Easy Candy Recipes | Peanut Butter Candy, Peanut Brittle & Chinese Noodle Candy

Easy Candy Recipes

This page shares three easy, old-fashioned candy recipes from the Syr-Area community cookbook: creamy Peanut Butter Candy, crunchy Peanut Brittle, and no-bake style Chinese Noodle Candy made with melted chips, peanuts, and crunchy noodles.

Recipes on this page

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🥜 Peanut Butter Candy

A rich, marshmallow-cream infused fudge that yields a generous batch. Watch it closely as it boils!

⏱️ Cook Time: 12 mins 🍽️ Servings: Makes a lot 🍳 Equipment: Greased 9 x 13-inch Pan

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 (12 oz) jar peanut butter
  • 1 jar marshmallow cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Cooking Instructions

⚠️ Stovetop: Stir Constantly

  1. Boil the butter, sugar, and milk together for 12 minutes, stirring constantly. This will foam up and can burn on the bottom of the pan quickly.
  2. After boiling together for 12 minutes, take off the stove and add the peanut butter, stirring until well dissolved.
  3. Then add the vanilla and the jar of marshmallow cream. Stir well.
  4. Place in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Cool. This burns on the bottom of the pan quickly, so watch it. Makes a lot.

🍯 Peanut Brittle

A classic, crunchy confection made with raw peanuts boiled to a perfect golden brown stage.

⏱️ Cook Time: Varies (To 296°F) 🍽️ Yield: About 1 lb 🍳 Equipment: Candy Thermometer & Cookie Sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 cups peanuts (raw/unroasted)
  • 1 tablespoon margarine
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Cooking Instructions

🌡️ Target Temp: 296°F

  1. Boil together margarine, sugar, syrup, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add peanuts. Boil to 296°F on a candy thermometer or until golden brown.
  3. Remove from stove and stir in baking soda (it will foam).
  4. Pour onto a well-greased cookie sheet. When cool, break into pieces. Makes about 1 lb.

🥢 Chinese Noodle Candy

An effortless drop candy combining sweet chocolate, butterscotch, salty peanuts, and crunchy noodles.

⏱️ Cook Time: ~10 mins 🍽️ Yield: About 2 dozen 🍳 Equipment: Large Saucepan & Cookie Sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 small package semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 small package butterscotch chips
  • 1 large can peanuts
  • 1 large can Chinese noodles

Preparation Instructions

  1. Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring often.
  2. Mix in peanuts and noodles, stirring until well coated.
  3. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet (or wax paper) and let cool until set. Makes about two dozen.

Candy FAQ

Do I need a candy thermometer for peanut brittle?

A thermometer helps (296°F is the hard-crack stage), but you can also cook until the mixture turns deep golden brown.

Why does peanut butter candy burn so easily?

Boiled sugar mixtures can scorch quickly, so stir constantly and use medium-low heat if needed.

How should I store these candies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature and separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Can I swap the peanuts for other nuts?

Yes. Almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts work well in brittle and noodle candy.

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