Name: Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups walnut halves; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re hunting for the perfect sweet and crunchy treat that’s just as delightful on salads as it is by the handful, these Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts will win your heart (and your taste buds!). This recipe takes a handful of ingredients and transforms simple walnuts into an irresistibly glossy snack with a crackly brown sugar coating, kissed with a hint of cinnamon. The magic happens in a matter of minutes, filling your kitchen with toasty, caramel aroma you’ll want on repeat. Whether you’re new to candied nuts or already hooked, this easy stovetop method guarantees delicious results every time.

Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts is deliciously short and unbeatable in its simplicity. Each component plays a starring role, lending flavor, balance, and that classic snappy texture. Here’s what turns ordinary walnuts into something unforgettable:

Walnut halves: Choose fresh, good-quality walnut halves for the ideal crunch and a rich, buttery base.
Brown sugar: Lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness that’s just right for candying and forms the signature glaze.
Water: Helps the sugar dissolve and creates a smooth coating before it crystallizes into that perfect candy shell.
Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a cozy aroma to every bite; don’t be tempted to skip it!
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and intensify the other flavors.
Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant finish and rounds out the nutty, sweet notes beautifully.

How to Make Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This step is a total game changer when it comes to easy clean up and prevents the candied walnuts from sticking in the final step. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 2: Create the Syrup

Set a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Combine the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently as the sugar dissolves. Give it just a couple minutes, and you’ll see the mixture start to bubble and become syrupy—this is when the magic begins!

Step 3: Coat the Walnuts

Add your walnut halves to the bubbling sugar mixture. Stir continuously for four to five minutes, making sure every piece is kissed by that glossy, cinnamon-scented syrup. As the glaze thickens and tightens around the nuts, you’ll notice everything getting irresistibly sticky and fragrant.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla

Pull the skillet off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will sizzle in the heat and add a glorious aroma. Don’t linger too long here—the residual heat is all you need to lock in the flavor.

Step 5: Cool and Crisp

Quickly turn the candied walnuts out onto your prepared baking sheet and spread them in a single layer. Use a fork to gently break up any clusters—the sooner you do this, the easier it is before the glaze sets. Let them cool completely so the shell hardens and the nuts can reach their crunchy peak.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, try scattering these Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts over a leafy green salad, fresh fruit platter, or alongside soft cheeses. A quick sprinkle of flaked sea salt or a dusting of extra cinnamon right before serving adds a hint of sophistication and a little extra pop.

Side Dishes

These sweet, crunchy nuts are the dream companion to so many dishes. Toss them onto a goat cheese and roasted beet salad, lay them atop a creamy pumpkin soup, or use them to elevate your next cheese board. They also add a little sparkle to hearty grain bowls and even breakfast oatmeal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative with gift-giving by scooping cooled Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts into pretty jars tied with ribbon—homemade gourmet at its finest! For gatherings, fill mini cupcake papers with portions for easy, elegant party nibbles, or set up a DIY sundae bar with candied walnuts as a star topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the walnuts are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll retain their snap and shine for up to two weeks, making them great for advance prep or snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts on hand for longer, freezing is a wonderful option. Simply pack them in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temp—no flavor lost!

Reheating

While these nuts are best enjoyed at room temperature, if they’ve softened a bit, just spread them on a baking sheet and warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. They’ll crisp right up without losing that glazed coating.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans and almonds work beautifully with this method and provide their own unique flavor and texture. Just make sure to use the same measurements and keep an eye on the cooking time as nuts can toast at different rates.

Why did my candied walnuts turn out sticky?

Stickiness usually means the sugar mixture didn’t cook quite long enough or needs to cool completely to harden. Give them a little more time on the stove next time, and always allow to cool in a single layer for the crunchiest result.

Are Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your vanilla extract is certified gluten-free. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family who have dietary restrictions.

How do I prevent walnuts from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to ensure even coating and avoid hot spots. Once the nuts are golden and the syrup thickens, remove promptly from heat—they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Definitely! The recipe scales easily, just be sure your skillet is large enough for the nuts to cook in a single layer when doubling. For a smaller batch, halve all the ingredients—no other adjustments needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy treat with maximum reward, Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are the way to go. This recipe is all about bringing simple ingredients together to create something truly special. Give these a try—once you do, you’ll want a jar of these on your kitchen counter at all times!

Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

These Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and nutty flavors. Easy to make and versatile, they are great for snacking, topping salads, or even as a homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Walnuts:

2 cups walnut halves

Candy Glaze:

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Candy Glaze: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble, about 2 minutes.
Add Walnuts: Add the walnuts and cook, stirring constantly, for 4–5 minutes until the nuts are well coated and the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Cool and Store: Quickly spread the candied walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Separate any clumps with a fork and let them cool completely. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.