Microwave Peanut Brittle – no candy thermometer required! Only 6 ingredients and ready in 6½ minutes! Cocktail peanuts, sugar, light corn syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. SO easy and SO delicious! Great for parties! Makes a great homemade holiday gift!!

bowl of peanut brittle in a reindeer bowl

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Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

This is my Mom’s recipe for peanut brittle. It is really easy to make and doesn’t require a candy thermometer! You make this brittle in the microwave! I make this peanut brittle every year for Christmas, and everyone loves it. This recipe takes 6½ minutes to make and has the same crispy and crunchy texture as the classic stovetop version. No one would ever know it was made in the microwave!

How to Make Peanut Brittle in the Microwave

This candy is very easy to make in the microwave with only a few simple ingredients. Start with mixing sugar and corn syrup in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the sugar mixture just until it starts to turn golden brown. With a silicone spatula, stir in unsalted butter, peanuts, and vanilla extract. Microwave the mixture again. Remove the bowl from the microwave and immediately stir in baking soda. Spread the brittle mixture on a silicone baking mat, a greased baking sheet, or onto aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray to cool. Once the brittle has cooled, break into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making Peanut Brittle

This recipe is formulated for a 1200 watt microwave oven. The cooking times will vary depending on your microwave wattage.
- Watch the candy mixture to make sure it doesn’t get too brown on the last cooking time.
- You may have to play with the cooking times and adjust them to your microwave. All microwaves are different.
It is best to have all of the brittle ingredients measured out and ready to use before making the candy. You want to move fast!
I use a large 2-qt glass bowl. When you add the baking soda the brittle mixture will foam up and expand. You need a large enough bowl so the candy doesn’t spill out of the bowl.
Why do you add baking soda? Adding baking soda to the hot sugar mixture makes the tiny air bubbles that give the brittle its signature texture.
I used Karo Light Corn Syrup.
I use Planters Cocktail Peanuts in this recipe. Feel free to substitute raw peanuts.
Can use any nut you prefer – pecans, cashews, almonds, or walnuts all work great.
The less you spread the brittle the lighter it will be, or more air bubbles it will have.
I suggest a silicone baking mat (Silpat) for this recipe. It works great – the candy never sticks.
You can add a layer of chocolate on top of the brittle if you want to get super fancy. Sprinkle some semi-sweet chips on top of the hot brittle. Wait a minute for the chips to melt and gently spread the chocolate over the surface.
Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature.

Easy Homemade Holiday Gift

This peanut brittle is a holiday favorite. It is great for snacking and gift-giving. Package the brittle in a plastic bag with a ribbon or in a a cute holiday box and you are set.

Here are a few more recipes from the blog that make also great homemade holiday gifts:

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