Step 1

Line a 6x3.5-inch pan with parchment paper. Note: You can use any pan as long as it is about this size.

Step 2

To a small saucepan, add the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat and stir it from time to time.

Step 3

To another medium saucepan, add the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Using a candy thermometer, measure the heat of the syrup. You want the syrup to reach a temperature of 257 °F (125°C).

Step 4

As soon as the syrup reaches this temperature, turn off the heat and immediately pour in the hot peanut butter. Use a wooden spatula or spoon to quickly stir the peanut butter into the syrup.

Step 5

Once the peanut butter and syrup are fully combined (it should only take a few seconds), pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Be careful; the mixture will harden very fast, so you want to act quickly.

Step 6

Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes before removing it from the pan and cutting it into small bars.