate coating by melting the chopped chocolate and vegetable oil in a double boiler or microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each chilled buttercream ball completely in chocolate, allowing excess to drip off before returning to the parchment paper.

Exact Timing to make Buttercream Candies

The beauty of buttercream candies lies in their quick preparation time. Mixing the buttercream filling takes exactly 8-10 minutes from start to finish. Rolling the mixture into balls requires another 10-12 minutes, depending on your speed and batch size.

The chilling process is non-negotiable and takes 30 minutes minimum – this ensures your candies hold their shape during chocolate coating. Melting the chocolate coating takes 3-5 minutes, while the actual dipping process requires 8-10 minutes for a standard batch of 24 candies.

Total active preparation time: 30-35 minutes
Total time including chilling: 60-65 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 individual buttercream candies

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of your homemade buttercream candies helps with portion planning and dietary considerations. Each candy contains concentrated sweetness, so a little goes a long way in satisfying cravings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Candy)	Amount
Calories	185
Total Fat	8.2g
Saturated Fat	5.1g
Cholesterol	12mg
Sodium	15mg
Total Carbohydrates	31g
Dietary Fiber	1.2g
Total Sugars	29g
Protein	1.8g
Vitamin A	4% DV
Calcium	2% DV
Iron	3% DV

The high sugar content provides quick energy, while the butter contributes essential fatty acids. Dark chocolate coating offers antioxidants, though these treats should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Healthier Alternatives

Making Buttercream Candies healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. These thoughtful substitutions maintain the creamy texture while boosting nutritional value and accommodating various dietary preferences.

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefit
Unsalted butter	Greek yogurt cream cheese blend (half and half)	Reduces saturated fat by 40%, adds protein
Confectioners’ sugar	Powdered erythritol or stevia blend	Cuts calories by 70%, diabetes-friendly
Whole milk	Unsweetened almond milk	Reduces calories, lactose-free option
Semi-sweet chocolate	70% dark chocolate or sugar-free chocolate	Increases antioxidants, reduces sugar content
Vanilla extract	Pure vanilla bean paste	No alcohol, more intense flavor
Regular coating	Coconut oil + cocoa powder coating	Dairy-free, contains healthy MCTs

For keto-friendly buttercream candies, replace all sugars with powdered monk fruit sweetener and use full-fat coconut cream instead of milk. Vegan versions work beautifully with softened coconut oil and cashew cream, while gluten-sensitive individuals can enjoy these treats worry-free as they’re naturally gluten-free.

Explore more delicious Desserts here for additional sweet inspirations that complement your candy-making adventures.

Serving Suggestions

Present your buttercream candies in mini paper cups or decorative candy boxes for an elegant touch that rivals professional chocolatiers. Arrange them on tiered serving platters alongside fresh berries and nuts for sophisticated dessert tables, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Pair these rich candies with coffee, espresso, or black tea to balance the sweetness, or serve alongside lighter desserts like fresh fruit sorbets. For special occasions, create themed variations by rolling the buttercream in colored sprinkles before chilling, or drizzle with contrasting white and dark chocolate for stunning visual appeal.

Temperature matters significantly for optimal enjoyment – serve buttercream candies at room temperature for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture, removing them from refrigeration 10-15 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error in buttercream candy making involves rushing the chilling process. Skipping or shortening the refrigeration time results in candies that fall apart during chocolate coating, creating a messy disaster instead of professional-looking treats. Always allow the full 30 minutes minimum for proper firming.

Overheating chocolate during melting destroys its smooth texture and creates a grainy, thick coating that won’t properly adhere to your buttercream centers. Use gentle heat and stir frequently, removing from heat source the moment everything melts together smoothly.

Using cold ingredients straight from the refrigerator creates lumpy, difficult-to-mix buttercream that never achieves the desired silky texture. Room temperature ingredients blend effortlessly, creating the signature smooth consistency that makes these candies so irresistible.

Storing Tips

Proper storage keeps your buttercream candies fresh and delicious for up to two weeks when stored correctly. Layer the finished candies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, keeping them refrigerated to maintain their shape and prevent the chocolate coating from developing bloom.

For longer storage, buttercream candies freeze beautifully for up to three months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in freezer-safe containers. Thaw frozen candies gradually in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature for serving.

Avoid storing buttercream candies in warm environments or direct sunlight, as this causes the chocolate coating to melt and the buttercream centers to become too soft. A cool, dry storage location maintains optimal texture and prevents moisture absorption that can make candies sticky.

FAQs

Print