History and Recipes for Sweetheart Candy Hearts on Valentine's Day

The History of Sweethearts Candies

Sweethearts candies, also known as conversation hearts, have been a Valentine's Day staple for over 150 years. They are small heart-shaped sugar candies imprinted with short romantic messages like "Be Mine" and "Kiss Me." But where did these iconic candies come from?

The history of Sweethearts dates back to 1847, when Oliver Chase, a pharmacist and lozenge manufacturer from Boston, Massachusetts, invented a machine that allowed him to press words onto candy lozenges. These were among the first candies in America to have printed text directly on them.

In 1866, Oliver's brother Daniel Chase trademarked the phrase "Sweethearts" and the heart-shaped candy began being marketed as Sweethearts. At this time, the candies were produced by the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO). The colorful chalky candies, which said phrases like "Married in white you have chosen right" and "How long shall I have to wait? Please be considerate," became a popular Valentine's Day gift.

The Evolution of Sweetheart Sayings

Over the years, the romantic sayings printed on Sweethearts evolved to reflect the sentiments and linguistic trends of the era. In the early 20th century, Sweethearts said phrases like "Oh, You Kid" and "You're A Bear." In the roaring 1920s, Sweethearts said jazz age expressions like "That's the Cat's Pajamas."

During World War II, Sweethearts supported the war effort with patriotic sayings like "Yankee Doodle" and "Group Captain." In the 1950s, phrases on the candy hearts featured 1950s slang like "Crazy Dazy" and "Oh, Goody."

Contemporary Sweethearts have done away with the cryptic Victorian phrases and early 20th century slang. Now they feature straightforward romantic sentiments like "Love You," "Be Mine," "Call Me," and "Kiss Me."

The Production of Sweethearts

For over a century, Sweethearts were produced by the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2018, the company went out of business and Sweethearts disappeared from store shelves for a couple years.

In 2020, Spangler Candy Company acquired the Sweethearts brand and brought them back to production just in time for Valentine's Day 2022. Spangler continues to produce Sweethearts at their manufacturing facility in Bryan, Ohio.

The production process starts with creating the iconic sayings. Writers brainstorm contemporary romantic sentiments and punny phrases to print on the candy hearts. The sayings are then reviewed for spelling, grammar, and tone.

Next, sugar is mixed with cornstarch, gelatin, gum arabic, and natural flavors and colors. This stiff dough is pressed into heart shaped molds imprinted with the Sweethearts sayings. After drying for 24-48 hours, the Sweethearts are packaged into their familiar candy box packaging.

Around 8 billion Sweethearts candies are produced each year. The candies have remained largely unchanged from their original recipe developed by Oliver Chase in 1847.

DIY Sweethearts Candy Box

You can create your own homemade version of the iconic Sweethearts candy box with just a few simple materials.

Supplies Needed

• Rectangular cardboard box
• Acrylic paint in red, white, pink, and purple
• Paintbrushes
• Pencil
• Scissors
• X-acto knife
• Ruler
• Glue gun
• Sweetheart candies

Instructions

Step 1: Use the X-acto knife to carefully cut an opening in the top of the cardboard box. This opening should be large enough to allow you to place Sweetheart candies inside. Remove any cardboard flaps so the opening is clean.

Step 2: Use the pencil and ruler to lightly sketch a border around the box opening. Make it about 1-2 inches wide. This border will be painted white.

Step 3: Use the white acrylic paint and a paintbrush to paint the border you sketched around the candy opening. Allow to fully dry.

Step 4: Use the red, pink, and purple paints to decorate the rest of the box. Try painting scalloped borders or polka dots. Allow paint to dry fully between coats.

Step 5: While paint is drying, use the X-acto knife to carefully cut rectangles or conversation heart shapes out of the cardboard box sides. These will serve as "windows" to see the candy inside.

Step 6: Once fully dry, hot glue any layers of cardboard together so the box holds its shape.

Step 7: Fill the box with store-bought or homemade Sweethearts candies.

Step 8: Add a cute label using scrapbooking paper or cardstock. Write "Be Mine", "XOXO", or other Valentine's Day sentiments.

Step 9: Your DIY Sweethearts candy box is now ready to give to a sweetheart, use as decor, or display for a fun photo prop!

