There’s nothing better than homemade candy, some of our favorites include rocky road fudge and buckeye balls. Peanut brittle is also at the top of our list, and it tastes so much better when you make it yourself!
Peanut Brittle Ingredients
To make peanut brittle you will need sugar, light corn syrup, salt, water, butter, unsalted peanuts and baking soda. Do you need more dessert recipes for the holidays? If you want more Christmas candy recipes check out my Christmas crack, cake truffles and rum balls!
How Do You Make Peanut Brittle?
To make this peanut brittle recipe start by lining a sheet pan with parchment paper or a baking mat. Next, place sugar, corn syrup, water and salt in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Be sure to clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot so you can monitor the temperature. After the sugar mixture starts boiling, add butter and cook until the candy reaches 280 degrees F, stirring occasionally. Next, add the peanuts and cook the candy until the thermometer reads 305 degrees F, stirring constantly. Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in the baking soda. Carefully pour the candy mixture onto a sheet pan, and spread it into a thin layer. Let the brittle cool completely, then break it into pieces and serve.
Tips For The Perfect Peanut Brittle
Be sure to monitor the temperature of your sugar mixture carefully so that you don’t overcook or undercook the brittle. If you overcook your brittle, it could become bitter or burn, and if you don’t cook it for long enough, it can get sticky. Use a bigger pot than you think you need for this recipe, as the sugar mixture expands quite a bit, especially after you add the baking soda. Make sure your sheet pan has raised edges so that the peanut brittle does not spill. Lightly spread the hot brittle with a spatula.
Flavor Variations
While this candy is delicious as-is, you can change up the ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
Nuts: Not a fan of peanuts? This recipe will also work well with pecans, almonds, cashews or macadamia nuts. Coconut: Place toasted shredded coconut on your baking sheet and pour the the brittle over the coconut for extra flavor. This works great with macadamia nut brittle. Flavorings: Feel free to stir some spices into your brittle such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ground ginger. I’d use no more than 1/2 teaspoon total for spices. You can also do a sweet and spicy brittle by using ground ancho or chipotle chili powder. Toppings: Make your candy extra special by dipping the cool pieces partway into chocolate. I typically use dark or milk chocolate. You can also add some holiday sprinkles for a festive touch!
I love to package peanut brittle in gift tins and give it away to family and friends during the holidays. This candy is so much better than any store bought version I’ve had, and dozens of people ask me for the recipe as soon as they get a taste of this delicious treat!
