Homemade peanut brittle is amazing! It’s sweet, crunchy, nutty, and salty. The perfect combination and believe it or not, it’s not that hard to make! Let me restate that…this is a super easy peanut brittle recipe that kids can help make. The best part is, this homemade peanut brittle is not only great for eating, but for giving as a gift as well.

Finished easy peanut brittle recipe on a plate on a holiday table as an example of Christmas Gifts From the Kitchen: Homemade Peanut Brittle
Celebrate the holidays with yummy, buttery peanut brittle!

Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

Whether it is the holiday season or just because this peanut brittle is sure to please. You will want to make this easy peanut brittle recipe to eat and some extra to give as gifts. Show your loved ones how much they mean to you with a tin of homemade peanut brittle!

Making peanut brittle is perfect at this time of year and makes a great homemade gift. And be sure to make enough for you too because no one can resist the delicious treat with it’s butter flavor, fun brittle texture, and salty peanut!

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What Candy Making Tools and Supplies Do I Need?

I held off on trying to make my own Christmas candy for years, because I was intimidated by it, and confused by all of the tools I might need (or might not need). I didn’t want to invest a lot into this potential hobby gone wrong, if I was no good at it! The good news is that you don’t need too many special supplies to make this homemade peanut brittle, which makes it the perfect introductory candy-making recipe.

Other Cookware You May Need

Ingredients Needed to Make Peanut Brittle

Ingredients needed to make Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe - sugar, corn syrup, butter water, vanilla, baking soda and peanuts shown on a white table ready for recipe
I love recipes with simple ingredients, like this homemade peanut brittle recipe!

I always thought that you would need hard-to-find, complex ingredients to make homemade peanut brittle, but you really just need pantry staples, that you most likely already have! 

How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle 

Step 1

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment papers or silicone mat.

Step 2

Step 2 - Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe - corn syrup and sugar in a sauce pan
Be very careful when handling hot sugar!

In a large heavy saucepan, stir together sugar, corn syrup and water.

Step 3

Measure peanuts, butter, vanilla and baking soda and have it ready to add.

Step 4

Step 4 - Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe - candy thermometer in sauce pan
This is where the candy thermometer comes in handy.

Add candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan.

Step 5

Cook over medium heat until temperature reaches 240 degrees F on the thermometer.

Step 6

Step 6 - Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe - adding peanuts to the sauce pan
Be sure to stir constantly, so that the peanut mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Add peanuts and stir constantly until temperature reaches 280 degrees F.

Step 7

Add butter and continue to stir until temperature reaches 300 degrees F.

Step 8

Step 8 - Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe - remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda - bubbling sauce pan shown
Kids love watching this part, but be careful and don’t let them get too close.

Remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda, stirring constantly.

Step 9

Step 9 - Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe - warm brittle recipe shown on silicone pad on baking sheet
Use a silicone spatula to help spread the peanut brittle evenly.

Pour immediately onto prepared baking sheet and spread as evenly as possible.

Step 10

Cool completely.

Step 11

Break into pieces.

Step 12

Store in airtight container.

How Long Is Homemade Peanut Brittle Good For? 

Homemade Peanut Brittle shown packaged as a gift for Christmas in a red/green tin
Tins of homemade peanut brittle make the sweetest gift for co-workers, teachers, neighbors, UPS and FedEx workers, and your mail carrier.

The most important thing you can do to extend the shelf life of your peanut brittle is to store it in an airtight container! It can be stored at room temperature and will remain fresh for up to a week (but it most likely won’t last that long!). 

Can Homemade Peanut Brittle Be Frozen?

Homemade Peanut Brittle shown on a plate from above
Freeze your peanut brittle in an airtight, moisture resistant container to make it last longer!

Yes, but only if you understand that moisture is peanut brittle’s Kryptonite. Once your peanut brittle has cooled, and settled at room temperature, store it in an airtight container, making sure moisture cannot get in.

Homemade peanut brittle can then be frozen for up to a couple months. 

Is Homemade Peanut Brittle Gluten Free?

Homemade Peanut Brittle shown stacked next to a plate
If you use the right ingredients, it’s easy to make gluten free homemade peanut brittle.

That depends on your ingredients! It is easy to make gluten free peanut brittle! Just make sure that your corn syrup, baking soda, vanilla extract, and the rest of your processed ingredients are gluten free. 

How Do You Make Vegan Peanut Brittle or Dairy Free Peanut Brittle?

All you have to do is swap out the butter for vegan butter! 

Yield: Serves 16-20

Homemade Peanut Brittle

Homemade Peanut Brittle

DIY gifts, like homemade peanut brittle, make the holidays extra special!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes 23 seconds
Total Time 45 minutes 23 seconds

Ingredients

  • Ingredients:
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 cups roasted salted peanuts

Instructions


    1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment papers or silicone mat.

    2. In a large heavy saucepan, stir together sugar, corn syrup and water.

    3. Measure peanuts, butter, vanilla and baking soda and have it ready to add.

    4. Add candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan.

    5. Cook over medium heat until temperature reaches 240 degrees F on the thermometer.

    6. Add peanuts and stir constantly until temperature reaches 280 degrees F.

    7. Add butter and continue to stir until temperature reaches 300 degrees F.

    8. Remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda, stirring constantly.

    9. Pour immediately onto prepared baking sheet and spread as evenly as possible.

    10. Cool completely.

    11. Break into pieces.

    12. Store in airtight container

Holiday Baking Recipes From Kids Activities Blog

What is your favorite Christmas treat? Comment below! 



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