Grandma’s Peanut Brittle

By Kaleb WyseLast modified on Mar 06, 2026

4.64 from 172 votes

Peanut brittle is a delicious treat that is perfect to make around the holidays. It's a sugary combination that's generously dotted with peanuts for some added crunch!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

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Kaleb Wyse wearing a black shirt standing in front of a taupe background.

Why I Love Peanut Brittle

There are many brittle recipes, and many people make them thin and almost tooth-breakingly hard. Grandma always ensured I knew how to make it light and airy, just like hers. She always said, “Never spread or flatten the mixture, and you will have extremely light, brittle, with delicate air pockets.” I have come to love this peanut brittle recipe and can’t have it any other way. Candy-making may seem hard, but it is honestly quite easy! Be cautious, though, and have a bowl of ice water close by in case you burn yourself. These are really high temperatures! Once you make this, you’ll see why it is so fun, let alone extremely addictive! Let the Christmas candy-making commence!

Top down view of yellow colored pieces of peanut brittle dotted with peanuts sitting on baking tray

Side view of yellow piece of peanut brittle showing airy pockets with peanuts showing as well sitting on top of other pieces of brittle

More Holiday Recipes

Peco candy
English toffee
Saltine toffee
The best peppermint bark
Make sure to check out all of my holiday baking recipes

Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?

I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!

Grandma’s Peanut Brittle

By Kaleb

4.64 from 172 votes

Peanut brittle is a delicious treat that is perfect to make around the holidays. It's a sugary combination that's generously dotted with peanuts for some added crunch!

Prep: 5

Cook: 30

Total: 35

Servings: pieces

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Ingredients

Instructions

Butter a 10 x 15-inch pan on all sides and the bottom, and set it aside.
Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and hot water in a 4-quart heavy-bottom kettle. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Continue to cook and bring it to a temperature of 250°F. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature.
2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, ½ cup hot water

I like using a high-quality instant-read thermometer, but a good candy thermometer fitted on your kettle will work as well.

Once at 250°F, add in raw peanuts and unsalted butter. Raw peanuts are a must with this recipe, as they have a longer cooking time at high heat. Once the peanuts are added, stir the mixture continuously so no peanuts scorch on the bottom. Bring the mixture up to 310°F.
2 cups raw peanuts, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Once at 310°F, remove from heat and add vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam and grow, so make sure to stir constantly to completely incorporate.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons baking soda
Working quickly, pour into the prepared 10 x 15-inch pan. To keep the brittle light and airy, do not spread or flatten the mixture. Instead, let it flow freely.
Place in a cool area and leave until completely cooled, about 2-3 hours.
Once cooled, break into pieces as preferred.

Video

Notes

Candy making works best when you employ mise en place (having everything out and ready to go). This brittle process goes quickly, especially at the end, and is cooked at extremely high temperatures. So, having all items pre-measured and your 10 x 15-inch pan buttered and ready to go helps the process go smoothly.