Peanut Brittle

Holidays just aren’t complete without sweet homemade treats. Peanut brittle has long been a great holiday candy that can be made from scratch and shared with loved ones. Not only is the finished product a great homemade gift you can share, but the experience of making homemade peanut brittle with your kids, grandchildren, friends, and family is also a gift in itself.

This great peanut brittle recipe is easy enough to do with kids but creates a beautiful brittle that you’ll be proud to hand out for gifts.

If you feel a little intimidated at the thought of making peanut brittle, that is totally fine. Peanut brittle is actually a great candy making recipe for beginners. This recipe will help to get your familiarized with several aspects of candy making that you will want to eventually master if you plan on making candy regularly, or even if you just want to be able to wow everyone around the holidays.

To get the best results, allow yourself a practice run. The worse that can happen is that you wind up with some yummy mistakes. A practice run allows you the chance to get comfortable with certain aspects of candy making that you may have simply never experienced before with regular recipes.

Once you get a few batches done successfully, you’re ready to try making a batch with friends or making a batch to give away as gifts.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why do I love Peanut Brittle?

• Made from scratch
• Sweet
• Crunchy
• Delicious Crunch From Peanuts
• Easy to Make

Why is baking soda added to peanut brittle?

Baking soda helps to create a bit of an airty texture to the peanut brittle that is going to give it the best texture. You will also find it helps create that crunchy texture.

Why didn’t my peanut brittle get hard?

It is very important to make sure you allow your brittle mixture to reach the correct temperature when you are cooking it. Otherwise, it will not harden properly.

Another option is not mixing up the ingredients fully and it won’t be cooked properly and create the right texture.

What can I use instead of corn syrup for peanut brittle?

Honey or agave syrup can be used instead of corn syrup. But you will find that it can alter the texture to the peanut brittle.

Does humidity make a difference when making peanut brittle?

Peanut brittle needs to be made when there is low humidity. If you find that you make it with a day of humidity the texture can not set up and harden the right way. So make sure to pick a day that is low humidity.

How to serve Peanut Brittle?

Homemade peanut brittle is a candy and is served generally after dinner or for a mid-day snack. You can whip this up and pair it with all your favorite desserts or serve it as a snack to enjoy for that 2 pm slump.

Tips:

• Use a candy thermometer when making the brittle.
• Make sure to mix ingredients properly.
• Follow the directions fully.
• Cook on a low-humidity day.

Variations:

• You can use salted peanut but it will alter the flavor, or do half salted and half unsalted. Just omit the salt in the recipe.
• Use regular corn syrup.
• Double the recipe if you would like.

Ingredients:

• White Sugar
• Light Corn Syrup
• Kosher Salt
• Water
• Chilled Unsalted Butter
• Dry Roasted Peanuts
• Baking Soda

How to make the peanut brittle:

Step 1. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick baking spray. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick baking spray.

Step 3. Add sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large deep pot. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot.

Step 4. Heat the pot to medium, stir. Continue to stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. (About 6-7 minutes.)

Step 5. Stir in the sliced butter. Keep cooking with the pot on the stovetop. Stir often.

Step 6. Keep checking the candy thermometer until it reaches 280 degrees. (About 15 minutes.)

Step 7. With a rubber spatula stir in the peanuts and cook for an additional 10 minutes constantly stirring.

Step 8. Take the pot off the stove. Add in the baking soda. Stir. Pour this onto the lined cookie sheets.

Step 9. Use a rubber spatula to spread it out until it is a ¼ inch layer. Set aside to cool before breaking into pieces.

Step 10. Cool, then break into pieces and serve.

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How to store Peanut Brittle?

Once our brittle is fully set up place it in a container you can seal. Whether it be a sealed container that is airtight or a plastic bag, you remove as much air as possible.

How to reheat Peanut Brittle?

You do not want to reheat brittle. Eat it at room temperature. Otherwise, it will melt down.

Can I make ahead Peanut Brittle?

Go right ahead and make this a day or two in advance of when you plan to serve it. This brittle is a great make-ahead candy recipe.

Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:

Candy Cane Pinwheels – These buttery cookies with a peppermint swirl are easy to make and a hit with kids of all ages. 

Turtle Candy – It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it because the end result is delicious!

Peppermint Bark Cookies – These buttery shortbread cookies topped with dark chocolate are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!