Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe (Grandma's Best)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 1 review

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious homemade holiday treat you’ve come to the right post! This Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle recipe is one of my favorite holiday sweets.

After making it 10 times this season (my first time) I’m also excited to share it.

This timeless classic is crispy, buttery, and loaded with roasted peanuts, making it my newest top choice for gift-giving and snacking.

Dedicated to Marsha Munson, whose sweet spirit and timeless recipes, like this peanut brittle, continue to bring joy to our family’s hearts and homes.

Old-fashioned peanut brittle has always been one of my favorite holiday treats. I’ve let other family members make it until this year!

Turns out it is so fun and satisfying to make it. It’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch and with just a handful of ingredients.

Don’t worry if you’ve never made hard candy before—this great recipe is straightforward! I’ve included easy-to-follow steps and tips to ensure your peanut brittle turns out perfect every time.

Let’s get started on a treat that’s sure to become a tradition in your home!

For a cozy seasonal bake, don’t miss my gluten-free ginger-spiced whoopie pies with cream cheese filling.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

You’re going to love this peanut brittle recipe because it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

If you’re new to candy-making, this post and the recipe card will simplify the process with step-by-step instructions that take the guesswork out of creating a perfect batch.

Plus, the end result is a light, golden, sweet and salty treat that’s wonderful for a snack, a perfect gift, or adding to your holiday dessert spread.

Once you try it, you’ll never need to bother with store-bought peanut brittle again!

For more holiday treats, check out this toffee popcorn, pecan clusters, and rice krispie bars.

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a classic candy that’s perfect for the holiday season or any occasion.

Peanuts
The star of the show! They add a salty, nutty crunch that balances the sweetness perfectly. I love using Planters Cocktail Peanuts (Salted or unsalted, your choice)

Granulated White Sugar
This is the base for the brittle, that creates the sweet, caramelized crunch we adore.

Light Corn Syrup
Helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing and gives the brittle a smooth, glossy texture.

Unsalted Butter
Adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor to the brittle.

Baking Soda
An essential ingredient in this recipe and shouldn’t be skipped! It triggers a chemical reaction that causes the mixture to foam up. This reaction is key to achieving the light, airy texture of peanut brittle. Overlooking the baking soda will result in a brittle that’s denser and tougher to bite.

Water
Keeps the sugar mixture from burning as it melts and cooks.

Vanilla Extract
Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

Salt
Enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the nuttiness of the peanuts.

Equipment

Here’s a short list of the candy-making tools I use to make peanut brittle, and why they’re helpful. With these tools, you’ll be all set to make the best peanut brittle every time!

Candy Thermometer
A must-have tool to monitor the temperature and achieve the perfect brittle texture.

Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan
Provides even heating and prevents the sugar from burning while cooking.

Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Great for stirring the hot candy mixture without melting or breaking.

Prepared Baking Sheet
Use a sheet pan to pour a thin layer of the brittle, creating a flat, crispy shape.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
Prevents the brittle from sticking to the baking sheet.

Variations

Here are some fun variations you can try to customize your peanut brittle. These ideas let you get creative and tailor the recipe to suit your taste or the season!

Swap the Nuts
Next time instead of peanuts, try almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pecans, or even a mix of your favorite nuts.

Add Chocolate
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle for an extra layer of indulgence.

Spice It Up
Add a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or pumpkin spice to the sugar mixture for a unique flavor twist.

Use Seeds
Substitute or add sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.

Salted Brittle
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brittle while it’s still warm for a sweet and salty treat.

Coconut Brittle
Mix in shredded coconut for a recipe with a tropical twist.

Vanilla or Other Extracts
Stir in a splash of vanilla, almond, or maple extract for added depth of flavor.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy homemade peanut brittle, step by step!

1 Prep Your Workspace
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or a silicone mat) and set it aside. Gather all your ingredients and tools, so you’re ready to go when things start rolling!

2 Combine Ingredients
Attach a candy thermometer to a heavy-bottomed, medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Stir it and cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.

3 Heat the Mixture
Stir in butter and peanuts. Keep stirring constantly until the temperature hits 300°F—it’ll start to turn a beautiful golden brown. (If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of mixture into cold water—it should harden instantly and snap when broken.)

4 Remove from heat
Take the pan off of the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda, vanilla, and water. The mixture will foam up—that’s normal!

5 Pour and Spread
Pour the hot mixture onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet (or a greased baking sheet or silicone mat if you prefer). Use a spatula to spread it out thinly and evenly.

Caution: The mixture becomes extremely hot and can burn if it splashes onto your skin while pouring. For added safety, consider asking someone to assist you during this step. Tilt the pan away from yourself as you or your helper carefully spread the bubbling mixture onto the prepared sheet. Be sure to wear oven mitts or old heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

6 Cool and Break
Wait until the brittle cools completely, then break it into pieces with your hands or a knife. Snack on it right away or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Looking for more fun seasonal treats, try these spritz Christmas cookie recipe, easy chocolate cake, and this Irish cream.

Expert Tips

Prep Ahead
This is so very important, especially in this recipe! Have all your ingredients measured, set out in the best location, and ready to go! Things move fast, and if you are not prepared, you risk having a recipe flop.

Stay Stirring
Plan to stir constantly throughout the entire process to prevent burning.

Thin is In
Spread the brittle to your desired thinness-go as thin as you like for extra crunch!

Weather Matters
Avoid making brittle on humid days—it can get sticky. My internet research says it’s primarily the humidity that affects peanut brittle, not the temperature itself, but I have it from a trusted source that disagrees and prefers to only make it in cold weather.

FAQ

Why is my peanut brittle sticky or chewy?

Sticky or chewy brittle usually means the mixture didn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F). Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy, and avoid making it on humid days, as moisture in the air can affect the texture.

Can I make peanut brittle without a candy thermometer?

Yes, you can make brittle without a thermometer, just use the cold water test: drop a small amount of the mixture into ice water. If it hardens and snaps, it’s ready.

How do I keep peanut brittle from sticking to the pan?

To prevent brittle from sticking, line your pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Is peanut brittle gluten-free?

Yes, peanut brittle is typically gluten-free! Its main ingredients—sugar, corn syrup, peanuts, and baking soda—don’t contain gluten. Double-check any packaged ingredients to ensure they are labeled gluten-free.

Don’t miss these amazing chocolate chip cookies and my oatmeal bars with chocolate & sea salt. For all the goodness, check out the dessert index and the recipe index.

Without further ado! Grab your oven mitts; here is the yummy, irresistible, and mouthwatering recipe!

Love this Easy Peanut Brittle Recipe? Leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating & a review in the comments section further down the page. I love hearing from you!

Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and then Subscribe to my newsletter!

Recipe Card powered by

Please comment below and tell me how you liked this homemade peanut brittle recipe. I’d love to hear from you!

Be sure to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration!

xo,

Cindy

Did you try this recipe?

I would love to hear all about it! Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!

Thank you!

About Bloom

Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.