How to make creamy peanut butter at home with just a few ingredients

Making peanut butter at home is easier than many people think.
With a few simple ingredients and a blender or food processor, you can turn roasted peanuts into smooth, creamy peanut butter in a short time.
Homemade peanut butter also gives you control over what goes into your spread. You can keep it simple with peanuts and a little salt or add a small amount of honey for sweetness.
Ingredients you need
For this simple recipe, you will need:
- 2 cups roasted peanuts
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
- 1 teaspoon peanut or vegetable oil, optional
If your peanuts are not already roasted, roast them in an oven until they are lightly golden and have a strong peanut smell. Allow them to cool slightly before blending.
Steps to make peanut butter
Start by placing the roasted peanuts in a food processor or powerful blender. Blend them for a few minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape the sides of the container. At first, the peanuts will break into small pieces. After more blending, they will turn into a thick paste. Keep blending as the natural oils from the peanuts are released.

Continue processing until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This may take several minutes, depending on the strength of your blender or food processor. If the peanut butter looks too thick, add a small amount of oil and blend again. Add the oil slowly because you do not want the mixture to become too runny.
Add a pinch of salt and blend briefly. If you prefer a slightly sweet peanut butter, add a teaspoon of honey and process until everything is well combined.
How to get a creamy texture
The key to smooth peanut butter is giving the peanuts enough time to release their natural oils. Do not add a lot of oil at the beginning. Blend the peanuts first and only add oil if the mixture needs extra help becoming smooth.
You can also use warm roasted peanuts because they tend to release their oils more easily. However, allow them to cool enough to handle safely before putting them into your blender or food processor.

For chunky peanut butter, set aside a small handful of roasted peanuts. Crush them into small pieces and stir them into the finished peanut butter.
How to store homemade peanut butter
Transfer the finished peanut butter into a clean, airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and use a clean spoon each time you serve it.
Homemade peanut butter can be enjoyed on bread, toast, crackers or alongside fruits. You can also use it in smoothies, sauces or other recipes. Making your own peanut butter is a simple way to enjoy a fresh spread while deciding exactly what ingredients go into it.