The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about the smell of warm sugar swirling with cinnamon and vanilla especially during the holidays. Every December, my kitchen in Crete used to transform into a little candy workshop, thanks to my grandmother. She didn’t celebrate Christmas the American way, but she adored making sweets for neighbors and friends. Her favorite treat to gift was a Greek sesame candy, but the first time I tried Holiday Peanut Brittle, I knew it deserved a place in our family traditions.
Hi, I’m Marilyn, and making Holiday Peanut Brittle has become one of my favorite rituals. It’s a treat that feels both nostalgic and exciting old-fashioned, yet always welcome at any Christmas table. The thin, crunchy texture. The golden caramel. The roasted peanuts. And the festive twist of cinnamon and vanilla? That’s what takes this Holiday Peanut Brittle from “classic” to “unforgettable.”
What I love most is how it brings people together. My grandmother always said candy-making teaches patience and joy and she was right. Even now, when my kitchen gets messy with drips of syrup and bowls everywhere, it reminds me that the holidays don’t need perfection. They need warmth. They need sweetness. They need something homemade like Holiday Peanut Brittle to spark the season.
If you’ve never made brittle before, don’t worry it’s much easier than it looks. And once you crack that golden sheet into pieces, you’ll feel like you’ve created Christmas magic with your own hands. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at your holiday party, or sneaking little pieces as a midnight treat, Holiday Peanut Brittle delivers all the crunch, flavor, and nostalgia you’re craving.
And if you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, festive, and absolutely crowd-pleasing… you’ve found it. Let’s make your new favorite Christmas candy!
About This Holiday Peanut Brittle
This Holiday Peanut Brittle is thin, snappy, buttery, and perfectly flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. It’s old-school brittle but dressed up for the season. No corn syrup complications. No expensive candy tools—just a pot, a baking sheet, and a few pantry staples.
Here’s what makes this recipe special:
- Thin, glassy crunch never thick or chewy.
- Warm holiday flavors cinnamon + vanilla give it Christmas charm.
- Simple ingredients sugar, peanuts, butter, baking soda… that’s it.
- Foolproof method clear steps to avoid burning or crystallizing.
- Perfect for gifting fills cookie tins beautifully.
- Stays fresh for weeks so it’s ideal for make-ahead plans.
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients for Holiday Peanut Brittle
- Granulated sugar
- Light corn syrup
- Water
- Salted roasted peanuts
- Unsalted butter
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
Each ingredient plays a crucial role. The sugar and corn syrup create that shiny caramel base. Butter smooths the texture. Baking soda lightens it to the perfect crispness. And the cinnamon and vanilla? They turn a classic into a holiday masterpiece.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace
Get a baking sheet ready by greasing it generously or lining it with a silicone mat. Once the brittle is cooked, you’ll need to move fast, so having everything prepped ahead of time is essential.
Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
Once boiling, stop stirring completely to prevent crystallization.
Add the Peanuts
When the mixture reaches a light golden color, add the roasted peanuts. They’ll toast even more in the caramel, enhancing their flavor. Stir gently to coat.
Bring to 300°F (Hard Crack Stage)
Use a candy thermometer if you have one. When it hits 300°F, remove from heat immediately.
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a deep amber color and a slightly thickened texture.
Add Butter, Vanilla & Baking Soda
This is the fun part things will foam up beautifully!
- Add butter and vanilla.
- Stir until melted.
- Add baking soda last.
The mixture will puff up and lighten in color. That’s exactly what makes the brittle airy and crisp.
Pour, Spread & Cool
Pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Tilt or gently spread it with a greased spatula to make it thin.
Let it cool completely about 30 minutes.
Break into Pieces
Once it’s firm, lift the brittle and snap it into shards. Store in an airtight container so it stays crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in festive bowls for holiday parties
- Pack in tins for neighbor gifts
- Add pieces to cookie boxes
- Pair it with hot chocolate or coffee
- Sprinkle over ice cream for a crunchy treat
This brittle is also beautiful on dessert boards those red and brown peanut pieces make it look wonderfully rustic.
100-Word Marilyn Story Version (For Recipe Section)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from the island of Crete! Growing up, I watched my grandmother make homemade sweets every December, filling our home with warmth and sugary aromas. When I first tried American-style Holiday Peanut Brittle, I fell in love with its crunchy texture and nostalgic flavor. With cinnamon and vanilla added, it feels like Christmas in every bite. Now, making this brittle is one of my favorite traditions messy pots, sticky counters, and all! I hope this recipe brings joy, sweetness, and a little bit of holiday magic to your kitchen, just like it does in mine.
🎄 Recipe Card: Holiday Peanut Brittle
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Cool: 30 minutes
- Total: 55 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup salted roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
👩🍳 Instructions
- Grease a baking sheet or line with a silicone mat.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil and stop stirring.
- Add peanuts once mixture turns light amber.
- Cook to 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
- Add baking soda last and mix quickly.
- Pour onto the prepared sheet and spread thin.
- Cool completely, then break into pieces.
📝 Notes
- Don’t stir the caramel once boiling this prevents crystallization.
- Use a silicone mat for the easiest release.
- Avoid making brittle on very humid days.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg.
🔥 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
This Holiday Peanut Brittle is everything a Christmas treat should be sweet, crunchy, nostalgic, and full of festive flavor. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make a beautiful homemade gift or a delicious snack that brings the holiday spirit straight into your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones, giving edible gifts, or starting new traditions, this brittle will always feel like a little piece of holiday magic. Enjoy every crack, crunch, and smile it brings!