Name: Candied Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 pound shelled walnuts (4 cups); 1 large egg white; 1 tablespoon water; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 11 reviews

Let me tell you about a little gem I keep coming back to in my kitchen: the Candied Walnuts Recipe. It’s one of those snacks that sneak into your day, whether tossed into a salad, sprinkled over oatmeal, or just nibbled on straight from the jar. Seriously, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my pantry. It’s sweet, crunchy, and carries just the right hint of warm spices. Stick with me—I’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help you nail this on your first try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spice: The combo of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a cozy flavor that feels like a hug in every bite.
Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: You don’t need fancy stuff—just nuts, some sugar, and a few pantry staples to make amazing candied walnuts.
Versatile Snack and Topping: These walnuts elevate everything from salads to desserts or even breakfast bowls.
Long-Lasting Freshness: Store them easily at room temp or freeze for months—snack prep done.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Candied Walnuts Recipe is carefully chosen not just for flavor, but for how it interacts to create that perfect glossy, crunchy coating. Plus, I’ve learned a thing or two about picking the right walnuts and balancing textures after several batches!

Shelled Walnuts: The star of the show—go for fresh, plump walnuts to keep things crunchy and flavorful, not stale or bitter.
Granulated Sugar: Helps create that shiny, crispy candy shell on the nuts.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that granulated sugar alone can’t provide.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and comforting spice that pairs beautifully with walnuts.
Kosher Salt or Sea Salt: Just the right amount to balance the sweetness and enhance the nutty flavor.
Ground Nutmeg: A little pinch goes a long way in adding complexity to the spice mix.
Large Egg White: Acts like glue—it helps the sugar stick evenly and crisp up around the walnuts.
Water: Lightens the egg white mixture for better coating and ensures even coverage.
Vanilla Extract: Adds fragrant depth that ties the whole flavor profile together.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Candied Walnuts Recipe feels like a jumping-off point for creativity. Once you’ve nailed the basic method (which is easier than you think), you can tweak the spices or nut choices to fit your mood or the season.

Variation: I once swapped the cinnamon and nutmeg for a pinch of smoked paprika and chili powder for a spicy twist that blew my snack game up—it’s fantastic if you like sweet and heat together.
Alternate Nuts: Pecans or almonds also work well with this recipe; just watch the baking time since different nuts toast differently.
Dietary Switch: Simply omit the vanilla if you want to avoid alcohol-based extracts, or use a vegan egg white substitute like aquafaba to keep it plant-based.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Candied Walnuts Recipe

Candied Walnuts Recipe - Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace

First things first, get your oven heating to 300°F (149°C). I always line my baking sheet with parchment paper—not only does it help with easy cleanup, but it also prevents the walnuts from sticking as the sugar melts and solidifies.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Spices

In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. This dry mix is where the candied magic comes from. Trust me, taking the time here means everything is evenly flavored later.

Step 3: Whip the Egg White Binder

In a large bowl, whisk the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy peaks form. This airy mixture is what helps coat each walnut evenly and keep the candy shell smooth. If you notice your egg whites deflating before you toss in the nuts, just give them a quick whisk again to revive the foam.

Step 4: Coat and Coat Again!

Toss the walnuts into the frothy egg white mixture until every piece is well coated. Then transfer them into the sugar-spice bowl and gently mix using a spatula. This double coating technique is key to that gorgeous, crunchy candy shell you’re after.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Lay the coated walnuts evenly over your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes so they crisp evenly and don’t clump together. The smell at this stage alone will likely have you hovering near the oven!

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, spread the walnuts out on the sheet pan to cool fully. This cooling step is crucial—it’s when the sugar hardens into that perfect crisp shell. Don’t rush this; otherwise, the coating might feel sticky or soft.

Pro Tips for Making Candied Walnuts Recipe

Keep the Egg Whites Frothy: I’ve found whisking egg whites to medium peaks gives you the best coating—too soft and it won’t hold, too stiff and it can get clumpy.
Don’t Skip Stirring While Baking: This little habit ensures your walnuts bake evenly and prevents chunks from sticking together or burning on one side.
Use Parchment Paper for Easy Handling: It really makes cleaning up a breeze, and once cooled, it’s simple to slide the walnuts off without breaking the coating.
Cool Fully Before Storing: Trust me, I learned the hard way—if you pack them while warm, the sugar gets sticky and spoils the crunch.

How to Serve Candied Walnuts Recipe

Candied Walnuts Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually toss a handful of these candied walnuts on top of my green salads—spinach with goat cheese and cranberries is a personal favorite. They add just the right crunch and sweetness without overpowering other flavors. Oh, and a sprinkle on creamy desserts like cheesecake or ice cream? Heaven.

Side Dishes

Try pairing candied walnuts with roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash. The contrast between the caramelized nuts and savory veggies is incredible. Also, I love a simple cheese board with these walnuts alongside sharp cheddar and honey—it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving candied walnuts scattered in small glass bowls with a mini wooden scoop, letting guests sprinkle them over cocktails or desserts themselves. You can also wrap small portions in parchment and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep mine in an airtight container at room temperature, and honestly, they last about three weeks if I don’t raid the jar every few days! Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to keep them crisp.

Freezing

Yes, they freeze beautifully! Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw at room temperature before serving. This is a lifesaver for holiday prep when I want to get ahead of the game.

Reheating

If the nuts lose a bit of their crunch after storage, a quick 5-minute toast in a 300°F oven crisps them right back up without burning or melting the coating.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts in this Candied Walnuts Recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even cashews are great alternatives. Just keep an eye on baking time since each nut type will toast differently—some might need slightly less time to avoid burning.
How do I prevent the candied coating from sticking together?

Stirring the nuts every 15 minutes during baking helps them cook evenly and prevents clumping. Also, make sure to cool the nuts completely spread out on the baking sheet before storing.
Is it safe to use egg whites in this recipe?

Yes, as long as you use fresh, pasteurized egg whites or egg whites from a carton designed for cooking. If concerned, you can substitute with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for a vegan-friendly option.
Can I make this recipe without an oven?

I recommend the oven because it evenly dries out the coating for crispiness. However, you could try a stovetop method on low heat with constant stirring to avoid burning, but results may vary.
How long do candied walnuts keep?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they last up to 3 weeks. Frozen, they keep their quality for up to 6 months.

Final Thoughts

This Candied Walnuts Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to add that sweet, crunchy sparkle to so many meals and snacks. It’s straightforward to make, full of cozy, welcoming flavors, and incredibly versatile—whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just want a little treat for yourself. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become your go-to snack too. Here’s to many crunchy, flavorful moments ahead!