Some of family's favorite memories don’t come from our big trips or from elaborate planned events—they come from ordinary afternoons when everyone ended up in the kitchen together. Peanut brittle quietly became one of those memorable kitchen moments for us. What started as a simple attempt to recreate a favorite candy turned into a fun, hands-on family activity that the kids asked to do again and again.
I’ll be honest, for many years, peanut brittle was something we bought, not something we made. We would order from See's Candy or pick it up from the local mall location. When our local candy shop closed, I decided to try making it at home. Candy-making felt intimidating, and I had tasted plenty of homemade brittle that just wasn’t very good. But eventually, curiosity (and persistence from the kids) won out—and I’m so glad it did.
What surprised me most wasn’t just how well the peanut brittle turned out—it was how much fun it was to make together. This recipe doesn’t require a lot of expensive kitchen tools or perfect timing and work from little hands, which makes it ideal for cooking with kids. There’s measuring, stirring, watching the thermometer climb, and that magical moment when the baking soda transforms everything right before your eyes.
Why Peanut Brittle Is a Great Family Cooking Activity
If you’re looking for an easy recipe to make with kids, peanut brittle is the perfect option.
- It feels special. Making candy at home feels exciting and a little magical.
- It’s hands-on. Kids can help measure, butter pans, stir, and break the finished candy.
- It teaches patience. Watching the sugar cook is a great lesson in waiting and paying attention.
- It’s forgiving. No decorating, no perfect shapes—just break and enjoy.
This is the kind of kitchen project that works well for weekends, school breaks, or holiday afternoons when everyone is home and lingering.
Peanut Brittle Ingredients (Simple and Kid-Friendly)
- 2 cups white granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus more for greasing cookie sheets)
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts (with sea salt works well)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
How to Make Peanut Brittle With Kids
1. Prepare the Kitchen and Cookie Sheets
Lightly butter two cookie sheets and set them aside. You can also line the baking sheets with silicone mats instead for easier cleanup. This is a great first job for kids—it helps them feel involved right away. We also spray the measuring cup that will be used for the corn syrup and a couple of metal spoons that will be used for spreading the candy to help prevent sticking.
Kids Tip:
Talk about why preparation matters. Explain that once candy gets hot, things move quickly, so having everything ready ahead of time helps keep everything moving well in the process!
2. Cook the Sugar Mixture
Add the sugar, corn syrup, and water to a 2-quart saucepan. Attach a candy thermometer so the tip reaches the sugar mixture. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches hard crack stage 300–310°F (149–154°C) on the thermometer.
Kids Tip:
This is a great chance to talk about temperature and how sugar changes when heated. Let kids watch the thermometer climb and explain that candy-making is more about temperature than time.
Important: An adult should handle this step closely, as the mixture becomes extremely hot.
3. Add the Butter and Peanuts
in the butter and peanuts using a sturdy metal spoon. The mixture will thicken slightly as everything combines.
Kids Tip:
Ask kids to notice how the texture changes when the butter melts and the peanuts are added. This is a great, simple lesson in how ingredients affect consistency (and flavor).
4. Stir in the Vanilla and Baking Soda
Remove the pan from the heat. Qickly stir in the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam up immediately and expand.
Kids Tip:
This is the perfect moment for a mini science lesson. Explain that baking soda creates bubbles when it reacts with heat, which is what gives peanut brittle its light, airy crunch.
5. Pour and Cool the Peanut Brittle
Carefully pour the hot candy onto the prepared cookie sheets, dividing it evenly between the sheets. Spread it into thin layers, making sure the peanuts are evenly distributed. Allow the brittle to cool completely.
Kids Tip:
Have kids help decide how thin to spread the candy and observe how it slowly hardens as it cools. This is a great opportunity to talk about how heat changes food—and how cooling sets it.
6. Break Into Pieces and Enjoy
Once the peanut brittle has cooled completely, gently lift it from the cookie sheets and break it into pieces of any size you like.
Kids Tip:
This step is always the most fun for kids. There’s no “right” size, and kids love having ownership over the final result.
What Makes This Peanut Brittle Recipe Family-Friendly
This peanut brittle recipe works especially well for cooking with kids because it doesn’t require complicated steps, exact shaping, or decorating. Children can help measure ingredients, watch the thermometer, and participate safely in most steps with adult supervision.
More Than Candy: Peanut Brittle Making is Educational and Fun
Making peanut brittle together reminded me that some of my favorite family traditions start without much planning. A simple recipe, a few shared tasks, sticky fingers, and everyone waiting around the counter for it to cool—it all adds up to something meaningful. Something memorable and fun.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly cooking activity that feels special without being complicated, this peanut brittle recipe is a wonderful place to start. You’ll end up with a sweet treat—but even better, you’ll create a memory your kids will associate with being together in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Peanut Brittle With Kids
Is peanut brittle safe to make with kids?
This was my biggest worry! But, YES, with adult supervision. Kids can help with measuring, stirring cooler ingredients, and breaking the brittle once it’s set. An adult should always handle the hot sugar mixture.
Do I need a candy thermometer to make peanut brittle?
A candy thermometer is highly recommended for best results, especially when making brittle for the first time. This candy thermometer labels different candy stages so you don't have to remember temperatures while cooking!
Can peanut brittle be made ahead of time?
Yes. Once cooled and broken into pieces, peanut brittle stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
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