Christmas Peanut Brittle
A classic holiday treat featuring crunchy, buttery peanut brittle with sweet caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, perfect for festive gatherings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy pan.
- Heat and stir until mixture boils.
- Cook rapidly to 236°F on a candy thermometer, then slowly stir in peanuts.
- Keep mixture bubbling.
- Cook to 280°F on the thermometer, stirring constantly.
- Stir in butter and cook to 300°F. Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the top and stir for 15 seconds until the mixture is puffy.
- Pour into a buttered pan. Cool and break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the sugar, corn syrup, and water mixture reaches a full boil before adding peanuts. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute peanuts with sunflower seeds. Always use a candy thermometer to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a burnt flavor. For a festive twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful holiday treat and pairs beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. It can be served as a standalone snack or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or alongside sweet dishes such as Ozark Apple Pie. For gifting, wrap pieces in decorative bags for a charming presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make it sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes just to soften it slightly before breaking into pieces for serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Peanut Brittle contains roughly 162 calories, with 1g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?
Yes, you can use raw peanuts, but roasting them beforehand will enhance their flavor and crunch. If using raw peanuts, roast them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until golden before adding them to the candy mixture.
What should I do if my mixture doesn't bubble?
If your mixture isn't bubbling, ensure that you have the heat high enough. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, but let it reach a steady boil. If it still doesn't bubble, you may need to check your thermometer for accuracy.
How can I tell if the brittle is cooked enough?
The brittle is done cooking when it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, known as the hard crack stage. You can also test by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should harden immediately and crack when bitten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).