Who needs peanut brittle when you can make pecan brittle? Make this holiday season special with these Pecan Brittle Wreaths—a perfect blend of crunchy pecans and sweet candy melts that will leave your guests craving more.
Share the joy by gifting this yummy homemade candy, and create lasting memories with this delightful Pecan Brittle recipe for Brittle Wreaths.
This is one of our easy Christmas Recipes you will want to bookmark.
This easy recipe is packed full of flavor, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread. The Pecan Brittle Wreaths combine the salty taste of the pecans with the sweetness of white chocolate, creating a festive treat that will be the star of any upcoming events.
So, move over, Martha Stewart! This recipe is sure to impress, whether you're a seasoned chef or a first time candy maker! This candy will soon become your newest sweet and crunchy obsession!
If your loved ones have sweets-seeking palates, you'll also want to make these chewy ginger molasses cookies, these jarcuterie dessert jars with salt water taffy, or these candy cornucopias made with ice cream cones.
Jump to:
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Festive flavors. The combination of salted pecans and sweet white candy melts creates a perfect balance of flavors that scream holiday cheer.
- Beautiful presentation. The wreath shape adds a decorative touch, making these pecan brittle treats a visually appealing addition to your holiday table.
- Perfect for gifting. Create homemade gift baskets filled with these delightful holiday treats for a thoughtful and delicious present.
- Sensationally sweet. These delicious little wreaths are absolutely bursting with a delightful sweetness that will cure any sweet tooth.
- Simple ingredients. Check your pantry! You may already have most of these ingredients for candy making.
Ingredients for this Pecan Brittle Recipe
- Water
- Light Corn Syrup
- White Sugar
- Salted Pecans
- Butter - I used unsalted butter
- Baking Soda
- Vanilla Extract
- White Candy Melts
- Green CANDY Food Color
- Mini and Regular size Candy Coated Chocolates
Full list in recipe card.
Equipment and kitchen tools
- Sauce Pan
- Rubber/Silicone Spatula
- Candy Thermometer
- Donut Baking Pan
- Knife
- Small Bowl
- Piping Bag
How to make Pecan Brittle Christmas treats
Lightly spray your donut baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and place it to the side. (optional)
If you have whole pecans, you will want to chop them a bit.
In a large saucepan, add a cup water, corn syrup and sugar.
Place your sauce pan on the stove over medium heat.
Stir the the mixture gently with your rubber spatula until the sugar dissolves. Make sure not to splash the sides of the sauce pan.
Once all the sugar has dissolved, add your pecans
Put your candy thermometer in the pan. Make sure the thermometer does not touch the bottom of the pan, so your readings will be accurate.
Gently stir your pecan every so often making sure not to splash the sides of the pan so the sugar mixture doesn’t cook too quickly on the sides.
Keep your eyes on your pecans and the very moment the thermometer hits 300ºF/150ºC, IMMEDIATELY remove the pan from the heat. (do not let it sit for a long time) Please wear gloves or oven mitts.
Quickly add your vanilla, butter, and baking soda.
Still moving quickly, stir the mixture until combined.
Grab your donut baking sheet pan and carefully but swiftly pour some of the brittle into the donut slot.
Quickly spread it around the slot using your spatula.
Your brittle should slide out of the baking pan once its turned upside down. If the brittle doesn’t come out easily use a knife to chip the edges and then wiggly it to lift the brittle out of the baking pan.
Repeat this process for each slot.
Place the donut baking pan on a cool dry surface to allow the brittle to solidify. It takes about 10 minutes for the brittle to cool.
Place the brittle to the side on a sheet of Parchment paper to prepare it for the next step.
Gather your chocolate candy melts and candy color.
In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate candy melts in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir it and then warm it in 15 second intervals stirring each time until its melted and smooth.
To turn your chocolate green, use your green CANDY color.
Add about 3—5 drops into the small bowl of your melted chocolate, and mix it until it is green. If the color is still not deep enough wait a few minutes because the color gets deeper over time.
Place your green chocolate in a piping bag and secure the end.
Cut a small whole at the tip of the piping bag. Use scissors that have only been used on food.
Place the piping bag next to your brittle and get your mix of mini and regular size candy coated chocolates.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep a close eye on the candy thermometer to avoid overcooking the sugar mixture.
- Work swiftly when pouring the brittle into the donut slots to achieve the desired shape.
- Use a dedicated pair of scissors for food when cutting the piping bag.
- When handling the hot mixture, especially when reaching the critical temperature, wear heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts for safety.
- Lightly spraying the donut baking pan with non-stick baking spray is optional but highly recommended. It guarantees easy removal of the brittle wreaths once they're set.
- Placing the brittle on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper after removal from the baking pan makes the transition to the next step seamless and mess-free.
- If you don't have a donut pan, you can use a lined baking sheet, form the wreaths around a balls of foil.
- Feel free to add edible glitter or other decorative accents to your festive treats.
