RECIPE: Spiced Peanut Brittle
This crowd-pleasing peanut brittle recipe is super easy to make, so it’s perfect for casual get togethers, hostess gifts, or as a delicious anytime snack.
The key to success with this recipe is to gather and measure out all the ingredients before you get started because you’ll need to add the remaining ingredients as soon as the peanut sugar mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
Tasting Notes: The addition of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to this classic recipe deepens the color and adds a touch of warmth and spice to this crunchy, delicious treat.
Classic Spiced Peanut Brittle
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes (+ time to cool)
Serves: 6-8
Required Tools: Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip, like this one or this one
Ingredients:
2 c. granulated sugar
¼ c. water
1 c. light corn syrup
2 c. roasted peanuts, salted
2 t. real vanilla extract
½ t. ground cinnamon
¼ t. ground nutmeg
1½ t. baking soda
¼ t. table salt
2 T. unsalted butter
Optional: 2 T. unsalted butter to grease baking sheet
Directions:
Secure a candy thermometer to the side of a large heavy-duty pot. Generously grease a large, rimmed baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking mat. Set aside.
Add sugar and water to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the corn syrup, and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Bring the mixture to 250°F on the candy thermometer, then stir in the roasted peanuts until thoroughly combined.
Continue heating the peanut mixture until it reaches 300°F, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and butter until combined. Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer with a butter or pastry knife.
Set aside and cool completely until the mixture is completely hardened and breaks easily into chunks, approximately 30 minutes to one hour. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks.