If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive, this Candied Sugar Peanuts Recipe is your go-to treat. Imagine perfectly roasted peanuts enveloped in a glossy, caramelized sugar coating that melts just enough on your tongue to send your taste buds into happy overdrive. This recipe is straightforward enough for any home cook but delivers that classic nostalgic candy shop vibe right from your kitchen. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep a stash handy for snacking or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Candied Sugar Peanuts Recipe comes down to a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the crunch of the peanuts to the caramel sweetness from the sugar and the subtle hint of vanilla to round out the flavors, everything blends perfectly to create a timeless snack.
- 2 cups unsalted roasted peanuts: Provides that irresistible nutty base and crunch you’ll love.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The key to that shiny, sweet coating that makes these peanuts addictive.
- 1/3 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly and allows it to caramelize properly without burning.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a gentle aromatic touch that elevates the candied flavor.
How to Make Candied Sugar Peanuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and setting it aside to cool your peanuts later. This step ensures your candied peanuts won’t stick and will cool into perfect little clusters that break apart easily.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Heat
In a large skillet, mix together the peanuts, sugar, and water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly. This constant movement is key to prevent the sugar from burning and to ensure it evenly coats each peanut with that gorgeous caramel glaze.
Step 3: Caramelize the Sugar
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and continue stirring until the water evaporates and the sugar thickens into a gooey, caramel-like coating. This stage is where patience clicks in, as the peanuts transform from simple roasted nuts to a glossy, sweet delight.
Step 4: Finalize the Candied Coating
Keep cooking and stirring until the sugar has fully caramelized and clings mostly to the peanuts without any excess liquid left in the pan. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract immediately to lock in that fragrant finish.
Step 5: Cool and Separate
Spread the sticky mixture on your prepared baking sheet and let the peanuts cool completely. Once cooled, break apart clumps into individual delicious pieces. Your Candied Sugar Peanuts Recipe is now ready for snacking or sharing!
How to Serve Candied Sugar Peanuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over your candied peanuts right after spreading them out to cool for a sophisticated salty-sweet flavor combo. You can also toss in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist that gives these peanuts an extra layer of cozy deliciousness.
Side Dishes
Candied sugar peanuts are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a crunchy topping on yogurt parfaits. They add texture and a burst of sweetness that brightens up any simple dessert or snack plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, fill small mason jars or clear gift bags with these peanuts, tied with rustic twine or colorful ribbons. You can also mix them into homemade trail mix with dried fruits and chocolate chips for a personalized sweet snack blend. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your candied sugar peanuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their crunchy, caramelized texture for up to two weeks, making them a perfect snack to enjoy bit by bit over time.
Freezing
If you want to hold onto these treats longer, you can freeze the cooled peanuts in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying, and they’ll regain their delightful crunch without any sogginess.
Reheating
You can lightly reheat the peanuts in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5 to 10 minutes to refresh their crispiness. This step works great if they’ve been stored for a while and you want to bring back that freshly-made texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted peanuts for this recipe?
While salted peanuts can work, I recommend sticking to unsalted roasted peanuts to control the flavor balance better. You can always add a touch of salt yourself at the end for a perfect salty-sweet mix.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses just peanuts, sugar, water, and vanilla extract, all plant-based ingredients. Just double-check your vanilla extract to ensure it’s alcohol-based without added dairy.
How do I prevent the sugar from crystallizing?
Keep stirring constantly while the sugar and water are boiling, and monitor the heat carefully. Avoid stirring once the syrup starts to boil vigorously, but in this recipe, since peanuts are involved, constant stirring helps keep the coating even and prevents crystallization.
Can I add spices to alter the flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cinnamon, cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or even a pinch of ginger to create your own spin on the Candied Sugar Peanuts Recipe.
Why did my peanuts stick together in a big clump?
This happens if the sugar syrup thickens too much or cools before spreading. To avoid this, spread the peanuts quickly and separate clusters with a spatula as they cool. A little warm separation while they’re still pliable helps keep nice pieces.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and downright delicious about homemade candied sugar peanuts that keeps me coming back to this recipe time and time again. It’s a simple treat with just a handful of ingredients but bursting with flavor and texture that brighten any snack time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Candied Sugar Peanuts Recipe as much as I do — happy snacking!
Print
Candied Sugar Peanuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candied Sugar Peanuts are a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat made by caramelizing sugar with roasted peanuts and a hint of vanilla. Perfect as a snack or topping, these candied peanuts are easy to prepare and provide a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted roasted peanuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure the candied peanuts do not stick after cooking.
- Combine ingredients and bring to boil: In a large skillet, combine the unsalted roasted peanuts, granulated sugar, and water. Place over medium-high heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
- Caramelize the sugar: Reduce heat to medium and continue stirring the mixture. Cook until the water evaporates and the sugar becomes gooey and caramelizes, coating the peanuts evenly.
- Finish cooking: Keep stirring and cooking until all the sugar mixture is caramelized and mostly sticks to the peanuts. Remove the skillet from heat promptly to avoid burning.
- Add vanilla extract: Immediately stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor into the caramel-coated peanuts.
- Cool and break apart: Spread the caramel-coated peanuts evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to cool completely, then break them into individual pieces for serving or storage.
- Store: Place the cooled, candied peanuts in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use unsalted roasted peanuts to control the salt level in the candy.
- Stir constantly during the caramelization process to prevent burning.
- Work quickly when adding vanilla and spreading the nuts, as the caramel hardens fast.
- Ensure peanuts are completely cooled before breaking apart to avoid sticky clumps.
- Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
