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Candied Walnuts

Candied Walnuts are so easy to make with just a few ingredients. An addictive snack and perfect to top an ice cream sundae. This is a version of my mom’s secret recipe and a favorite to add to holiday gift baskets!

Walnuts are delicious but toasted walnuts are even better. This simple candied walnuts recipe adds a second step that toasts the walnuts with the brown sugar coating and they are the most delicious candied nut that I’ve ever tried!

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Candied Walnuts in a small jar - text overlay

Ingredients for Candied Walnuts

Ingredients for candied walnuts salt, vanilla, brown sugar, butter, walnuts

  • Brown Sugar
  • Butter
  • Water
  • Kosher Salt
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Walnut Halves

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How to Make Candied Walnuts

skillet with water, brown sugar, salt and butter for making candied nuts

  1. Add brown sugar, butter, water and salt to a pan and stir with a wooden spoon until combined.

caramelized brown sugar and butter mixture in a skillet for candied walnuts2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and boil about 1 minute.

3.Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Candied Walnuts in a skillet with a spatula

4. Quickly mix in walnuts until well coated using a silicone spatula.

Candied walnuts on a silpat lined baking sheet

5. Pour onto a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer. A silpat is a silicone baking mat that is perfect for everything from baking cookies to frozen pizzas. 

  • Bake for 20 minutes.

toasted candied walnuts on a silpat lined baking sheet

6. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Candied Walnuts on a sheet pan

7. Break apart and serve immediately.

Overhead view of bowl of candied walnuts with red napkin

How to Store Candied Nuts

Candied nuts will last about a week at room temperature in an airtight container (these are my favorite deli containers for storing everything). Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

Nuts are best served at room temperature.

Recipe Variations for Candied Nuts

  • Pecans can be substituted for walnuts.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the brown sugar mixture.
  • A pinch of red pepper can also go in with the brown sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy candied nut.

Candied walnuts in a small jar and a bowl, red bow to the side

Serve candied nuts as an appetizer  along with our Spicy Chex Mix for holiday gatherings and it’s also a great addition to a desserts table.

Candied walnuts in a lidded jar with a red bow for a holiday gift

I make holiday goodie baskets for family and neighbors every Christmas and these Candied Walnuts are going to be the favorite this year. I found these super cute jars with lids from Amazon and they are perfect for making a homemade treat something special.

Candied Walnuts in a white bowl on a red check napkin, a few walnuts on the wood table

Delicious Walnut Treats

overhead view, candied walnuts in a jar and a bowl, pine cones on the table, red napkin and a few walnuts scattered

Add candied walnuts to your favorite cookies, to top ice cream, or just as a tasty snack but they are also a delicious addition to salads. Once you see how easy and delicious these candied nuts are, you will be making them again and again.

IF YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE AS MUCH AS I DO, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND A FIVE STAR REVIEW, AND BE SURE TO HELP ME SHARE ON PINTEREST!

Candied Walnuts in a small jar for a gift, pine cones and red bow with a white bowl of walnuts
Print Recipe
4.57 from 16 votes

Candied Walnuts

Candied Walnuts are so easy to make with just a few ingredients. An addictive snack and perfect to top an ice cream sundae. This is a version of my mom's secret recipe and a favorite to add to holiday gift baskets!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brown sugar walnuts, candied nuts, homemade gift, walnut candy, walnut recipes
Servings: 5 cups
Calories: 399kcal
Author: Milisa

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 cups walnut halves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper.
  • Add brown sugar, water, butter and salt to a pan and place over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until all combined.
  • Bring to a boil and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat, quickly stir in vanilla and walnuts. Mixing until well combined.
  • Pour onto lined baking sheet and spread into a single layer.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Break apart and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Best served at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 225mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g
4.57 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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