15 Easy Diwali Sweets and Snacks Recipes You Can Make at Home

I want my house to smell like roasted besan, not fancy bakery packets. So I made a list — 15 homemade Diwali treats that even someone like me (who burns toast sometimes) can handle. If I can, seriously, anyone can.

1. Besan Ladoo — The Forever Diwali Staple

There’s a certain magic in stirring hot besan in ghee… it’s slow, it’s honest. Add sugar, cardamom, roll it up — done. No microwave hacks, just patient love. And the taste? Exactly like dadi’s tin box.

2. Rava Ladoo — The “Lazy Day” Sweet

When I don’t want drama, I turn to rava. Roast, add sugar syrup or jaggery, shape. It feels almost cheating… but tastes divine.

3. Coconut Burfi — White, Pink or Just Imperfect

Fresh or desiccated coconut, a little milk, sugar. It never comes out in perfect squares for me… and I’ve stopped caring. Jagged pieces are more ‘homemade’ anyway.

4. Kaju Katli — If You’re Feeling Fancy

Okay, yes, this one scares people. But it's one pan, one dough, roll it thin, slice. My tip? Don’t chase diamond shape perfection. The taste forgives everything.

5. Milk Peda — The 10-Minute Miracle

Milk powder + condensed milk = little happiness discs. I add saffron when I’m pretending to be a professional halwai.

6. Gulab Jamun — From Ready Mix? Sure.

Let’s be real — if you have time for khoya, salute. But if not, even the packet mix fried in ghee and soaking in warm syrup… still steals hearts.

7. Shakkarpare — Sweet Crunchy Squares

Perfect with evening chai. I always fry extra and hide a jar for myself because guests finish everything.

8. Namakpare — Because Sweet Needs Savoury

Same dough, skip sugar, add ajwain or jeera. Suddenly you’re a snack genius.

9. Chakli / Murukku — The Coil of Pride

The first time I used the mould, I made abstract art. Still tasted amazing. Rice flour, a little spice, deep fry… crispy heaven.

10. Mathri — The North Indian Biscuit

Flaky, salty, stubborn dough. Breaks loudly, just like family arguments during Diwali cleaning.

11. Sev / Bhujia — For Snacking All Week

I make one batch and sprinkle it on everything — poha, chaats, even curd. Besan batter, press, fry… done. (Also burns fast, watch it!)

12. Poha Chivda — The Lightest Snack Bowl

Roasted poha, peanuts, curry leaves, haldi. Looks simple… disappears faster than sweets.

13. Murmura Ladoo — Sticky, Sweet Nostalgia

Puffed rice, jaggery syrup. Sticks to your teeth but warms your heart. Reminds me of school Diwali melas.

14. Peanut Chikki — Just Two Ingredients

Roast, stir, set. Simpler than most relationships. Break it uneven — no one measures sweetness in rectangles.

15. Nariyal Ladoo — My Last-Minute Savior

When guests say “We’re five minutes away,” I roll these. Coconut, condensed milk, cardamom — done. Smile ready.

So… Why Bother Making Them at Home?

Because when someone bites into your ladoo and asks, “Did you make this?” — that little pride is worth every burnt fingertip and messy countertop. Diwali isn’t about perfect presentation… it’s about sticky fingers, loud laughter, food fingerprints on plates.

This year, let the kitchen be chaotic. Let ghee drip. Let something burn. It’s all part of the story.

Homemade > Store-bought. Always. ✨