Transform simple walnuts into an irresistible treat with this Candied Walnuts recipe! Coated in a sweet brown sugar and cinnamon glaze, these crunchy nuts are perfect for snacking, enhancing salads, topping desserts, or gifting during the holidays. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful candied walnuts in no time.

Why You’ll Love These Candied Walnuts :

1. Versatile Delight: These candied walnuts add a sweet crunch to salads, desserts, and charcuterie boards or make a delicious snack on their own.
2. Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
3. Perfect for Gifting: Package them in jars or decorative bags for thoughtful homemade holiday presents.
4. Long Shelf Life: Make them ahead of time and enjoy for weeks!

Candied Walnut Ingredients :

• 1 pound walnut halves (use raw, unsalted walnuts)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark works well)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (adds a warm, spiced flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg white (helps the sugar mixture stick to the nuts)
• 1 tablespoon water

Essential Kitchen Tools :

• Medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula

How to Make Candied Walnuts: 

Step 1: Boil the Walnuts

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the walnut halves and boil for 5 minutes. This removes the tannins from the walnut skins, reducing bitterness.
3. Drain the walnuts and rinse with cold water. Spread them out on a paper towel-lined tray to dry.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Sugar Coating

1. In a small bowl, combine:
   • 1 cup brown sugar
   • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
   • 1 teaspoon salt
2. Stir well and set aside.

Step 4: Coat the Walnuts

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy and airy.
2. Add the boiled and dried walnuts to the bowl. Toss until all the walnuts are evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the Sugar Mixture

1. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the coated walnuts.
2. Toss gently to ensure every walnut is thoroughly covered.

Step 6: Bake the Candied Walnuts

1. Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even caramelization.
2. Bake for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even toasting.
3. During the final 10 minutes of baking, watch closely as the sugar can burn quickly. The walnuts are ready when the sugar is melted, bubbly, and a deep golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Store

1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the walnuts to cool completely.
2. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for 1 month, or in the freezer for 3 months.

Tips for Perfect Candied Walnuts (and Avoiding Sticky Situations) :

1. Boil the Walnuts: Boiling removes bitterness from the walnut skins, ensuring a sweeter flavor.
2. Frothy Egg White Mixture: Whisk the egg white and water until light and airy for even coating.
3. Spread Evenly: Place the walnuts in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent clumping.
4. Stir Often: Stir every 10-15 minutes during baking to avoid sticking and ensure even toasting.
5. Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the walnuts during the final minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Flavor Variations for Candied Walnuts :

• Spicy Candied Walnuts: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Maple Candied Walnuts: Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Orange Zest Candied Walnuts: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy note.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

1. Can I Use a Different Nut?

Yes! This recipe works beautifully with pecans, almonds, or cashews. Adjust baking time as needed for smaller nuts.

2. My Walnuts Are Sticky After Cooling. What Happened?

Sticky walnuts usually result from not drying them enough after boiling or overcrowding on the baking sheet during baking. Ensure the walnuts are completely dry before coating and bake them in a single layer.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Candied walnuts have a long shelf life, making them perfect for prepping ahead for gifts, snacks, or recipes.

Serving and Storage Suggestions :

Serving Ideas:

• Add a crunchy topping to salads, yogurt, or oatmeal.
• Use as a garnish for ice cream or baked desserts.
• Serve as a snack alongside a cheese board.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Refrigerator: Extend shelf life up to 1 month.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.

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Yield: 12

Candied Walnuts

Print

Make perfectly sweet and crunchy Candied Walnuts with this easy recipe! Ideal for snacking, salads, desserts, or holiday gifting.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound walnut halves
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Boil walnuts for 5 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and dry.
2. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
4. Whisk egg white and water until frothy. Add walnuts and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle sugar mixture over walnuts and mix until evenly coated.
6. Spread walnuts on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
7. Cool completely before storing.

Notes

Nutrition (Per Serving):Calories: 200 | Carbs: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g

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