Making Homemade Sweetheart Candies

Store-bought Sweethearts can be rather pricey around Valentine's Day. With some simple ingredients and candy molds, you can create your own homemade candy conversation hearts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Liquid food coloring
• Candy heart molds

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and corn syrup until a dough forms. Knead for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Divide dough into separate bowls and color with food coloring as desired. Red, pink, purple, yellow and white are classic Sweetheart colors.

Step 3: Roll small amounts of each colored dough very thin, about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out heart shapes.

Step 4: Press the hearts firmly into candy molds to imprint sayings like "XOXO" or "Be Mine" on them.

Step 5: Allow hearts to dry for 12-24 hours until hardened.

Step 6: Carefully remove hardened candy hearts from molds.

Step 7: Make a Valentine's Day mix by combining different colored and flavored hearts in a box or candy dish.

For variety, you can flavor each color dough with oils like peppermint, lemon or vanilla. Get creative with the sayings you imprint - inside jokes and puns make fun homemade treats.

Creative Ways to Use Sweetheart Candies

Sweetheart candies aren't just for eating! Here are some fun and creative ways to use them:

Valentine's Day Bunting

Thread Sweethearts onto twine with a needle and hang as a cute banner or garland. This makes a perfect Valentine's Day decoration!

Place Card Holders

Glue a Sweetheart to a popsicle stick and write guests' names on the stick. Place these in a vase or glass jar to identify seats at a Valentine's dinner party.

Scavenger Hunt

Hide Sweethearts with romantic riddles or clues written on them around the house or yard for your valentine to find.

Love Notes

Leave surprise love notes by tucking a few themed Sweethearts under your valentine's pillow or in their lunch bag.

Travel Game

Bring Sweethearts in the car for a Valentine's road trip. Take turns picking a heart and reading it aloud to spark fun conversations.

Cake Topper

Decorate your Valentine's Day cake or cupcakes with Sweethearts candies by pressing them lightly into the frosting.

Valentine's Day Treats with Sweethearts

The best way to enjoy Sweetheart candies is by incorporating them into cute Valentine's Day recipes and treats!

Conversation Heart Bark

Melt chocolate and pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Decorate with Sweethearts while still warm, then allow chocolate to harden. Break into pieces for adorable edible bark.

Sweetheart Cups

Line muffin cups with paper liners. Fill them with white chocolate ganache, decorated with Sweetheart candies on top. Refrigerate until ganache is firm.

Candy Gram Crackers

Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on Ritz crackers and top with a Sweetheart. Arrange them on a plate to make candy gram crackers.

Sweetheart Milkshakes

Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and Valentine's Day sprinkles in a blender. Pour into glasses rimmed with Sweethearts candies.

Get creative this Valentine's Day by baking cookies or making cake pops decorated with these iconic candy hearts. Surprise your loved ones with these festive, homemade treats as sweet as your sentiments.

Sweethearts Conclusion

Sweethearts candies have been bringing romance and charm to Valentine's Day for generations. Their iconic sayings and familiar flavors make Sweethearts a beloved tradition for the holiday. While store-bought Sweethearts are a classic, you can also have fun making DIY versions at home.

Incorporate these candy hearts into crafts, recipes, decor and more. There are endless creative ways to use Sweethearts to make your celebrations extra sweet. No matter how you enjoy them, Sweethearts candies will always have a place in Valentine's Day history.

FAQs

When were Sweethearts candy first invented?

Sweethearts were first invented in 1847 by Oliver Chase. He created a machine that could press words onto candy lozenges, which were some of the first candies in America to have printed text.

Where are Sweethearts candy produced?

Originally produced by the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sweethearts are now made by Spangler Candy Company at their facility in Bryan, Ohio.

How many Sweethearts are made each year?

Around 8 billion Sweethearts candies are produced annually, in time for Valentine's Day.

What are some creative ways to use Sweethearts?

Sweethearts can be used for crafts, home decor, scavenger hunts, baking recipes, party favors, and more. Thread them onto string for bunting, hide them for fun clues, or stick them into frosting.

How can I make homemade Sweetheart candies?

Homemade candy hearts can be made using powdered sugar, corn syrup, food coloring, and candy molds. Imprint them with sayings by pressing the dough into the molds before drying.