Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting this classic, sweet and savory snack from scratch.
I’m very grateful that I don’t have a peanut allergy because these lovely little legumes have always been a favorite of mine. They’re a favored snack for my dad, too. When I was a kid, my mom often got a large tub of honey-roasted peanuts, which was supposed to last us a few weeks. But we plunged into it like it was our job, and we had the sticky fingers to prove it. Unfortunately, my mom eventually stopped buying them because of all the high fructose corn syrup they had. On the one hand, I was happy to be eating healthier. But on the other hand, I still craved those crunchy, nutty morsels.
Thank goodness there’s a homemade version that’s just as scrumptious. No corn syrup needed! All the sweetness we need is in the honey and cane sugar, which cover the roasted peanuts in a crystallized, caramelized coating. Each handful is sweet and savory, with a hint of spice that brings everything together nicely. And this recipe is so easy, even my dad—who lacks kitchen experience—could make it!
This tiny but mighty treat has come in handy for us so many times; it’s a joy to make as many honey-roasted peanuts as we want. Whether it’s part of a Christmas gift basket or a road trip snack, homemade honey-roasted peanuts never disappoint.
What else can I make with the sugar mixture?
As you can see in step five, you might have some leftover sugar mixture after the peanuts have been seasoned. If this is the case, don’t throw it away! This sweet and spicy blend can be used in the same way for Roasted Squash Seeds or as a garnish sprinkled onto Pumpkin Waffles. You never know how well this delicate sugar blend will go in other recipes until you try it, so have fun experimenting!
How do I store leftovers?
Let your honey-roasted peanuts cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in a cool and dry place—like a pantry or cupboard—for up to 1 week. I don’t recommend refrigerating or freezing them because this will ruin their texture.
Serving suggestions
While honey-roasted peanuts are a perfect snack already, there are a few ways to spruce up other recipes by adding them on top. Take Chunky Monkey Banana Ice Cream Bowls, for example, which are a hundred times more fun than a plain sundae. There’s also Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream, which goes splendidly with a topping of honey-roasted peanuts. Otherwise, mix them into Trail Mix Energy Bites, Yogurt Parfait, or Chocolate Overnight Oats for a sweet treat at breakfast time.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 2 cups raw unsalted peanuts
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the honey and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt until the mixture is bubbly.
- Add the raw peanuts to the saucepan and stir until they are evenly coated with the honey-butter mixture.
- Spread the coated peanuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.
- In a small bowl, mix the white sugar, remaining salt, and chili powder. After roasting, transfer the peanuts to a large bowl and toss them gradually with the sugar mixture, adding small amounts at a time. You might not need to use all of the sugar mixture.
- Stir the peanuts as they cool to prevent clumping. Once cool, serve and enjoy your homemade snack.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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