Peanut brittle is a treat we’ve been enjoying since we were little in Stillwater, MN as we would walk around the town by the St. Croix river enjoying the scenery, but more importantly, the local candy store.
There are not a lot of steps to make this peanut brittle, but it does require a little patience. To start, bring sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt to a boil. Once it starts to boil and the sugar has dissolved, stir in the peanuts. Now comes the patience part. Stir the mixture frequently until it turns amber in color and reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. This process will probably take about 10-13 minutes. 
All that’s left is to add butter and baking soda to the mixture off the heat and then pour onto a greased baking sheet. We used a silicon baking mat because it makes clean up really easy. You’ll have to work quickly and spread the mixture evenly before it starts to set. Then just let it cool and break into pieces.
PrintSimple, Sweet Peanut Brittle
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 pieces 1x
Description
Buttery, crunchy peanut brittle that combines sweetness and a satisfying crunch, perfect for New Year’s festivities or any cold day treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup peanuts
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup white sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, stir in 1 cup peanuts.
- Continue to stir frequently until the mixture turns amber in color and reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer, about 10-13 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in 2 tablespoons softened butter and 1 teaspoon baking soda until well combined.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet or a silicone baking mat. Spread it evenly before it begins to set.
- Allow the brittle to cool completely, then break it into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
Use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Work quickly to spread the brittle before it sets. Store in an airtight container to keep it crunchy. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, look for a deep amber color as a visual cue.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I boil the sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt before adding the peanuts?
You should boil the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and it starts to bubble, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
What temperature should the mixture reach before adding the butter and baking soda?
The mixture should reach 300 degrees on a candy thermometer, which usually takes about 10-13 minutes of stirring.
Why is it important to use a silicon baking mat or greased baking sheet?
Using a silicon baking mat or greased baking sheet prevents the peanut brittle from sticking, making it easier to remove and clean up.
