You're Only 4 Ingredients Away From Making Easy Peanut Brittle

For a moreish treat that doubles as a homemade Christmas present or a kitchen counter snack, look no further than peanut brittle. To make peanut brittle start by gathering four simple ingredients: butter, sugar, salt, and – you guessed it – peanuts, preferably a dry roasted unsalted variety. If you opt for salted peanuts you can feel free to omit the salt. Measure out two tablespoons of butter, one cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¾ to 1 ¼ cups of peanuts (depending on what ratio of crunchy peanuts to caramelized sweetness you like).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and put to the side. Bring a pan to medium heat and melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and salt until they're fully dissolved. Once the butter sugar concoction becomes a rich caramel color and begins to bubble remove the caramel from the heat and mix the peanuts in until they're fully coated. Pour the mixture onto your baking sheet and let it cool and fully harden. Then, break it into pieces with your hands or carefully cut with a knife.

Store extra peanut brittle in an airtight container in a dark, dry place for up to six weeks, or in the freezer for up to three months. Separate the pieces with wax paper to keep them from merging. If you have any leftover peanuts, remember to consider storing them in the freezer, not the pantry. And if you've got a peanut allergy, this recipe works for any kind of nut.

You can also make peanut brittle in the microwave, while still using the same ingredients. Before you get started be aware of your microwave wattage power; an average microwave is about 1,000 watts, but smaller and bigger devices will have lower and higher wattage. Never fear, you can make peanut brittle in a microwave regardless of wattage power, it's just something to keep in mind.

Once you understand your microwave's strength, follow the same steps as stove top peanut brittle. Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper before proceeding to melt butter in a large microwave safe dish for around 30 seconds, mixing in sugar and salt afterwards. Once your ingredients have been incorporated, microwave the mixture for 2 to 5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved. The sugar will be bubbling so be sure to use an oven mitt when handling the mixture. Add the peanuts and microwave for 2 to 4 more minutes before spreading the contents onto a baking sheet and cooling. Keep an eye (and nose) on the mixture during the process to make sure the sugar doesn't burn. You can also further increase depth of flavor by adding in a touch of vanilla extract, which can be easily made at home with just two ingredients.