Nothing says the holidays quite like a tin of homemade treats, and peanuts and peanut butter show up on almost every classic cookie tray. They’re affordable, crowd-pleasing and easy to turn into everything from crunchy candy to soft, chewy cookies.
These 5 holiday peanut recipes are simple enough for busy December weeknights, and most are made right in the air fryer, so you can bake small batches fast without heating up the whole kitchen. Make them for cookie exchanges, holiday parties or to package up as homemade gifts.
5 Peanut Recipes to Make This Holiday Season
1. Air Fryer Peanut Butter Brittle
Classic holiday brittle gets a twist with rich, creamy peanut butter mixed into the sweet, crunchy candy. It’s made right in the air fryer and, stored in an airtight container, keeps for up to two weeks, so you can make it early and gift it all season.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Brittle
2. Air Fryer Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
A festive red-and-white spin on the beloved peanut butter blossom. Red velvet cookie dough meets a creamy peanut butter center, and these look stunning on any Christmas cookie tray.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
3. Soft & Chewy Air Fryer 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Just peanut butter, sugar and one egg, and these flourless cookies bake in under 8 minutes. They’re the perfect last-minute cookie when you need something for a party or cookie exchange fast, and they’re naturally gluten-free.
Get the recipe: Soft & Chewy Air Fryer 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
4. Planters Heat Peanuts (Copycat)
Golden roasted peanuts coated in a bold, fiery seasoning blend for that signature kick. Set out a bowl for holiday parties and game days, or pack them in jars as a gift for the spice lover on your list.
Get the recipe: Planters Heat Peanuts (Copycat)
5. Easy Air Fryer Roasted Peanuts in the Shell
Warm, crunchy roasted peanuts in the shell are a nostalgic holiday snack and an old-fashioned stocking stuffer. Roasting raw peanuts at home fills the kitchen with a rich, nutty aroma and takes just minutes in the air fryer.
Get the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Roasted Peanuts in the Shell
More Peanut Recipes to Try
- Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Granola
- Easy Cajun Boiled Peanuts in Crockpot
Holiday Tips for Peanut Treats
- Gift them in jars or tins. Brittle, spicy peanuts and roasted peanuts travel well and make easy homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors and coworkers.
- Build a peanut cookie tray. Pair the red velvet blossoms with the 3-ingredient cookies for a mix of colors and textures.
- Make ahead. Brittle and seasoned peanuts keep well in airtight containers, so you can knock them out early in December.
- Label for allergies. Peanut allergies are common, so label gift tins clearly and keep peanut treats separate on shared dessert tables.
Holiday Peanut Recipe FAQs
What are the best peanut recipes for holiday gifts? Peanut butter brittle and spicy roasted peanuts are the best for gifting because they hold up well in tins and jars.
Can you bake cookies in the air fryer? Yes. Air fryer cookies bake in just a few minutes per batch, which is perfect for small batches or when your oven is full of holiday dinner.
How long does peanut butter brittle last? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, peanut butter brittle lasts up to two weeks.
What’s the easiest holiday peanut recipe? The 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies need just peanut butter, sugar and an egg.
Go Nuts This Holiday Season
Whether you’re filling cookie tins, hosting a holiday party or looking for an easy homemade gift, these 5 peanut recipes have you covered. They’re simple, festive and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Which peanut treat are you making first? Tell us in the comments, and pin this post to your holiday baking board so it’s ready when cookie season hits!
