Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle for the Holidays

Peanut brittle is one of those timeless treats that brings out the warmest holiday memories. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to bring smiles the buttery sweetness, the satisfying crunch, and the nutty flavor make it irresistible. Make it for a holiday party, as a gift for neighbors, or just for your family to snack on, this recipe is simple, fun, and totally doable (even if you’ve never made candy before!).

Why You’ll Love This Nutty Dessert

This peanut brittle is perfectly crisp and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a classic treat that’s easy to make at home and much better than anything store-bought. Plus, it makes a fantastic gift for friends and family during the holidays.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s what makes this peanut brittle so good:

• Sugar: The base for that beautiful, crunchy caramel coating.
• Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, giving you that smooth, glassy texture.
• Roasted Peanuts: Adds crunch and nutty goodness in every bite.
• Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor to balance the sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Creates tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle its perfect, easy-to-bite texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.

Recipe Time & Yield

• Servings: About 1.5 pounds of brittle (roughly 12 servings)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper so your brittle doesn’t stick.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and ¼ cup water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 250°F (hard-ball stage).
3. Stir in the peanuts and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage).
4. Quickly stir in butter, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up that’s what makes it airy!
5. Immediately pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a greased spatula to spread it into a thin layer. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Top Tips

1. Use a candy thermometer – This ensures you hit the right stages for the perfect crunch.
2. Work fast – Once the baking soda is added, the mixture sets quickly.
3. Warm your baking sheet – A slightly warm sheet helps the brittle spread more easily.
4. Don’t skip the baking soda – It’s what gives the brittle that light, easy-to-bite texture.

Recipe Variations

• Nut Mix – Use almonds, cashews, or a blend of your favorite nuts.
• Spiced Brittle – Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a unique flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra treat.

Recommended Equipment

• Candy thermometer
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Baking sheet (lined with parchment or greased)
• Silicone spatula

Make Ahead Tips

Peanut brittle stores beautifully. Make it up to 2 weeks in advance and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to Store and Reheat

• Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheat: Brittle isn’t meant to be reheated, but if it softens due to humidity, pop it in a 250°F oven for a few minutes to crisp up.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Peanut brittle pairs perfectly with coffee, hot cocoa, or as part of a holiday dessert spread. It’s also fantastic as a topping for ice cream.

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Peanut brittle has been a beloved candy for generations, with recipes dating back to the 19th century. It’s a simple combination of sugar and nuts, but its popularity comes from its perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and nostalgia.

More Christmas Recipes

Try these you will love them!

Homemade Peanut Brittle

Michelle

A classic homemade peanut brittle recipe sweet, buttery, and full of crunchy peanuts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Servings 12

Equipment

• Candy thermometer
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking sheet (lined with parchment or greased)
• Silicone spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup roasted peanuts unsalted or lightly salted
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

• Prepare your tools. Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper so your brittle doesn’t stick.
• Make the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and ¼ cup water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 250°F (hard-ball stage).
• Add peanuts. Stir in the peanuts and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage).
• Add butter, salt, and baking soda. Quickly stir in butter, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up that’s what makes it airy!
• Spread and cool. Immediately pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a greased spatula to spread it into a thin layer. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Notes

Be sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting this recipe moves quickly once it reaches temperature.

Keyword Homemade Peanut Brittle

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!