This quick and easy Christmas candy is a classic treat for the holiday season. Microwave Peanut Brittle is lighter and crispier than the traditional version, and you don’t even need a candy thermometer to make this fuss-free homemade treat.

Microwave peanut brittle on a white platter.

Homemade candy makes the perfect holiday food gift. I’ve done this a few times in the past holiday seasons where I’ve made a variety of candy and packaged it up all festive and pretty for gift giving. It’s a great gift idea for someone hard to buy for or as a thoughtful hostess gift, too!

I’ve made peanut brittle the traditional way, but I find using the microwave to make brittle candy just as yummy and so much easier. It’s become a new family favorite sweet treat over the holiday season.

I love this easy microwave recipe; it just melts in your mouth with the perfect texture and flavor. Nothing beats the combination of caramel, roasted peanuts, and a hint of salt. I’ve been craving it quite a bit, so it’s a good thing it’s simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients
No candy thermometer is required
A delicious treat for the Christmas season
Delicious caramel-like flavor with a crispy, light texture
A unique food gift idea
Only takes about 10 minutes to cook in the microwave

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

Dry-roasted peanuts or cocktail peanuts
Granulated sugar
Light corn syrup
Salted butter
Vanilla extract
Baking soda

Ingredients on a white marble background.

How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle

Step One: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step Two: In a microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes on high.
Step Three: Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the peanuts.
Step Four: Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook another 3 minutes.
Step Five: Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Microwave another 2 minutes.
Step Six: Immediately stir in the baking soda until foamy.

Collage of mixing ingredients in a bowl.

Step Seven: Pour out the mixture onto the parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Do not spread the mixture.
Step Eight: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
Step Nine: Once the peanut brittle is set, pick up the parchment paper and drop it on the counter to crack the candy.

Collage of spreading the recipe on parchment paper and breaking into pieces.

Shop Recommended Products!

From cookware to handy kitchen gadgets, check out all my favorite products used to create everyday recipes!

What to Serve With It

Variations and Substitutions

You can use another kind of peanut if you prefer. Make sure they are salted, though.
Try other types of salted nuts, such as cashews or almonds.
Dip the peanut brittle in melted chocolate for added decadence.

Storage Instructions

Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Don’t refrigerate because it can make the peanut brittle too soft. If stored properly, it should keep up to 6 weeks.

Add a piece of parchment paper between each layer of brittle in your container to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I Freeze?

Yes, you can freeze peanut brittle for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Microwaves can vary quite a bit depending on the wattage, age, make, and model. Your microwave could run hotter or cooler than mine, so your cooking time may vary.
Use oven mittens when removing the bowl from the microwave. It will be hot!
Don’t spread out the peanut brittle on the baking sheet. Just pour it out and let it sit as is.

Holiday Treats

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.

Rate this Recipe

4.67 from 3 votes

Microwave Peanut Brittle

Created by Stacie Vaughan

Servings

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Cooling Time 1

Total Time 1 15

This quick and easy Christmas candy is a classic treat for the holiday season. It's lighter and crispier than the traditional version and you don't even need a candy thermometer to make this fuss-free homemade treat. Perfect for gifting or to just enjoy a sweet snack.

Rate this Recipe

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.

Ingredients

Instructions

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a microwave safe glass bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes on high.
Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the peanuts.
Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook another 3 minutes.
Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Microwave another 2 minutes.
Immediately stir in the baking soda until foamy.
Pour out the mixture onto the parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Do not spread the mixture.
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
Once the peanut brittle is set, pick up the parchment paper and drop it on the counter to crack the candy.

Notes

Use a large microwave-safe glass bowl to prevent the mixture from bubbling over—this candy gets very hot.
Dry roasted or cocktail peanuts both work great. If using salted peanuts, you may want to skip any added salt.
Microwave power may vary. Watch carefully during the final cook time to avoid burning.
Don’t skip the parchment paper! It makes cleanup a breeze and helps the brittle release easily.
Avoid spreading the mixture. Letting it naturally settle helps preserve that signature airy, crackly texture.
Cool completely before breaking into pieces—this usually takes about 1 hour at room temperature.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Keep away from humidity to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword candy, christmas, peanut brittle