Candied Walnuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Walnuts

Start by measuring out 2 cups of walnut halves. If you want smaller pieces or a different texture, you can chop them into smaller bits, but traditionally, whole halves are used for their crunch and beauty.

Step 2: Create the Candy Coating

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sugar, water, and salt to the pan. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, and the mixture begins to bubble gently. Continue stirring occasionally, making sure the sugar doesn’t burn. You’re looking to create a smooth, syrupy consistency.

Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is bubbling, add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add the Walnuts

Now, it’s time to add the walnuts. Pour the walnut halves into the pan with the syrup and stir to coat them evenly. Allow the walnuts to cook in the syrup for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the syrup beginning to thicken and the walnuts becoming sticky with the candy coating.

Step 4: Cool and Set

After the walnuts are well-coated, transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the walnuts out in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t clumped together. Allow the walnuts to cool for about 10-15 minutes. As they cool, they will harden into a sweet, crunchy coating.

If you prefer extra crispy walnuts, you can also place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, checking and stirring every few minutes to avoid burning. This step gives them an extra crunch, but it’s optional!

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once the candied walnuts have cooled and the sugary coating has hardened, they’re ready to enjoy. You can snack on them right away, or store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Candied walnuts are incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

• Salads: Add candied walnuts to your salad for a delightful crunch and sweetness. They pair wonderfully with mixed greens, goat cheese, or blue cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Oatmeal: Stir a handful of candied walnuts into your morning oatmeal for a sweet, nutty flavor boost.
• Desserts: Use candied walnuts to top cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream. They also make an excellent addition to pies, especially apple or pumpkin.
• Snacking: Of course, you can always enjoy these candied walnuts as a sweet snack all on their own. Keep a jar of them on hand for when cravings hit!

Tips for Perfect Candied Walnuts

• Watch the Heat: The sugar syrup can burn quickly if the heat is too high, so be sure to keep it on medium heat and stir frequently.
• Customize Your Flavor: If you prefer different flavorings, feel free to experiment with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or use maple syrup instead of water for a richer flavor.
• Storage: Store your candied walnuts in an airtight container or glass jar. If they become too sticky over time, you can refresh them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
• Double the Recipe: These walnuts are so addictive that you’ll probably want to make a double batch! They’re perfect for gifting or keeping on hand for snacking.

Final Thoughts

These Candied Walnuts are the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and nutty flavors. They’re incredibly easy to make, and you can customize them to your taste with spices or extra flavors like orange zest or cocoa powder. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, an elegant salad topping, or a homemade gift, candied walnuts are the ideal choice.

Their versatility and simple ingredients make them an approachable treat, but their rich, decadent flavor makes them feel like a special indulgence. So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying, whip up a batch of these delightful candied walnuts—you’ll be glad you did!