Published: July 6, 2020 • Modified: August 27, 2024 by Cathy Trochelman • 5 Comments

Candied Walnuts

Clock icon 40 minutes

Candied Walnuts are a deliciously sweet, crunchy combo that’s also incredibly addictive. They’re one of our favorite snacks and make a delicious addition to salads, cheese boards, or desserts!

Candied Walnuts on a baking pan with parchment paper

There’s nothing quite like the smell of oven roasted nuts… and when they’re roasted in a delicious mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla… it’s nothing short of heavenly.

They’re perfect for snacking on (just beware – they really are addictive!) but my all time favorite way to use them is in salads.

There’s something about the savory, sweet, crunchy combo that takes any salad to the next level. And even though they’re incredibly easy to make, they always feel like an extra special treat!

If you’ve had candied walnuts before, this recipe is exactly what you’re looking for. And if you’ve never tried them… this recipe is about to change your life! Enjoy!!

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Overhead shot of Candied Walnuts in a blue bowl

🥚 Ingredients

  • 16 ounces walnuts (halves & pieces)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Overhead shot of ingredients in small glass bowls

📋 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300° F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together egg whites, water, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour walnuts into egg mixture and toss to coat.
  5. Pour coated walnuts into sugar mixture and mix well.
  6. Spread walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake at 300° for 20 minutes. Stir; then bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven; set pan aside to cool.
  9. Once cooled, break walnuts apart and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Overhead shot of ingredients in process

🌶 Recipe variations

  • Use a combination of white and brown sugar
  • Add additional spices such as ground nutmeg or ginger
  • Substitute almond extract for the vanilla
  • Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy sweet combo
  • Use a variety of nuts instead of just walnuts
  • Add more salt for a salty sweet combo

Overhead shot of Candied Walnuts on a baking pan

🥗 How to use them

Close up of Candied Walnuts in a bowl

🥜 Related recipes

Candied Walnuts

Candied Walnuts are a deliciously sweet, crunchy combo that's also incredibly addictive! They're one of our favorite snacks and make a delicious addition to salads, cheese boards, or desserts!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 158kcal
Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces walnuts halves & pieces
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300° F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together egg whites, water, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour walnuts into egg mixture and toss to coat.
  5. Pour coated walnuts into sugar mixture and mix well.
  6. Spread walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake at 300° for 20 minutes. Stir; then bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven; set pan aside to cool.
  9. Once cooled, break walnuts apart and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 93mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g
Collage image of Candied Walnuts

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5 Comments

  1. I never knew how easy these were to make! We’ve been doing charcuterie boards on the weekends and this will be the perfect addition.

  2. I know for a fact these would be dangerously addicting! Nothing beats a sweet and crunchy combo like this!

  3. What an easy recipe and great for an afternoon snack! So delicious; even my picky eaters enjoyed these!