Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the sweet and crunchy goodness of homemade peanut brittle, a perfect treat that brings a little bit of nostalgia with each bite. Whether you’re snacking on it by the handful or planning to give it to friends, this classic candy is as simple to make as it is delicious, and trust me, your taste buds are in for a real Southern-inspired treat!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 1 pound
Preparation Level: Beginner +
It’s a cinch to make and is just about the most budget-friendly treat around. The combination of salty and sweet, with a buttery flavor, can’t be beaten.
I used to be intimidated by making peanut brittle, but this recipe is truly easy and quick. And it turns out amazing every time.
Ingredients
- Granulated white sugar
- Light corn syrup
- Dry roasted peanuts
- Baking soda
- Butter
Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post.
How To Make Peanut Brittle
Start by gathering your ingredients. Grease a cookie sheet with butter and set it aside. I use a cookie sheet that is approximately 10″ x 15″.
Then, add the corn syrup, sugar, and peanuts to a medium-sized saucepan. Cook it over medium-high heat and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Once the peanut brittle starts to boil, put your thermometer on the edge of the pan.
Continue cooking the candy until the thermometer reaches 275 degrees, stirring often.
TIP: Do not let the thermometer touch the bottom of the pan, or you will get an incorrect reading.
Remove from the stovetop. Add the butter and baking soda and stir. Stir it fast because the baking soda will make the mixture fizz a little.
Spread the brittle mixture on the greased cookie sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
What Causes Peanut Brittle To Be Too Hard?
It will become too brittle if you cook it past the hard-crack stage. Candy is one of those foods that must be cooked to the right temperature. If you don’t cook it long enough, it will be tacky.
Using a thermometer is always a good plan because you will know exactly when the candy reaches the hard-crack stage and it’s time to remove it from the stovetop.
How To Store Homemade Peanut Brittle
I usually put my peanut brittle in a large Ziplock baggie and keep it in a cool place. You don’t need to refrigerate it.
If you’re giving the candy away, you can layer the candy with wax paper in the gift container to keep it from sticking.
What Is The Difference Between Praline And Peanut Brittle?
Praline cooks just under the hard crack stage, and it’s usually made with pecans. Peanut brittle is made to the hard crack stage and is more crunchy candy and made with peanuts.
Other Holiday Desserts You’ll Love
- Snickerdoodle cookies are always a treat, and they’re easy to make. They are one of our favorite recipes.
- Texas Cowboy cookies are a special treat with enough ingredients to make everyone happy.
- This list of the best homemade fudge recipes is a great place to find the most delicious treats and gifts. And they are all easy recipes.
- These white chocolate macadamia nut cookies have been a huge hit with friends.
Quick and Easy Holiday Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 1 Tablespoon baking soda
- 1 Tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Butter a 10" x 15" cookie sheet.
- In a medium saucepan, add the corn syrup, sugar, and peanuts. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Place a candy thermometer into the saucepan and continue boiling until the temperature reaches 275 degrees. Stir often. Watch closely toward the end to keep from burning. (The peanut brittle will be a golden brown color).
- Remove from the heat and add the butter and baking soda. Stir.
- Pour onto cookie sheet and spread out with a spatula.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes or until the candy has hardened.
- Break into pieces.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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