Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe

If you ever crave a snack that toes the line between indulgent treat and irresistible party nibble, let me introduce you to Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts. This recipe delivers a perfect crunch paired with the warm notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, transforming simple walnuts into a magical creation you’ll want to sprinkle on every salad, dessert, and breakfast bowl—if you don’t eat them all by the handful first! Whether you’re prepping for a festive occasion or simply treating yourself, these candied walnuts deliver big flavor and a beautiful, golden finish sure to impress.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, familiar ingredients is all it takes to create Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts at home. Each element plays a special role in building flavor, achieving the right texture, and bringing out that gorgeous, caramelized color you crave in a candied nut.

• Walnut halves: The star of the show, walnuts have a rich, buttery flavor and hold up well to the candy coating.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and complexity, creating that irresistible, deep caramel sweetness.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and smooth out the syrup for even coating.
• Unsalted butter: Lends silkiness and helps the coating achieve a delightful shine.
• Ground cinnamon: Offers a gentle spice that perfectly complements the sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness with a tiny hint of savory.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the nuts with a lovely aromatic finish that makes this recipe extra special.

How to Make Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This critical step ensures the Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts won’t stick as they cool and harden, making cleanup and transferring the nuts a total breeze.

Step 2: Make the Candy Syrup

In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly as the mixture comes together, making sure the sugar quickly dissolves. Once it starts bubbling, you’re well on your way to perfect candy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Walnuts

Add your walnut halves to the bubbling syrup. Now’s the time to stir, stir, stir—coating every nook and cranny of the walnuts. Keep a watchful eye, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens, looks glossy, and begins to candy around each nut.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla

Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. This step adds an extra depth of flavor and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Quickly spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Leave them to cool completely. As they set, the candy coating will turn perfectly crisp and glossy, locking in all that sweet, nutty flavor.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts

Garnishes

For a polished look, try sprinkling your Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts with a pinch of flaky sea salt, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even a touch of orange zest. These simple garnishes elevate both appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these candied walnuts as a crunchy topping for leafy green salads, swirled atop creamy oatmeal, or scattered over roasted vegetables. They turn even the simplest side dish into something delightfully gourmet.

Creative Ways to Present

Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts make gorgeous homemade gifts. Pile them into mason jars tied with decorative ribbon, or heap them in a fancy bowl as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party. For dessert, break them over vanilla ice cream or bake them right into your favorite cookie batter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep for up to two weeks, staying crisp and flavorful—if you don’t eat them sooner!

Freezing

If you want to make an extra batch, these walnuts freeze like a dream. Spread them in a single layer in a zip-top bag or container, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for snacking or baking any time.

Reheating

If your candied walnuts lose a bit of their crunch, you can refresh them by spreading them on a baking sheet and toasting in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Let them cool before enjoying—they’ll crisp right back up.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are a classic, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or even cashews. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as smaller nuts may caramelize faster.

How do I prevent the nuts from sticking together?

Be sure to spread the nuts out in a single layer as soon as they’re coated and before the syrup sets. If a few stick, gently break them apart once cooled—they’ll still be delicious!

Can I adjust the spice level?

Of course! Feel free to play with the amount of cinnamon, or try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or five-spice for a unique twist on your Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts.

Is this recipe vegan?

This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to the butter. For a vegan-friendly version, simply substitute a plant-based butter—it works beautifully.

What’s the best way to gift candied walnuts?

Let the walnuts cool completely, then package them in festive bags or glass jars. Add a handwritten tag or a bit of ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade gift that feels thoughtful and tastes spectacular.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the sweet, toasty charm of Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts in your own kitchen. They’re simple, quick, and bursting with flavor—you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make them again and again. Give this recipe a try, and see just how addicting a little sugar and spice can be!

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