- Make sure to use a rubber/silicone spatula as the mixture will stick to a wooden spoon.
- Burkett pecan is a great choice for this recipe but you can use any you like.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut Variations: Experiment with different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or a mix for a new twist on the classic pecan brittle. Cooking times may vary.
- Chocolate Choices: Get creative with the chocolate coating by using dark or milk chocolate instead of white, and try various candy colors for a festive touch.
- Flavor Infusion: Add a touch of holiday spice by incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the brittle mixture for an extra layer of warmth.
- Dietary Adjustments: Explore substitutions like maple syrup or honey for corn syrup and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
FAQs about Pecan Brittle Wreaths
While a candy thermometer ensures precision, you can use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water, and if it forms brittle threads, it's ready.
The green chocolate sets quickly. Within a few minutes, you'll notice a firm and glossy finish, making it ideal for decorating the brittle wreaths.
Absolutely! Store the pecan brittle wreaths in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They make unique gifts for special occasions. They also make the perfect hostess gift for your guests. Everyone will be so impressed, they will probably put it on their wish list for next year!
Freezing may affect the texture, so it's best to store these treats in a cool, dry place. If gifting, consider making a fresh batch closer to the occasion.
Yes you can make homemade pecan brittle by spreading in a thin layer on a cookie sheet (a rimmed baking sheet works best). After you add candy and the brittle sets, you can break it into small pieces.
Check out these simple recipes for Christmas
📖 Recipe
Pecan Brittle Wreaths
Equipment
- Sauce Pan
- Rubber/Silicone Spatula
- Candy Thermometer
- Donut Baking Pan
- knife
- small bowl
- piping bag
Ingredients
- ¼ Cup Water
- ½ Cup Corn Syrup
- 1 Cup White Sugar
- 1 Cup Salted Pecans
- 2 Tablespoon Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla
- 3 oz White Candy Melts
- Green CANDY Food Color
- Mini and Regular size Candy Coated Chocolates
Instructions
- Lightly spray your donut baking pan with non stick baking spray and place it to the side.
- In a large sauce pan, add water, corn syrup and sugar.
- Place saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
- Stir the the mixture gently with your rubber spatula until the sugar dissolves. Make sure not to splash the sides of the sauce pan.
- Once all the sugar has dissolved, add pecans.
- Put your candy thermometer in the pan. Make sure the thermometer does not touch the bottom of the pan, so your readings will be accurate.
- Gently stir pecan mixture every so often making sure not to splash the sides of the pan so the sugar mixture doesn’t cook too quickly on the sides.
- Keep your eyes on the pecans and the very moment the thermometer hits 300ºF/150ºC, IMMEDIATELY remove the pan from the heat. Please wear gloves or oven mitts.
- Quickly add your vanilla, butter, and baking soda.
- Still moving quickly, stir the mixture until combined.
- Grab your donut baking pan and carefully but swiftly pour some of the brittle into the donut slot.
- Quickly spread it around the slot using a spatula.
- Repeat this process for each slot.
- Place the donut baking pan on a cool dry surface to allow the brittle to solidify. It takes about 10 minutes
- The brittle should slide out of the baking pan once its turned upside down. If the brittle doesn’t come out easily use a knife to chip the edges and then wiggly it to lift the brittle out of the baking pan.
- Place the brittle to the side on a sheet of Parchment paper to prepare it for the next step.
- Gather your chocolate candy melts and candy color.
- In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate candy melts in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir it and then warm it in 15 second intervals stirring each time until its melted and smooth.
- -o turn your chocolate green, use your green CANDY color.
- Add about 3-5 drops into the small bowl of your melted chocolate, and mix it until it is green. If the color is still not deep enough wait a few minutes because the color gets deeper over time.
- Place your green chocolate in a piping bag and secure the end.
- Cut a small whole at the tip of the piping bag. Use scissors that have only been used on food.
- Place the piping bag next to your brittle and get your mix of mini and regular size candy coated chocolates.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the candy thermometer to avoid overcooking the sugar mixture.
- Work swiftly when pouring the brittle into the donut slots to achieve the desired shape.
- Use a dedicated pair of scissors for food when cutting the piping bag.
- When handling the hot mixture, especially when reaching the critical temperature, wear heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts for safety.
- Lightly spraying the donut baking pan with non-stick baking spray is optional but highly recommended. It guarantees easy removal of the brittle wreaths once they're set.
- Placing the brittle on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper after removal from the baking pan makes the transition to the next step seamless and mess-free.
- Feel free to add edible glitter or other decorative accents to your festive treats.
- Make sure to use a rubber/silicone spatula as the mixture will stick to a wooden spoon.
Nutrition
If you are not yet subscribing to my CELEBRATE THE SEASON newsletter, you can subscribe here. I share easy recipes for the season that the entire family is sure to love and also a few things that I don’t share here.
Leave a Reply