Learn how to make this simple and easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe. Each bite is sweet and salty for a tasty treat everyone will love.

If you love peanut brittle, you are going to enjoy being able to make it at home anytime you want. I used to buy this all the time and started thinking maybe I could try to make it myself. I was so pleased with how this easy candy recipe turned out and it was very simple.
Now, we make this all the time. It has become a family tradition, and everyone looks forward to when we make this. You can even make Microwave Peanut Brittle for an easy recipe for peanut brittle.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
We love giving this as gifts to friends and family and it is always a hit. Sweet and salty come together for one incredible treat! You will love this homemade stovetop peanut brittle recipe.
The flavor is incredible, and the savings adds up when you make this at home.
Ingredients
- Sugar. White granulated sugar.
- Corn Syrup. I used light corn syrup.
- Peanuts. Roasted peanuts work great in this recipe.
- Butter. Real butter is best.
- Baking Soda. Best Baking Soda Substitutes
Get the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.
Variations and Additions
- Use Different Nuts – Roasted peanuts are a classic addition, but you can use sliced almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews or chopped pecans for another flavor.
- Dried Fruit – Add in raisins or dried cranberries to enhance the flavoring.
- Chocolate Chips – Take your peanut brittle to the next level and mix in some chocolate chips.
- Top with Honey – Drizzle honey over the top after peanut brittle is finished cooling.
How to Make Peanut Brittle
- Step 1. Prepare Baking Sheet – First, grease a large cookie sheet (with sides) and set aside.

Step 2. Next, get out a 2-quart saucepan on your stove top. Use medium heat and bring to a boil the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Allow the mixture to boil uncovered and stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 3. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. The mixture will be a golden-brown color. Then stir in the peanuts in sugar mixture and stir gently to make sure that the peanuts are coated.

Step 4. Set the candy thermometer in place and continue cooking. You want to cook stirring frequently until the temperature reaches 300 degrees. Then remove from heat and immediately stir in butter and baking soda.

Step 5. Immediately spread the mixture into an even layer on the cookie sheet. Move the pan back and forth while it spreads to help move it along. Once it has cooled completely, break into pieces. I usually break the brittle with my hands or with a back of a spoon.
Storage
Store peanut brittle an airtight container at room temperature to make the homemade peanut brittle last the longest. This will keep it fresh when stored in an airtight container.
It does not need to be placed in the fridge.
You can also freezer peanut brittle in a freezer safe bag or container up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, peanut brittle can last up to 2 months. However, we eat ours so fast that it is gone much quicker. Everyone loves this amazing homemade peanut brittle.
I would not refrigerate peanut brittle because it will lose its crunch and soften the brittle over time. It is best to store at room temperature.
The reason your peanut brittle is soft is because it was not cooked long enough. Make sure to use a candy thermometer when cooking the mixture. The peanut brittle mixture needs to reach a temperature of 300 degrees when it is done.
Baking soda is the key to getting a crisp peanut brittle. This causes a chemical reaction which creates the right texture for peanut brittle. You do not want to skip this ingredient and there is no substitute for baking soda in this recipe.
Baking soda combines with the sugar syrup to give peanut brittle the texture it is known for. Adding baking soda allows the peanut brittle to bubble up creating lots of air bubbles. This makes for a fluffier peanut brittle.
Peanut Brittle is very delicate and gets this texture from the combination of baking soda and sugar syrup.
Pro Tips
- Baking Sheet – Make sure that your baking sheet has sides. You can use a cookie sheet as long as it has sides, but you don’t want the mixture pouring off the edges as it will make a big mess.
- Candy Thermometer – You will want to use a candy thermometer to make sure that this candy has been cooked to the right temperature. This will make sure that the brittle is not too soft or too hard.
- Prepared Baking Sheet – Make sure your pan is ready. I always have my baking sheet right by the stovetop so I can immediately pour the brittle into the pan once it has reached the right temperature. Be careful though because this candy mixture is hot and can easily burn your hands.
- Line Baking Sheet – I line my baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat for easy clean up.
- Cooking Time – This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make. Do not rush the process as you want to make sure the candy reaches the right temperature.
- Fluffy Peanut Brittle – If you want a fluffier peanut brittle, don’t spread it out to much. If peanut brittle is to thin it becomes really hard.
- Holiday Candy – This Homemade Peanut Brittle is the perfect candy to give out as gifts for the holiday. Wrap in a clear bag and tie a ribbon and give to your neighbors, friends and family.
More Homemade Candy Recipes
Everyone will enjoy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe. Leave a star rating and comment once you make it. It always makes my day when I hear from you!
Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
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
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Grease a large cookie sheet (with sides). Set aside.
- In a 2 quart saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in peanuts. Set candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking.
- Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F.
- Remove from heat; immediately stir in butter and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet.
- Immediately spread it out on the cookie sheet. I just move the pan back and forth while it spreads.
- Let cool and then break apart into pieces.
Curious to know which kind of peanuts you recommend? Dry roasted, plain, salted?
Any would work great. We used the lightly salty roasted peanuts but if you don’t like salty sweet treats, then I would recommend using the plain. Thank you!
this sounds so simple, what dimension of cookie sheet do you use ?
I used a half sheet size cookie sheet which is approximately 18 in X 13 in. Thank you!
Good beginner recipe for peanut brittle. As one reviewer recommended, if you don’t like salty sweet snacks, use plain peanuts. Good either way.
What kind, brand name of baking soda do you use?
Can you show some pictures of the ingredients you use in their package?
I usually Arm & Hammer Baking Soda but any will work great for this recipe.
I have to use sugar free syrup and it doesn’t come in white so can the brown syrup be used
Yes it can.
Great recipe. I’ve made this and used raw peanuts. This will definitely be in my Christmas treat boxes this year.
So glad you loved it!