Introduction – What Are Peanut Patties?
Peanut Patties are a traditional Southern candy known for their bright pink color, sweet crunch, and nostalgic flavor. Originating in Texas and Louisiana, these treats are made by cooking peanuts in a rich sugar syrup that’s tinted pink and cooled into thick, round disks.
They’re sweet, nutty, and have a slightly crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. If you’ve never tried one, you’re in for a surprise — they’re like a cross between brittle and fudge, but with their own unique charm.
This easy recipe recreates the old-fashioned version at home using pantry staples.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 cups raw peanuts (shelled)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 drops red or pink food coloring
- Pinch of salt
👨🍳 How to Make Peanut Patties – Step by Step
🔹 Step 1: Prepare Your Surface
Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. You can also lightly butter the surface of a muffin tin for shaping round patties.
🔹 Step 2: Combine Sugar, Milk, and Syrup
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
🔹 Step 3: Add Peanuts and Cook
Add the raw peanuts and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 234°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
🔹 Step 4: Remove and Add Flavor
Take the pan off the heat. Stir in butter, vanilla, food coloring, and salt. Mix until it begins to thicken slightly and lose its gloss.
🔹 Step 5: Form the Patties
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming thick rounds. Let them cool and harden completely at room temperature.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- 🍬 Classic treat: Serve as-is with coffee or tea
- 🎁 Gift idea: Wrap in cellophane for holiday baskets
- 🧁 Topping: Crush and sprinkle on cupcakes or ice cream
- 🧒 Kids’ snack: Sweet and crunchy addition to lunchboxes
💡 Tips & Tricks
- No candy thermometer? Use the soft-ball water test: drop syrup in cold water, and if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
- Too sticky? You may have undercooked it — try a bit longer next time.
- Too hard? It was likely overcooked. Stick close to 234°F for best texture.
- Color tip: Traditional patties are pink, but you can go red for Valentine’s Day or green for Christmas.
❓ FAQ – Peanut Patties
Q: Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Raw is preferred for the traditional taste, but roasted can work — just reduce cooking time slightly.
Q: How long do peanut patties last?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Keep in a cool, dry place.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Not recommended — freezing may cause them to become sticky or change texture.
Q: Are they gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
