Sugared Peanuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sugared Peanuts are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them a satisfying snack for any occasion. The roasted peanuts are coated in a crunchy sugar shell, giving them a delicious caramelized coating that’s hard to resist. They’re quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and are a great homemade treat for when you’re craving something sweet and crunchy. Whether for a party, a snack, or a homemade gift, these sugared peanuts will surely become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts (shelled)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance the flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan:

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Sugar Syrup:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.

   • Once the sugar has dissolved, add the butter and let it melt, continuing to stir until the mixture begins to simmer. Allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat.

3. Coat the Peanuts:

   • Add the roasted peanuts to the sugar syrup, stirring to ensure the peanuts are evenly coated.

   • Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if desired), and stir again.

4. Bake the Peanuts:

   • Spread the sugared peanuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the peanuts for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure they don’t burn. The peanuts are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

5. Cool the Peanuts:

   • Once the peanuts are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden, creating a deliciously crunchy texture.

6. Serve:

   • Once cooled, enjoy your sugared peanuts as a snack or use them as a topping for desserts, salads, or trail mix.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 2 cups of sugared peanuts.

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugared Peanuts: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar syrup for a warm, spiced flavor.

• Spicy Sugared Peanuts: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the syrup for a sweet and spicy kick.

• Maple-Flavored Peanuts: Substitute the granulated sugar with maple sugar or add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the sugar mixture for a rich maple flavor.

• Nut Mix: Use mixed nuts, like almonds, cashews, or pecans, in place of peanuts for a variety of flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled sugared peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: You can also freeze sugared peanuts for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted peanuts for this recipe?

Yes, unsalted peanuts work great in this recipe. The sugar coating provides all the sweetness and flavor you need.

2. Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?

Yes, you can use raw peanuts. Just make sure to roast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding them to the syrup.

3. Can I make this recipe with another type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time depending on the type of nut you use.

4. How can I prevent the peanuts from sticking to the pan?

Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will help prevent the peanuts from sticking. Stirring the peanuts every 5 minutes while they bake also helps ensure they cook evenly.

5. Can I make these in advance?

Yes, sugared peanuts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature.

6. Can I add vanilla extract to the peanuts?

Yes, adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the sugared peanuts and adds a deliciously sweet aroma. You can also experiment with other flavorings like almond extract or maple extract.

7. Can I make these nuts less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar used in the syrup. Alternatively, you can add a bit of salt to balance out the sweetness.

8. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor and a slight molasses taste. It will also give the peanuts a darker color.

9. How do I know when the peanuts are done baking?

The peanuts are done when they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to stir them every 5 minutes to prevent burning.

10. Can I use this recipe for a gift?

Yes! Sugared peanuts make a great homemade gift. Just package them in a decorative jar or bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful treat.

Conclusion

Sugared Peanuts are a simple yet irresistible snack that combines the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own, adding them to a snack mix, or using them as a topping for your favorite dishes, these sugared peanuts are sure to become a favorite. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for a quick treat or as a homemade gift!

Sugared Peanuts Recipe

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sugared Peanuts are a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients, you can create these irresistible, caramelized peanuts that are perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to party tables. The combination of roasted peanuts and sugar creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts (shelled)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance the flavor)

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Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, add the butter and stir until melted, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Add the roasted peanuts to the sugar syrup, stirring to coat them evenly. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if desired).
4. Spread the sugared peanuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the peanuts for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. The peanuts should be golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from the oven and let the peanuts cool on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden, giving them a crunchy texture.
7. Once cooled, enjoy the sugared peanuts as a snack or use them for topping desserts, salads, or trail mix.

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Notes

For a warm, spiced flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar syrup.For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the syrup.Maple-flavored peanuts can be made by substituting granulated sugar with maple sugar or adding a tablespoon of maple syrup.For a different texture, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 5mg